Thomas M. Allison |
Matthew J. O'Neill |
Charles W. Bennett |
Richard W. Sutten |
Daniel P. Buttram |
|---|
Russell K. Whitener, Founder (1948-2013)
Under the direction of Russell K. Whitener, Whitener Law Firm, P.A. became one of Albuquerque's premier personal injury law firms. That tradition continues.
Whitener Law Firm purchased downtown offices in the historic Third
Central Plaza building on the corner of Third Street and Central
Avenue in 1999. In November 2008 the construction of the Whitener
Building was completed and Whitener Law Firm moved to its current
location.
Russell always believed strongly in putting the client first. Whitener Law Firm strives to provide exceptional personal service to its clients. Each incoming call is answered by a live receptionist. 'Every person who calls, client or not, should be able to voice their concerns and problems to a person, not a machine' was our founder's belief, and an ongoing practice at the firm. Mr. Whitener's philosophy was that the firm never receive more in attorney's fees than the client 'gets in his pocket', a philosophy that we adhere to with every case.
It is the firm's commitment to clients that has led Whitener Law Firm to benefit from many client referrals and a high number of returning clients. It is the positive perception of Whitener Law Firm in the community that has allowed the business to flourish. The firm's employees have developed excellent relationships with medical providers as well as with those in the insurance industry.
We also continue in our commitment to give back to our community. Former clients seek advice long after their cases have been closed and they're never turned away. Whitener Law Firm has helped thousands of clients over the years by collecting tens of millions of dollars for their injuries, helping them recover and establish their lives once again.
Thomas M. Allison
Tom is a valued and dedicated member of Whitener Law Firm, and is a shareholder in the firm. A former insurance industry adjuster, attorney, and lobbyist, Tom now has over 17 years of experience in all types of personal injury and insurance bad faith law. He is as tenacious in his practice of law as he is in his hobbies of racquetball and squash, and devotes much of his spare time to charitable causes for the community.
Bar Admissions:
New Mexico, 1996 U.S. District Court of New Mexico, 1997
Education:
Juris Doctor, 1996
University of New Mexico School of Law,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bachelor of Business Administration (Major: Finance), 1987
Honors: Presidential Scholar
University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Governing Council CATA Charter High School, 2006 ' 2008 New Mexico Christian Legal Aid, 2007 - Present
Matthew J. O'Neill
Matthew J. O'Neill is a native New Mexican and currently an Associate Member of the firm. He comes to our firm after serving as General Counsel for the City of Albuquerque Police Department and the Public Defender for the State of New Mexico. He is fluent in Spanish.
Bar Admissions:
New Mexico, 1997 U.S. District Court of New Mexico, 2006
Education:
Juris Doctor, 1997
DePaul University College of Law,
Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts, 1992
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Instituto Cultural De Las Americas
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, 1999
Centro Internacional De Solidaridad
San Salvador, El Salvador, 1996
Universidad de Iberoamericana
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico, 1991
Charles W. Bennett
Charles Bennett is another valued and dedicated member of Whitener Law Firm. He is also currently an Associate Member of the firm. Charles is admitted to practice law in both New Mexico and Ohio, and has substantial experience in personal injury law. He has dedicated his career pursuing the rights of victims, representing them both in the personal injury arena and in medical malpractice claims. Charles was in charge of DWI prosecution in the First Judicial District of New Mexico where he managed four other lawyers in the District Attorney's Office, and prior to that, prosecuted over 30 cases in the State of Ohio. Charles also enjoys a wonderful family life, and has enjoyed athletic activities since his swimming competition days at Ohio State University.
Bar Admissions:
New Mexico, 2006 U.S. District Court of New Mexico, 2007 Federal District Court, District of Ohio, 2006
Education:
Juris Doctor, 1998
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law
Lansing, Michigan
Bachelor of Science (Major: Finance),
1983 Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Richard W. Sutten
Biography coming soon!
Daniel P. Buttram
Daniel Buttram was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Influenced by his family who is active in music, he played the French horn in the Manzano High School marching band and toured Europe with the Sound of America National Honor Band and Chorus.
Daniel attended the University of New Mexico where he earned his bachelor of arts in English with a concentration in pre-law and a minor in earth and planetary sciences. Daniel was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta international honor society and the Golden Key international honor society.
Daniel attended the University of New Mexico School of Law where he made Honor Roll and Dean’s list. While in law school, Daniel was a Lead Articles Editor for the Natural Resources Journal in 2004 and 2005. Daniel worked as a law clerk for a litigation defense firm to support himself while in law school. He was listed in the Madison Who’s Who Among American Law Students from 2003 to 2005.
Daniel has been licensed to practice law in New Mexico state courts since 2005, New Mexico federal courts since 2006, and Colorado state courts since 2011. He has substantial experience in personal injury law, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts. He is a member of the New Mexico Trial Lawyer’s Association and has been listed in the Who’s Who Among American Professionals, Honors Edition.
Daniel is a member of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee at his church and is an avid fisherman. He has traveled to Canada, Alaska, California, and Florida for deep-sea fishing as well as traveling around New Mexico for fly fishing with his father. Daniel and his wife delight in watching the world through the eyes of their two young children.
