Our Team

Our Team

The right team can make all the difference.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, you want to know that you are getting an entire team of individuals who are dedicated to making your legal experience as pain free as possible.  We foster a culture of creative problem solving and supportive dedication in order to effectively protect our client's rights. We want you to feel like you have a team of advocates ready to defend you, every step of the way.

Maria I. Padilla
Maria I. Padilla Senior Partner

Cell - (505) 459-3699

Maria@nmpadillalawfirm.com

With decades of experience in criminal law, Attorney Maria I. Padilla is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has handled thousands of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to complex felonies. Known for an unwavering commitment to justice and the rights of her clients, she has built a reputation as a formidable advocate in both Magistrate and Metropolitan courts.

Throughout her career, Maria I. Padilla has been entrusted with challenging and high- profile criminal cases, earning the respect of clients, peers, and Judges alike. She brings a deep understanding of criminal procedure, forensic evidence, and trial strategy, developed through decades of frontline courtroom experience.

Maria I. Padilla’s legal practice is deeply informed by her Christian faith, which grounds her commitment to compassion, integrity, and the belief in redemption. She approaches every case with a sense of moral responsibility, guided by the principle that every individual deserves dignity, fairness, and the opportunity for a second chance.

In recognition of Maria I. Padilla’s professionalism and integrity, she has been appointed many times to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission, where she plays a role in evaluating candidates for the bench. Additionally, she is currently a member of the Public Defender’s Commission, helping to ensure the fair administration of indigent defense services and the preservation of every individual's right to competent legal representation.

Whether defending against serious criminal charges or mentoring the next generation of defense attorneys, Maria I. Padilla remains deeply dedicated to protecting constitutional rights and upholding the rule of law.

Isabella Montoya
Isabella MontoyaSenior Partner

Cell - (505) 333-0000

Isabella@nmpadillalawfirm.com

Isabella Montoya specializes in DWI/DUI and Domestic Violence defense. Isabella has worked at the District Attorney’s office, Public Defender’s Office as well as under Metropolitan and District Court Judges. She graduated Dean's List from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she dedicated her time to the UNM Southwest Indian Law Clinic helping defend tribal members against criminal charges.

Isabella is native to Albuquerque, New Mexico and takes genuine pride in defending the rights of her clients.

Joshua Alt
Joshua AltAssociate AttorneyJosh.Alt@nmpadillalawfirm.com
Introduction Pending
Vincent Montoya
Vincent MontoyaAssociate Attorney

Cell - (505) 459-1102

Vincent@nmpadillalawfirm.com

Vincent's practice of law was driven by a commitment to objective analysis and unwavering integrity. As a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, he possesses deep roots in Albuquerque and a passion for serving this community. He believes that the justice system, while essential, can be treacherous to navigate without steady guidance. Consequently, his approach to representation is built on the core belief that every client deserves a zealous, ethical advocate who can analyze and deconstruct complex situations. He takes pride in his ability to earn the trust of those around him through coherent, reasoned advocacy, ensuring that clients feel confident and supported at every step of the legal process.

Before entering the legal profession, Vincent spent over two decades honing the art of shepherding people through complex environments. His diverse background includes working as a financial advisor helping clients filter information to reach their goals, and nearly 15 years with Albuquerque Public Schools decoding mathematics and pedagogy for students, parents and fellow educators. He finds genuine joy in distilling complicated subjects—whether financial strategies or legal statutes—into clear, actionable insights. This experience allows him to not only represent clients legally but to guide them with clarity and compassion.

His path to law was uniquely inspired by supporting his daughter through her own legal education, and that shared drive for justice continues to fuel their work today.

Juilian Padilla Jr.
Juilian Padilla Jr.In Memoriam - Business Advisor

Julian Padilla Jr. was the beloved father of Maria and took pride in his role as her business advisor. Though he has passed, his positive influence will forever resonate deeply within the leadership of our company. Julian was a man of faith, and his Christian values of kindness, integrity, and compassion shone brightly in all aspects of his life. These principles, undoubtedly instilled in his family, have played a primary role in shaping the very foundation of our business and the leadership qualities we strive for.

We will forever honor his memory and be grateful for his guidance.

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