Donald A. "Don" DeCandia

Donald A. "Don" DeCandia


Hartline Barger LLP

Recognized since 2018

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Insurance Law

Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
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Don DeCandia brings over 25 years of experience to his primary practice areas of products liability, tort and personal injury, and ERISA litigation. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. He maintains close communications with client contacts to ensure that informed judgment guides key decisions. Don has achieved the highest rating possible from Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America® and Southwest Super Lawyers®.

Don’s extensive experience in ERISA litigation includes representation of life, health and disability insurers, HMOs, self-funded plans, plan sponsors, plan administrators, pension plans, and third-party administrators.

Don has handled dozens of products liability cases in the vehicle context, including the defense of several tire manufacturers in tire failure litigation. He has also represented building product and power tool manufacturers, and his practice includes insurance cases and premises liability matters. Many of his cases involve claims for wrongful death and serious personal injury.

Don takes an active role in the management of the law firm. He presently serves as Department Head for Litigation, Co-General Counsel for the firm, and a member of the Client Relations Committee. Previously, he was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee (2011-2014), the Chair of the Tort, Products Liability, and Railroad Practice Group, and a member of the Associate, Intake, and Technology Committees.

Location
  • Suite 100
    141 East Palace Avenue
    Santa Fe, NM 87501
Education
  • The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1989
Bar Admissions
  • United States, United States Supreme Court
  • United States, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • United States, U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
  • New Mexico, State Bar of New Mexico
Affiliations
  • Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 1996-2004 - Member
  • New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association (NMDLA) - Former Co-Editor and Editorial Board Member of NMDLA's publication "Defense News"
  • The CLM - Member
  • Animal Welfare Board for City of Albuquerque, 2003-2005 - Board Member

Hartline Barger LLP
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

12 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Santa Fe (2025)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Insurance Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Awards:
  • Southwest Super Lawyers® (derived from a lawyer survey), 2011-present
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Best Lawyers in America® in Commercial Litigation, 2018
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Litigation - ERISA
  • Litigation - Health Care
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

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Publications

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