About Samuel
Samuel L. Winder is a attorney based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with over 30 years of experience in criminal law. He is a member of the New Mexico State Bar, having been admitted in 1988. His practice focuses exclusively on federal criminal defense, representing clients in a range of serious charges. He is also admitted to practice in Colorado, where he has been a member of the Colorado State Bar since 2002. Mr. Winder earned his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1988.
He was recognized on the Dean's List and Honor Roll. Prior to law school, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Stanford University in 1984. In his early career, Mr. Winder served as a federal prosecutor for over 12 years, handling a variety of complex cases. He also served as a state district judge in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, presiding over numerous criminal cases. His experience provides him with a knowledge of both prosecution and defense perspectives. Currently, Mr.
Winder is a partner at Romero & Winder, P.C., located at 1905 Lomas Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104. The firm specializes in federal criminal defense, offering aggressive representation to clients facing serious charges. He is also affiliated with Walz and Associates, P.C., at 133 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123. Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Winder contributes to the legal community as an Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Southwest Indian Law Clinic at the University of New Mexico School of Law. He has served as a Tribal Liaison for the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico, and as a Tribal Attorney for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. His dedication to public service has been recognized with the Federal Executive Board Public Service Award and the Sustained Superior Performance Awards as an Assistant United States Attorney.
Mr. Winder is a member of the Indian Law Section of the State Bar of New Mexico. He serves as the UNM Faculty Liaison. He has also been involved with the National Native American Bar Association and has served on the UNM Law School Alumni/ae Association Board.
