Attorney Overview
Don DeCandia draws on more than 30 years of experience in zealously representing clients at both trial and appellate levels. He is proud to have joined the Hartline team in 2019, leading its expansion into New Mexico and the opening of its Albuquerque and Santa Fe offices, having spent his entire career practicing in New Mexico Courts. Don focuses primarily on the areas of products liability, tort and personal injury. 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 has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Southwest Super Lawyers®.
Don has handled scores 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 bad faith cases and premises liability matters. Many of his cases involve claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury.
Education
- University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1989
- University of Notre Dame, B.A., cum laude, English, 1986
Bar + Court Admissions
- New Mexico
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
- Consumer Products & Retail
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
Litigation Experience
- Appellate
- Insurance Defense
- Personal Injury / Wrongful Death
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell
- Southwest Super Lawyers® by Thompson Reuters (2011-2022)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, by Woodward/White, Inc. (2018-present)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, by Woodward/White, Inc. (2022-present)
- Defense Research InstituteNew Mexico Defense Lawyers Association
- Former Co-Editor and Editorial Board Member of NMDLA’s publication Defense News
- Board of Directors, Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 1996-2004
- Member, Animal Welfare Board for City of Albuquerque, 2003-2005