Donald E. Swaim, Business Attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatSwaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C.
Albuquerque, NM
Practicing business in Albuquerque since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Donald E. Swaim?
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Quick answer
Donald E. Swaim is a shareholder based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Albuquerque, NM
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and General matters from Albuquerque, NM.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Donald E. Swaim: Donald E. Swaim is a shareholder based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Donald takes on
Donald concentrates on business, estate planning, general, poa, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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General
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POA
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Wills
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Elder Law
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Business cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald takes business matters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald takes estate planning matters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
General cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald takes general matters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
POA cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald takes poa matters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald takes probate matters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Donald E. Swaim — business lawyer in Albuquerque
Donald E. Swaim is a shareholder based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Donald has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Donald E. Swaim is a shareholder with the law firm of Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C., where he practices in the areas of tax law, estate planning, probate and trust law, corporate, partnership and limited liability company law, commercial transactions and nonprofit corporation matters. Mr. Swaim is admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico, the Colorado Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He has also been admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. Mr. Swaim is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in tax law and in trusts and estates.
Prior to entering the practice of Law, Mr. Swaim worked for the Internal Revenue Service for seven years and practiced as a certified public accountant for three years. He previously served as chairman of the New Mexico State Bar Legal Specialization Committee for Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate and chairman of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of New Mexico.
He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New Mexico Society of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, the Kingdom Advisors, the New Mexico Estate Planning Council and the New Mexico Planned Giving Council.
Donald Swaim is certified as a specialist in estate planning, trusts, and probate law by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization.
Donald's approach to business cases
Donald E. Swaim is a shareholder with the law firm of Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C., where he practices in the areas of tax law, estate planning, probate and trust law, corporate, partnership and limited liability company law, commercial transactions and nonprofit corporation matters. Mr. Swaim is admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico, the Colorado Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He…
Clients Donald works with
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and general matters in Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of New Mexico
J.D. · 1983
Angelo State University
B.A. Howard · 1973
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
Texas U.S. District
2007 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1993 · ACTIVE
New Mexico
1983 · ACTIVE
Donald studied at J.D. in University of New Mexico and B.A. Howard in Angelo State University.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed J.D. in University of New Mexico and B.A. Howard in Angelo State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in New Mexico is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Donald E. Swaim's office in Albuquerque
Donald's primary office is at 4830 Juan Tabo NE, Suite F, Albuquerque, NM, 87111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Swaim, Carlow & Ames, P.C.
4830 Juan Tabo NE, Suite F
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Donald E. Swaim — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Albuquerque.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald E. Swaim claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donald E. Swaim — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Donald
Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donald E. Swaim
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New Mexico typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Albuquerque?
Donald is licensed in New Mexico. Matters governed by New Mexico law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Donald?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new business clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces in New Mexico
Donald handles business matters throughout New Mexico. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Albuquerque handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.