Donald A. "Don" DeCandia, Business Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico
focused on Business, Insurance, and Litigation
Santa Fe, NM
Trusted business attorney serving Santa Fe.
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Donald A. "Don" DeCandia?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Donald A. "Don" DeCandia is an attorney based in Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Hartline Barger LLP.
- Based in
- Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Business, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Santa Fe) (2025).
About Donald A. "Don" DeCandia: Donald A. "Don" DeCandia is an attorney based in Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Hartline Barger LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Donald A. "Don" DeCandia
Donald concentrates on business, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Business cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Donald takes business matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Donald takes insurance matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Donald takes litigation matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Donald takes personal injury matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Donald A. "Don" DeCandia — Attorney of New Mexico business experience
Donald A. "Don" DeCandia is an attorney based in Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO. The practice focuses on Business, Insurance, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Hartline Barger LLP.
Don DeCandia brings over 25 years of experience to his primary practice areas of products liability, tort and personal injury, and ERISA litigation. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. He maintains close communications with client contacts to ensure that informed judgment guides key decisions. Don has achieved the highest rating possible from Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Southwest Super Lawyers®.
Don’s extensive experience in ERISA litigation includes representation of life, health and disability insurers, HMOs, self-funded plans, plan sponsors, plan administrators, pension plans, and third-party administrators.
Don has handled dozens of products liability cases in the vehicle context, including the defense of several tire manufacturers in tire failure litigation. He has also represented building product and power tool manufacturers, and his practice includes insurance cases and premises liability matters. Many of his cases involve claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury.
Don takes an active role in the management of the law firm. He presently serves as Department Head for Litigation, Co-General Counsel for the firm, and a member of the Client Relations Committee. Previously, he was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee (2011-2014), the Chair of the Tort, Products Liability, and Railroad Practice Group, and a member of the Associate, Intake, and Technology Committees.
How Donald handles business matters
Don DeCandia brings over 25 years of experience to his primary practice areas of products liability, tort and personal injury, and ERISA litigation. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. He maintains close communications with…
The kind of cases Donald takes
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, insurance, and litigation matters in Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Credentials
Donald A. "Don" DeCandia's legal education and bar admissions
The University of Texas
J.D. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
United States, Unite
ACTIVE
United States, U.S.
ACTIVE
United States, U.S.
ACTIVE
New Mexico, State Ba
ACTIVE
Donald studied at J.D. in The University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed J.D. in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in New Mexico is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Donald A. "Don" DeCandia
Donald has received 18 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Santa Fe)
2025
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Health Care
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Southwest Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — (derived from a lawyer survey), 2011-present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — in Commercial Litigation, 2018
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Santa Fe) (2025). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026).
Locations
Donald A. "Don" DeCandia's office in Santa Fe
Donald's primary office is at 141 East Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Donald A. "Don" DeCandia
Donald has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Donald A. "Don" DeCandia can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Donald A. "Don" DeCandia — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald
Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donald A. "Don" DeCandia
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New Mexico typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Santa Fe?
Donald is licensed in New Mexico. Matters governed by New Mexico law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new business clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces in New Mexico
Donald handles business matters throughout New Mexico. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in New Mexico
If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Santa Fe handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.