Jessica M. Hess
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Senior Litigator with expertise in complex divorce and child custody cases. Strong critical thinking and client relationship management skills ensure compliance with legal standards while advocating for clients. Experienced in drafting legal documents and managing intricate cases.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Litigator
The Law Office Darlene Gomez
Albuquerque, NM
11.2022 - 10.2025
- Managed divorce proceedings, ensuring compliance with child support and paternity laws, resulting in favorable outcomes for clients.
- Handled post-decree issues including qualified domestic relations orders and kinship guardianships, effectively resolving complex legal matters for families.
- Facilitated child custody and visitation arrangements under uniform jurisdiction acts, promoting stability and welfare for children involved.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Senior Litigation Attorney
Cordell Law
Albuquerque, USA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Served as guardian ad litem in family court proceedings.
Drafted pre- and post-nuptial agreements and legal separations.
- Administered wills, guardianships, and conservatorships for clients.
Oversaw adoption processes while adhering to state regulations.
- Guided clients through legal processes related to domestic violence cases.
Attorney/Head of Criminal Department
Wolf & Fox, P.C.
Albuquerque, USA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Oversaw divorce cases, achieving favorable outcomes in child support, visitation, and custody arrangements.
- Conducted paternity assessments and executed post-decree proceedings effectively.
- Drafted qualified domestic relations orders to ensure fair distribution of assets.
- Managed kinship guardianships and adoption processes, ensuring compliance with legal standards and protecting children's welfare.
- Supported clients in legal separations, drafting wills, and establishing conservatorships.
Served as guardian ad litem advocating for children’s interests in court.
- Navigated domestic violence issues within frameworks of Family Violence Protection Act.
Counseled clients on driving while intoxicated charges and associated legal matters.
Owner/Operator/Attorney
Hess Family Law
Albuquerque, USA
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Established and operated family and criminal defense law firm, providing comprehensive legal services.
- Acquired and retained clients in domestic relations, children's law, and criminal defense, enhancing firm’s client base.
- Managed multiple client accounts, ensuring timely delivery of legal services and adherence to deadlines.
- Developed strategies to increase revenue from existing accounts.
Education
Juris Doctorate - Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM05.2002
Masters in Business Administration - Finance and Accounting
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM01.1998
Bachelors of Arts - Criminology and Business
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM01.1996
Skills
- Litigation case management
- Performance monitoring
- Situation assessment
- Judgment and decision-making
- Solution determination
- Administration and management
- Knowledge of standard procedures
- Record-keeping
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Accounting and financial spreadsheet expertise
- Critical thinking
- Fast-paced multitasking
- Customer relationship development
- Client needs responsiveness
- Editing and reviewing skills
- Social perceptiveness
- Accounting and financial spreadsheet expertise
Community Service
- Settlement Facilitator as part of the Second Judicial District Court’s Year-Round Settlement Facilitation Program
- Mentor for the Children’s Court Adult/Youth Mentor Program
- Children’s Juvenile Court Youth Mentor Program
Key Accomplishments
New Mexico Bar, Albuquerque Bar Association, National Hispanic Bar Association, American Bar Association, Bar Association of the United States District Court, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM, Juris Doctorate in Law, 05/02, 3.7, Mexican American Law School Association (MALSA), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Bachelors of Arts in Criminology and Business, 05/96, 3.8, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Masters in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, 05/98, 3.9, Super Lawyers Rising Star Award for the Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2012, Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA), 2014, 10 Best Client Satisfaction Attorneys by American Institute of Family Attorneys, 2015, Lifetime Achievement Award for America’s Top 100 Attorneys, 2017, Top 10 Nationally Ranked Business and Matrimonial Litigation Attorney by the Who’s Who Amongst National Ranked Business and Matrimonial Litigation Attorneys, 2019
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Accomplishments
Super Lawyers Rising Star Award
Timeline
Senior Litigator
The Law Office Darlene Gomez
11.2022 - 10.2025
Senior Litigation Attorney
Cordell Law
01.2018 - 01.2019
Attorney/Head of Criminal Department
Wolf & Fox, P.C.
01.2017 - 01.2018
Owner/Operator/Attorney
Hess Family Law
01.2013 - 01.2017
Juris Doctorate - Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
Masters in Business Administration - Finance and Accounting
University of New Mexico
Bachelors of Arts - Criminology and Business
University of New Mexico