Avoid At All Costs: Either Disturbed or Fraudulent. I hired Howell about 4 months ago to represent…read moreme in a discrimination case against my employer. After I hired him, my employer went after my professional license in retaliation for complaints I made to them and about them. Howell offered to take on the licensure issue as part of the contingency case, but only after he charged me about $5,000 for howell to put his name on letters I wrote. When I asked him when he was going to start you know, filing anything on either case, he bizarrely got very panicky, and called me out of the blue in the grips of an existential crisis that one would think a lawyer with as much experience as he claims to have would have resolved by now: "how can I be sure I will be paid anything for a contingency case?!!" He aggressively lamented. And suddenly Howell began demanding a lump sum of $50,000. If I didn't give it to him right away, he said "I won't lift another finger on your licensure issue." I couldn't calm him down, and he started to insult me because he said I had not written anything that he could copy and paste into the filings I was asking him to do which he said "makes me question your value as a client." (????) I tried to figure out alternative reasonable ways I could pay him for the case he'd offered to take on contingency. He got angrier and angrier every time I tried to help solve the problem. I proposed three solutions, he insulted me and all three solutions, and then sent me a message text at like 10 pm on a Friday quitting both cases he was supposed to be handling for me, and saying it was all my fault (you know, like professional adults do). Now, I have no idea what is happening in this man's life-- I don't know if he has a substance abuse problem that causes him to behave erratically or if I was just his first call after a loan shark broke his knees-- but whatever it is, I think he just took out on me, and I don't appreciate it. I'm not even sure he's a real lawyer, because in 4 months all he did was send 2 letters that I wrote and that he put his name on-- then he freaked when asked to do more (maybe because he didn't want to be caught impersonating a lawyer? I don't know). I'm reporting him to the bar to try to get back the money he grifted from me. If I were you, I would look elsehwere. This guy is either a fraudster or someone with serious problems that will only cause you more trouble. Even after he sent letters with his name on them to the other side, the other sides lawyer said outright they'd never heard of Howell and did not believe he existed or that I had a lawyer. They actually accused me in so many words of making Howell up. Chalk that up to normal trash talking if you like, but Howell did not trouble himself to ever refute that assertion, and suddenly threw a fit and quit a short time later, sounding as he did like a man whose lawyer con went a lot more over his own head than he had bargained for. I'm definitely reporting him for suspected fraud and possible impersonation of a lawyer because this is all very bizarre and gross and just seems really, really off. If he is a real lawyer, why is he frantically calling clients out of the blue and talking fast as a meth head as he aggressively demands ransoms just prior to quitting dramatically via text in the middle of the night? Someone should probably go and see if this person is still alive, because he seems very desperate to me. The mailing address he claims to be his on his website, that's not real for sure. The other side sent something to him that was returned to sender (embarrassing when the other side thinks you made up a fake address for your fake lawyer) Response to Howell: So, Mr. computer literate: Yelp automatically removes one's last name from reviews. (Duh) Howell hired end of May 2025 to work on my discrimination case. Took on the PED case in July 2025: this is an example of the kind of gas lighting he does if you don't constantly inflate his ego with praise. I do have a job: I have been working 2 jobs to be able to pay Howell. I have paid first bill, 2nd not due yet. But I don't have the job I need the license for, and this is not the first time Howell has said he does not consider the jobs I do have to be "real jobs." I did not communicate w/coworkers, etc. Howell wanted to keep copying and pasting content from my write ups to send letters no one was reading (for several K) to PED, but refused to make an appointment with the PED. Told me I was welcome to try if I wanted. I did try. When the other sides lawyer heard I was calling trying to get an appointment, he got me on the phone and degraded me for 2 hours. That event is why howell offered to do the case on contingency. Howell just broke attorney client privilege by posting privileged communication here without my permission (hot air to keep him happy). Reported to Bar. (Photos taken) I got 15 notifications Howell edited this response in the dead of night last night.

Trent Howell is a solid, first class attorney. Our corporation recently battled another…read morecorporation in a major intellectual property dispute. Mr. Howell demonstrated to the court that the property in question was illegally obtained from one of our former employees. The result was a major settlement in our corporation's favor. Trust Trent to get your case won, too.

The absolute real deal among criminal defense attorneys! Mr. Pennington is the 'Sherlock Holmes'…read moreof Santa Fe legal practitioners. He is exceptionally knowledgeable regarding the ins and out of the New Mexico criminal law Statutes and the subtle distinctions needed for a successful defense. A brilliant analyst of legal issues and a stategist who is able to laser-focus on key evidentiary checkpoints. His genuine caring humility reassures the client that once under his guidance, the anxious burden for the client is lifted and replaced by a serene trust in his expertise. Above all, in this hurried world, Mr. Pennington is a concerned listener with unmatched communication skills. --Jack in Santa Fe, NM​

Legal representation resulted in a positive outcome. Very good advice and communication. Avoided a…read moreday in court which was worth the price. Thank you.

Scott Hatcher defended me in a litigation suit over a period of two years. He was always congenial,…read morehonest, and caring. He told me he had a lot of experience in the courtroom. What came as a wonderful surprise was how he had downplayed that piece of information. I had a 4 day trial with 12 person jury. From start to finish Mr Hatcher was not only brilliant, but had total mastery in the courtroom and perfection in his delivery. He was calm, clear, polite and engaging, with a deep resonant voice that carried command and presence. He was very respectful and courteous to the judge, who clearly appreciated his experience and manner. We Won!! I would recommend him wholeheartedly.

Thank you Christie Coleman and Coleman Law Offices! Christie went above and beyond after I…read moreexperienced what I felt was negligent medical malpractice. I had no clue what the statutes and laws are in my county and Christie was able to not only explain things plainly, but spoke to various others on my behalf and laid out my options in a clear and concise manner. I am grateful for her help!

Never responded to my email!!! If I could give zero stars I would. This is typical New Mexico; have…read morea business and never respond to potential clients.

Margaret Graham worked with my brothers and I in overdue decisions about a family trust. She…read morestudied our situation and consulted in a conference which gave us clear answers and directions to pursue beyond that trust. I liked working with her and their office was very responsive in setting up a consultation, dealing with submitted documentation and our various schedules. We live in three states and different time zones and were traveling at the consultation time in two more different states and time zones. They herded us like cats.

Probably the most mis-managed law firm in all of New Mexico. Run, don't walk! You'll spend too…read moremuch time waiting for calls to be answered or mistakes to be corrected. But you will pay , no matter.

Bill advised me through my bankruptcy with respect, dignity and professionalism. In these trying…read moretimes if you need a financial reprieve then call William Ivry. Don P.

Very knowledgeable; extremely thorough; and quick. Always has time for his clients. Has practiced…read morein Santa Fe for many years.

I'm very satisfied with Mr. Trujillo. In my careless driving case, he helped me understand my case,…read morestrategies and possible outcomes. Mr. Trujillo filed notice of appearance and discovery and eventually the case was dismissed. I strongly recommend Mr. Trujillo if you find yourself in similar situations.

I worked with Eloy and was pleasure to work with! Helped me out of a sitiuation and was an…read moreexcellent attorney!!

Being new to Santa Fe can be a challenge sometimes. I am sure many small business owners will agree…read morewith that. These guys were recommended to me from my local law firm in El Paso and boy they didn't disappoint. They sorted out my problem within days and also helped me to get a big juicy settlement on a more complicated matter down in Las Cruces. Highly recommended.