M. Clea Gutterson, Appellate Attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Insurance · 4.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Albuquerque, NM
Practicing appellate in Albuquerque since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you M. Clea Gutterson?
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Quick answer
M. Clea Gutterson is an attorney based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Insurance. M. has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Albuquerque, NM
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · Insurance
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Insurance matters from Albuquerque, NM.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About M. Clea Gutterson: M. Clea Gutterson is an attorney based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Insurance. M. has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters M. takes on
M. concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case M. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M. takes appellate 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 M. agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M. takes criminal defense 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 M. agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M. takes insurance 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 M. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M. takes litigation 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 M. agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M. takes personal injury 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 M. agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet M. Clea Gutterson — appellate lawyer in Albuquerque
M. Clea Gutterson is an attorney based in Albuquerque, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Insurance. M. has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Ms. M. Clea Gutterson is a lawyer practicing automobile insurance defense, defense litigation, civil appeals and 2 other areas of law. M. received a B.A. degree from Northeastern University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. M. practices in Albuquerque, NM.
How M. handles appellate matters
Ms. M. Clea Gutterson is a lawyer practicing automobile insurance defense, defense litigation, civil appeals and 2 other areas of law. M. received a B.A. degree from Northeastern University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. M. practices in Albuquerque, NM.
Who M. represents
M. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and insurance matters in Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Suffolk University
J.D. Dean · 1985
Northeastern University
B.A. Dean · 1982
Jurisdictions
M.'s state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
New Mexico
1985 · ACTIVE
M. studied at J.D. Dean in Suffolk University and B.A. Dean in Northeastern University.
Law school and academic background
M. completed J.D. Dean in Suffolk University and B.A. Dean in Northeastern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice M. runs in New Mexico is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
M. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
M.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Albuquerque Bar Association State Bar of New Mexico New Mexico Defense Association
membership
Locations
Office locations for M. Clea Gutterson in Albuquerque, New Mexico
M.'s primary office is at Albuquerque, NM, 87194-7778. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of M. Clea Gutterson — 4.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of M.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Albuquerque.
4.6
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once M. Clea Gutterson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire M. Clea Gutterson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with M. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
M. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'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; M. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 M.
M. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. M. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
M.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about M. Clea Gutterson
How much does it cost to hire M. for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. M. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does M. offer a free consultation?
M. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain M.'s office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check M.'s current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New Mexico typically take?
Simple appellate 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. M. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can M. take my case if I'm outside Albuquerque?
M. 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 — M. 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 M.?
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. M. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is M. accepting new appellate clients right now?
M.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces in New Mexico
M. handles appellate matters throughout New Mexico. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in New Mexico
If M.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Albuquerque handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




