Our Attorneys

Samuel “Chris” DeFillippo joined the firm in 2016 and was named a partner in 2024. Prior to joining the firm, Chris served as an extern for the Honorable Steven C. Yarbrough of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.

Chris’s primary practice area is complex civil litigation. Over the years, Chris has represented numerous government and private clients in civil rights actions, complex contract disputes, personal injury claims, environmental litigation, employment disputes, and consumer protection actions in federal, state, and municipal courts.

While representing government clients, Chris has defended numerous police misconduct and prisoner rights cases gaining considerable expertise in Section 1983, New Mexico Tort Claims Act, and New Mexico Civil Rights Act litigation. In addition, Chris has represented New Mexico State University in relation to Title IX claims and has acted as both Plaintiff and Defense counsel in cases regarding school shootings.

While working with the firm, Chris has served as special counsel to New Mexico’s Attorney General in several matters involving the pursuit of consumer protection actions against manufacturers of dangerous products, including pharmaceuticals. Chris has also represented municipal clients in relation to the remediation of Superfund sites pursuant to CERCLA.

Lastly, Chris has gained significant expertise in litigation regarding the Inspection of Public Records Act (“IPRA”). In addition to litigating IPRA matters, Chris has provided several municipalities and police departments IPRA trainings and regularly provides advice regarding IPRA’s interpretation and implementation.

Chris received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2018 and was admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico in the same year. In 2015, Chris received a B.A., cum laude, from Western State Colorado University while attending school on an athletic wrestling scholarship.