Chance Barnett

Chance Barnett is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Albuquerque office, where he focuses his practice on medical malpractice, dental malpractice, and health care litigation.

Chance has devoted the majority of his legal career to defending physicians, dentists, health care providers, and medical professionals in complex professional liability matters. His practice is centered on litigation, with the vast majority of his work dedicated to defending clients through all phases of the litigation process, from pre-suit investigation and discovery through trial. He also represents health care professionals in administrative proceedings before professional licensing boards.

An experienced trial attorney, Chance has served as first and second chair in multiple jury trials and has extensive courtroom experience conducting direct and cross-examinations of fact and expert witnesses, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, handling voir dire, and arguing trial motions. He has also successfully represented clients in multiple bench trials.

Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Chance practiced with Albuquerque-based law firms where he concentrated on defending medical and dental malpractice claims and advising licensed professionals in administrative matters.

In addition to his litigation practice, Chance regularly presents on legal and practice-related issues to physicians, dentists, optometrists, and other health care professionals. He earned the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Advocate Designation in 2021 and is an active member of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association and the Defense Research Institute.

Chance earned his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2012. Prior to law school, he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Communications from the University of New Mexico in 2009.

Outside of his work, Chance enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons.  He serves as a board member for a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing low-cost access to youth baseball and softball in New Mexico.  He has proudly coached baseball, basketball, cross country, and track over the past 15 years.