LINDA L. ELLISON – Partner

Linda L. Ellison is a Partner with more than 33 years of legal experience, focusing her practice on family law matters throughout New Mexico. While her background includes bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and personal injury, Linda has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate divorce, custody, and other complex family law issues.

Linda is trained in general mediation, family mediation, and collaborative law, allowing her to pursue thoughtful resolutions while remaining a strong and effective advocate in contested matters. She understands that family law issues often arise during periods of emotional stress, financial uncertainty, and major life transition. Clients rely on her for clear legal guidance, practical advice, and realistic strategies tailored to their long-term goals.

Known for her compassionate approach and zealous advocacy, Linda works closely with clients to explain their options, evaluate potential outcomes, and develop workable solutions. She guides clients through every stage of the legal process with clarity, professionalism, and care.

Practice Areas

  • Divorce & Legal Separation
  • Parentage
  • Child Custody & Timesharing
  • Child Support
  • Spousal Support
  • Post-Decree Enforcement & Modification
  • Kinship Guardianship
  • Grandparent Visitation
  • Family Law Appeals

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of New Mexico (1992)
  • United States District Court, District of New Mexico (1995)
  • United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit (1995)

Education

University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM
Juris Doctor, 1990

Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN
Bachelor of Arts, 1986
Majors: Psychology and English Literature; Minor: Sociology

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of New Mexico, Family Law Section (Member since 1992; Director since 2022)
  • New Mexico Women’s Bar Association (Member since 2017; Director since 2022)
  • Albuquerque Bar Association (Member since 1992)
  • Volunteer Lawyers Program (Current Member)
  • New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association (Member, 2017–2019)
  • Federal Bar Association (Past Member)
  • New Mexico Collaborative Law Group (Past Member)
  • Albuquerque Collaborative Practice Group (Past Member)
  • International Association of Collaborative Professionals (Past Member)

Honors & Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2026 Edition) – Family Law
  • Felipe Quintana Memorial Award of Excellence (2025)
    Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid

MARI MARTINEZ – Partner

Mari Martinez is a Partner with extensive experience in criminal prosecution and family law, bringing a unique and powerful perspective to cases involving children and families. Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Martinez served as a Deputy District Attorney, prosecuting numerous high-profile criminal matters, including serious violent felonies, homicide, and drug trafficking cases.

During the latter part of her prosecutorial career, Ms. Martinez specialized in juvenile matters, gaining firsthand insight into family dynamics and the profound impact legal outcomes can have on a child’s well-being. Her work with victims of crime and children involved in the Juvenile Justice System ultimately inspired her transition into family law, where she now advocates for clients navigating some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Ms. Martinez is known for her passionate, empathetic approach combined with courtroom-tested advocacy. She provides clients with clear guidance, thoughtful strategy, and steadfast representation during periods of transition, uncertainty, and change.

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of New Mexico

Education

University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, 2008

University of New Mexico School of Law
Juris Doctor, 2014

Professional Experience

  • Deputy District Attorney, New Mexico
    • Prosecuted serious violent felonies, homicide, and drug trafficking cases
    • Specialized in juvenile justice matters
    • Promoted to Deputy District Attorney in 2021
  • Senior Trial Attorney, Felony Crime Division
  • Assistant District Attorney, Metropolitan Division

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Boys & Girls Club of Central New Mexico, Board of Directors (2021–2023)
  • Volunteer Scoring Judge, Gene Franchini Mock Trial Competition (2018)
  • School Threat Working Group & Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (2018–2024)
  • Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System Committee (2018–2024)
  • New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association (Member since 2014)