$ 425-450 per hour
PRO
Donald F. Harris
also known as Don Harris
Virtual Consultation Available
About Donald
Biography
Donald F. Harris, known as Don Harris, is the Senior Attorney at New Mexico Financial & Estate Planning Attorneys, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in estate planning and probate. Don has practiced law since 1990 and has received significant recognition for his reputation in the legal community and his service to clients.
Don is an AV-rated lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating possible, and is among the small percentage of lawyers selected by Southwest Super Lawyers. His career is marked by numerous accolades, including the Client Platinum Champion Award from Martindale Hubbell. Don is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Family Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar and the Former President of the Bankruptcy Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar. He has been appointed several times to serve on judicial selection panels. Additionally, the American Board of Certification announced that Don has successfully completed the requirements for national certification in Creditors’ Rights Law, highlighting his expertise in the bankruptcy field.
As a four-term City Councilor for District 9 in Albuquerque, Don provided funding for significant projects in District 9, including parks, community centers, and public safety facilities. He sponsored legislation setting aside 2% of the bond program for open space and the Balloon Landing Task Force.
Born in Delmont, PA, Don is a devoted Steelers and Pirates fan. His family moved to Connecticut during his high school years, and he later attended the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. There, he served as the Operations Director of the college radio station and hosted a morning jazz program.
Outside of his legal career, he is a passionate musician, playing the saxophone at jam sessions and singing in a barbershop-style quartet with his son. He also enjoys hiking, traveling, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
With a career that spans over three decades, Don remains committed to providing exceptional legal services to his clients. His dedication to his profession, combined with his passion for music and a healthy lifestyle, underscores his belief in a balanced and fulfilling life. Don’s clients appreciate not only his legal acumen but also his genuine care and commitment to their well-being. At New Mexico Financial & Estate Planning Attorneys, Don continues to be a pillar of strength, expertise, and compassion for all those he serves.
After 25 years, my reputation is about caring for my clients and providing realistic expectations.
Only Board Certified Specialist in Consumer and Business Bankruptcy law in New Mexico.
Let my years of experience and understanding of the family law process work for you.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
25%
36 years | 2,000 cases
Divorce and Separation
20%
36 years | 600 cases
Family
20%
36 years | 400 cases
Probate
15%
17 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2019 2016 2015
Licenses
Licensed in New Mexico for 33 years
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 31 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Licensed in Connecticut for 35 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
New Mexico Financial & Estate Planning Attorneys
(505) 503-1637
Fax
320 Gold Ave, SW, # 1401, Albuquerque, NM, 87102
nmfinanciallaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Donald online.
Donald F. Harris's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
31 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (31)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by Cliff | June 14, 2024 | Divorce & Separation
Compassion and Fairness For All
Elected to do an in-person consultation with Don Harris on an issue I was having with enforcement of child custody - mother was gatekeeping and I needed confirmation I was on the correct path to resolve it - I also wanted to feel out his perspectives for a potential hire. Don came completely prepare...
Posted by Jeff | November 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
A True Professional
Don Harris represented me in a divorce and property settlement case that spanned a two year period. During that stressful time, Don impressed me not only with his knowledge of the law and his communication skills, but also with his empathy for his clients.Quite frankly, Don changed my opinion about ...
Posted by John | October 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Legal Separation
Don Harris was recommended to me, regarding my marital issues, by another lawyer who had handled some real estate issues for me. It was an excellent recommendation. My government pension situation was complicated but Don was well versed in the law regarding the issues, and what he wasn't sure about ...
Posted by Tom | August 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Helped make a difficult process more tolerable
Don walked me through the process of a collaborative divorce, expertly advocated for me during the negotiations, kept me informed of the state of the proceedings along the way, including taking the time to explain the nuances and possible outcomes, and helped steer us to a reasonable settlement in a ...
Posted by Johnny | October 09, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Best Lawyer
Don is a great lawyer. Don represented me twice in court for my divorce, both times I was extremely happy with the results. He was very well prepared, both hearings he made sure we meet several times before even working over his normal hours. Don went above and beyond for me. Don did such a good job...
Donald F. Harris's Lawyer Endorsements
"Don fights hard for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Don is an expert in family law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Don as the opposing counsel on several cases. Don is an assertive advocate for his clients, but he also knows how to find common ground and, if possible, settle cases without going to Court. He is very professional and knowledgeable regarding family law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Responsible and respected member of the legal community"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harris is a fellow member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, an organization dedicated to debtors legal rights."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Highly respected and overall a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Harris.His contributions on Avvo is a valuable asset to the community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Don is a very knowledgeable lawyer and always has the answers for your family law matters."
"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Kat Fox
Family lawyer
Robert Lohbeck
Divorce and separation lawyer
Albert Schimmel
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Dennis Banning
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Johanna Pickel
Estate planning lawyer
Marina Tapia Cansino
Probate lawyer
Robert Matteucci
Family lawyer
Donald Kochersberger
Business lawyer
Douglas Borthwick
Personal injury lawyer
Rudolfo Vasquez
General practice lawyer
David Gross
DUI and DWI lawyer
Brett Hall
Criminal defense lawyer
Mildred Phillips
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Christian Henricksen
Criminal defense lawyer
Gary Brod
Motorcycle accident lawyer
Michael Waddington
White collar crime lawyer
Venessa Masterson
General practice lawyer
Toral Parekh
General practice lawyer
Cindy Pieret
Family lawyer
Lucas Watson
General practice lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Board Certified- Business Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification
2012
Board Certified- Consumer Bankruptcy, American Board of Certification
2004
Judicial Selection Commitee Appointment, New Mexico State Bar Association
2003
Judicial Selection Commitee Appointment, New Mexico State Bar Association
2002
Judicial Selection Commitee Appointment, New Mexico State Bar Association
1995
Membership, Local Rules Committee, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Mexico
1995
First President, States' Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys
1989
Highest Grade Awarded--Commecial Law, UConn Law School
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Owner/Attorney, Harris Law
2002 - 2004
Assistant City Attorney, City of Albuquerque
1994 - 2002
President, States Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys
1994 - 2002
Special Assistant Attorney General, State Of New Mexico
1990 - 1992
Law Clerk, Judge Krechevsky, United States Bankruptcy Court
Associations
2010 - Present
Albuquerque Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
American Bankruptcy Institute
2010 - 2012
New Mexico State Bar- Family Law SectionBoard Member
1998 - 1999
New Mexico State Bar- Bankrupcty Law SectionPresident
1996 - 2002
Oiver Seth Inn of CourtBarrister
1995 - 2002
States' Association of Bankruptcy AttorneysPresident
1995 - 1999
New Mexico State Bar- Bankrupcty Law SectionBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Rodriguez, 465 B.R. 882 (Bankr. D.N.M. 2012).
Prevailed for Client.
Thinking Machines v. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, 211 B.R. 426 (D.Mass. 1997)
Substantially prevailaed
Bowers v. J&M Discount Towing, 472 F.Supp2d 1248 (D.N.M. 2006)
Case Dismissed and Attorney Fees Paid by IRS
City of Albuquerque v. Sachs, 2004-NMCA-65
Prevailed for City
In re Thinking Machines Corp., 203 B.R. 1 (Bankr. D. Mass. 1996)
Prevailed for client
Raleigh v. Illinois, 530 U.S. 15 (2000)
Prevailed on behalf of 31 states
Education
1990
University of Connecticut School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2011
Consumer Bankruptcy 101
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
2010
Real Estate Law; Issues and Answers
Credit and Bankruptcy Issues
2010
Nuts and Bolts of Bankruptcy Law
Managing the Filing Process and Ensuring Ethical Conduct
2010
Commercial Real Estate A to Z
Bankruptcy and Commercial Leases
2000
Bankruptcy and the Government Lawyer
Bankruptcy and Taxation
1997
States Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys Annual Conference
Bankruptcy and Taxation
1997
Annual Conference, Bankruptcy and the Government Lawyer
Bankruptcy and Taxations
1996
National Bankruptcy Review Commission October 1996 Meeting
Government Regulatory Issues
1995
Annual Conference, States Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys
Taxation and Bankruptcy
Publications
2011
New Mexico Family Law Manual
Intersection With Bankruptcy
2000
2000 Norton Bankruptcy Law Advisor
Raleigh v. Illinois Dep't of Revenue
1999
House Judiciary Committee
Prepared Statement of Donald F. Harris
1992
Journal of the Legal Profession
Prisoners of Prestige
1991
Bankruptcy Developments Journal
Bankruptcy Jurisdiction and Jury Trials
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long do I have to appeal a summary judgement
07 Aug 2010
Q&A
Can I still enter into a debt consolidation or debt relief program after a judment has been entered?
20 Jul 2010
Q&A
I am a stockbroker with a national firm. I need to file bankruptcy ch7.
20 Jul 2010