About Us

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We pride ourselves on our track record of achieving favorable resolutions through negotiation, mediation, and, if necessary, litigation. Our expertise spans not only legal intricacies but also the ability to foster amicable solutions whenever possible, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

When you entrust our family law firm, you gain more than legal representation; you gain a steadfast partner dedicated to safeguarding your interests and securing a brighter future. Let us guide you through the legal complexities, standing by your side every step of the way. Your peace of mind is our priority, and your success is our ultimate achievement.

Partners

Amanda Navarro

Amanda Navarro is the managing shareholder with 15 years of dedicated service in the legal field, boasting a vibrant career highlighted by extensive practice in family law. Her journey in law initiated with an enriching internship and employment at the District Attorney's office, where she honed her advocacy and trial skills, including volunteering to write appeals. She also worked for the in-house counsel for a local credit union before finding her calling at our firm.

After graduating from St. Pius X High School, Amanda attended the University of New Mexico on scholarship where she studied English and Philosophy. This broad educational base underpins her analytical and ethical approach to law. Amanda's pursuit of legal education took her far from home to the University of Idaho with an IOLTA scholarship, where, amidst the challenge of adapting to the snow-laden landscapes of the Palouse, she excelled in law school, delved into snowboarding, and showcased her burgeoning legal talents in trial team competitions in the Pacific Northwest.

Amanda's life outside the courtroom is rich with passions and commitments. An avid Pilates enthusiast, she believes in the balance of mind and body, a principle that guides her personal and professional life. She is a proud soccer mom and enjoys traveling and cooking- finding joy in preparing meals that bring her loved ones together. Amanda engages in the active and vibrant St. Pius community and donates her time to organizations helping individuals overcome drug addiction, a prolific problem in New Mexico affecting families and children.

Her commitment to the community is evident in her volunteer work, both with the State Bar of New Mexico at legal fairs and in her impactful role as a Guardian ad Litem for low-income families and advocating for the rights of children in legal proceedings. Furthermore, Amanda is deeply invested in the future of the legal profession, dedicating her time to mentoring new attorneys, inspired by the guidance she received from the firm's founding partner, David Standridge. Amanda's journey through the legal landscape, marked by professional achievements, community service, and personal growth, underscores her as a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated managing attorney for clients.

Anthony Griego

Anthony Griego graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2007 where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Mr. Griego was admitted to the New Mexico State Bar in 2011. Prior to joining the Justice Legal Group, he practiced as an Assistant District Attorney in Bernalillo, Cibola and Sandoval Counties. Anthony is also licensed before the San Felipe Tribal Court. Mr. Griego worked for the violent crimes division in Sandoval County where he gained extensive first chair trial experience prosecuting complex felony cases including various homicide cases. During his time with the Justice Legal Group, Mr. Griego has handled complex divorce, custody and child support cases. After dedicated service to the firm, Anthony was selected to join as a partner in the practice in 2021. Anthony uses his extensive litigation skills to protect those that he represents. In his spare time Mr. Griego enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and participating in Jiu Jitsu, and hanging out with his two dogs Kobe and Luna.

David Standridge

David Standridge graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1996 cum laude. He started the Standridge Law Firm in 1997 and practiced extensively throughout New Mexico. In 2013 David changed the name of the firm from Standridge Law Firm to Justice Legal Group. Dedicated to seeing justice for New Mexico’s families, David handled complex family law litigation for over 25 years. He has several published legal opinions that have helped shaped the landscape of New Mexico family law. David has published several articles in the New Mexico law review, served on various boards and participated in numerous community events pertaining to the protection of families and constitutional rights. David enjoys outdoor activities and time with his family. David’s vision is for Justice Legal Group to be a shelter of protection for families that are faced with challenging legal issues.

Attorneys

Gabrielle A. Trejo

Gabrielle A. Trejo is originally from Long Island, New York. In 2017 she graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York where she received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. She then went on to attend Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island which she graduated from in 2020. While in law school, Ms. Trejo was the president, of the Federalist Society as well as a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Ms. Trejo was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 2022. Ms. Trejo’s areas of practice focus on complex custody and child support litigation.

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Christopher Westenberger

Christopher Westenberger's experience includes criminal prosecutions and defense, civil defense for claims against government agencies, and public officials in the areas of employment, law enforcement, civil rights claims, contracts, and personal injury, and in-house counsel. Christopher second chaired a federal wrongful death trial and had several state trials as the lead prosecutor. Besides state courts, Christopher has had cases in the U.S. District Courts of New Mexico and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Lastly, Christopher has experience with environmental, legislative, and regulatory issues.

Image of Gabrielle Trejo Justice Legal Group Attorney

Thomas Dow

Thomas Dow has been practicing law in New Mexico since 1985. He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree.

After graduation, Mr. Dow moved to New Mexico and was admitted to the practice here. He has served as an assistant district attorney in Clovis and Santa Fe. He has also been the chief territorial prosecutor for the US Territory of American Samoa, senior trial attorney and managing attorney in the Roswell Office of the Public Defender Department, and a legislative analyst for the New Mexico Legislature. He has litigated over a thousand cases including over 150 jury trials as the sole or lead counsel.

Mr. Dow also served in the senior management of several agencies of New Mexico State government including General Counsel at the Secretary of State, Executive Deputy Director at the Workers’ Compensation Administration and Director of Compliance for the NM Board of Nursing. After leaving State Government, Mr. Dow entered private practice where he has handled mostly Family Law and Probate matters. Mr. Dow sees his role as an advocate for his clients, helping them to understand their legal issues and speaking for them to achieve the best result.

Paralegals

Our office utilizes paralegals to assist in the handling of your case. Throughout the years we have found that families need access to information at every level and every stage of the process. To accomplish, we have dedicated paralegals who are in charge of ensuring that you get the answers that you need. Paralegals work closely with you to ensure that your questions are answered, that the court receives evidence and that each case will flow smoothly and effortlessly through our process. What sets us apart from other law firms is the dedication of our paralegals in helping your legal journey be as effortless as possible. Our paralegals receive ongoing training to make sure that you get a quick and speedy resolution to your questions and case.

Staff

In addition to having your attorney and paralegal work on your case the rest of our friendly, service oriented staff will work on other aspects of your case. We have various staff members who are in charge of communicating through email to setting up files to following up on mail sent to the courts. It is our honor to work with you at ensuring that your case is handled in a professional and competent manner. Our goal is to provide help at every step of the way and to help you get the result you deserve.

Jessica Hess

Jessica M. Hess is an attorney with Justice Legal Group, where her main areas of practice include domestic relations law, children's law and criminal defense law. Said areas of law include Divorce, Child Support, Paternity, Post Decree proceedings, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, Kinship Guardianships, Child Custody and Visitation including Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, Uniform Interstate Child Support Act, Guardian adLitem, Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Legal Separations, Wills, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Adoptions, Domestic Violence pursuant to the Family Violence Protection Act and New Mexico Criminal Law, and Driving While Intoxicated and other related matters.

Ms. Hess was born and raised in Northern New Mexico and is bilingual with Spanish as her second language. She is a member of and in good-standing of the Albuquerque Bar Association, the National Hispanic Bar Association and the American Bar Association, as well as the Bar Association of the United States District Court. Ms. Hess is a University of New Mexico alumni. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Business in 1996. Thereafter, Ms. Hess earned her Masters of Business of Administration with a focus on finance and accounting in 1998. In 1999, Ms. Hess attended the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor Degree and served as an active member of the Mexican American Law School Association (MALSA).

Ms. Hess was the recipient of the Super Lawyers Rising Star Award for the Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2012. Ms. Hess was also the two time recipient of the prestigious Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA) in 2014 and 2020. In 2015, Ms. Hess was recognized nationally as one of the 10 Best Client Satisfaction Attorneys by American Institute of Family Attorneys. Ms. Hess was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for America’s Top 100 Attorneys in 2017. Ms. Hess has been Court appointed to serve as a Settlement Facilitator as part of the Second Judicial District Court’s Year-Round Settlement Facilitation Program. She also volunteers as a Mentor for the Children’s Court Adult/Youth Mentor Program. Ms. Hess’ practice includes various counties throughout the State of New Mexico.

When taking on any new case, the first step is getting to know you. This helps to establish a genuine connection, forms a long-standing relationship, and initiates a foundation of trust. For these reasons, we believe that it’s equally as important for you to get to know us!

In a series of pictures and text, you’ll learn all about Justice Legal Group and how we’ve come to be New Mexico’s leading family law firm. From our founding and history to our team of lawyers, you’ll discover what sets us apart from other law firms, and why we’re the right choice for your family.

Additionally, you’ll learn about our current processes, why we’ve chosen to put them into practice, and ultimately, why they’re integral to the success of your case.

At the end, we hope it’s evident why Justice Legal Group has been trusted by clients for over 25 years. If you’re ready to pursue a family law case, we hope you too will trust in the demonstrated expertise of our unmatched legal team.

Get started now! Simply click the start button below and begin your journey of getting to know Justice Legal Group!