Our Team

Tray and his team provided excellent service. They were attentive to detail and always very prompt in getting back to me with answers to questions I had or concerns.

– Helen De La Cruz

SERVING LUBBOCK AND WEST TEXAS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Tray Payne, Attorney

Tray is an experienced trial attorney that knows how to protect his client’s interests. Tray grew up in the small town of Post, Texas where he learned the values of hard work and good, old fashioned common sense. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1996 with a BBA in accounting and then received his JD in 2000 from Oklahoma City University. Tray worked as a state and federal prosecutor from 2000-2009 until he started his own firm, now known as PPTC.

Tray has achieved numerous successful outcomes in a wide range of legal cases. His goal is to help each client obtain the most favorable outcome possible under the law. Tray continues to put his experience and common sense to work for his clients each and every day, all the while understanding that dependability, loyalty and customer service must be an integral part of the lawyer/client relationship.

Matt Powell, Attorney

Matt brings over 25 years of experience to the firm in both criminal and civil law. Prior to joining the firm, Matt served as the Elected Criminal District Attorney for Lubbock County, Texas as well as the Chief Attorney for the Midland, Texas Independent School District.

Matt grew up in Amarillo and has lived in Lubbock for the last 24 years. He has achieved tremendous results in the cases he has handled and enjoys being the voice for people who need his help.

Matt has spent his entire legal career as an advocate for those in need and clearly understands that loyalty, communication and results are the key factors in an attorney / client relationship.

Lori Truitt, Attorney

Lori is a Lubbock native who graduated from Texas Tech University undergraduate and Texas Tech University School of Law. She began her career working in civil litigation and creditor representation that took her frequently to the courtroom, mostly in the San Antonio and Austin areas of Texas.

Lori happily returned to practicing mostly in Lubbock and the surrounding areas in 2010 when she joined Tray Payne and began a more varied practice area, which now includes the following areas of law: family law; probate/estate administration; guardianship; debtor/creditor representation; general civil litigation; and personal injury.

She loves helping people, which makes working as an attorney a true joy for her. She works aggressively and sincerely for her clients. She also loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and their fun-loving dog.

Matt Chandler, Attorney

Matt Chandler has a unique legal experience that can assist clients in and out of the courtroom.  Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Matt and his siblings were raised with a strong faith and incredible work ethic. Matt’s father was a Magistrate Judge and New Mexico State Senator, which provided Matt with a glimpse of the legal world at a very young age.  That experience gave Matt the desire to graduate law school and return to his hometown to practice law.

ROLE AS A FORMER NEW MEXICO DISTRICT ATTORNEY:

  • 15 years of experience as a prosecuting attorney
  • Served as the elected Ninth Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico for over a decade
  • Awarded the “District Attorneys’ New Mexico Prosecutor of the Year Award” and “New Mexico Law Enforcement Prosecutor of the Year” for his unmatched achievements in the courtroom and within the community
  • One of the most experienced criminal law trial attorneys in New Mexico, with a record of over 35 murder cases which includes one of New Mexico’s last death penalty jury trials
  • Appeared on major media outlets to profile cases and investigations to include:
    • America’s Most Wanted with John Walsh
    • How to Catch a Predator with Chris Hansen
    • On the Case with Paula Zahn
    • Good Morning America
    • FOX News
    • CNN
    • Today Show

ROLE AS A FORMER NEW MEXICO DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

  • Presided over thousands of cases ranging from capital murder, divorce and custody hearings, to civil lawsuits
  • Served as the 9th Judicial District Drug Court Judge in Roosevelt County
  • Chairman of the Ninth Judicial District Judicial Council
  • Appointed by the New Mexico Supreme Court to Chair the Committee on New Mexico Criminal Rules of Procedure (the committee that makes court rules for criminal proceedings that all New Mexico judges and attorneys must follow in criminal cases)

Stacy Riker, Associate Attorney

Stacy grew up in Anton, a small farming community northwest of Lubbock. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Lubbock Christian University and then taught middle school and high school History and Math for 5 years before making a career change. She earned her law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law where she began serving clients as a student attorney in the Family Law and Housing Clinic. She then worked for Tech Law as the Director for Pro Bono Projects.

Stacy joined PPTC in May of 2017. Her practice includes family law, probate/estate administration, guardianship, debt collection, business, criminal, and general civil litigation. Her experience as a teacher sparked a passion for helping people solve problems and reach goals, so she always works with the best interests of her clients in mind.

Melissa Sciumbato, Associate Attorney

Melissa grew up on a farm outside of Farwell, Texas, where she learned the value of hard work and determination. She also learned the true meaning of words like integrity, honesty and dependability.

After graduating magna cum laude from Texas Tech University, Melissa earned her law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Melissa spent time clerking for the Lubbock City Attorney’s office before joining the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s office as a prosecuting attorney.

Melissa now lives in Hereford, Texas, with her husband, Shawn, and their two children where she enjoys supporting her family’s various endeavors and is active in her church and community.

Melissa practices in Hereford and the surrounding counties. Her practice involves family law, probate, estate planning, criminal justice and real estate. Melissa is caring and detail-oriented, and she looks forward to assisting her neighbors with their legal needs.

Stephanie Thiel, Legal Assistant

Stephanie has been a member of the PPTC family since 2011. Stephanie is a West Texas native and graduate of Texas Tech University. She has two daughters and two dogs. When she is not working hard for our clients, she is usually reading a good book or traveling to new destinations.

Hope Drake, Legal Assistant

Hope has been a member of the PP&T family since 2014. She was born and raised in Lubbock and is a graduate from Lubbock High School. Hope offers great customer service in both English and Spanish. She is married with three sons, enjoys working out, cooking and the company of family and friends.

Erika McElroy, Paralegal

Erika was raised in Brownfield, Texas where she learned the true value of hard work and determination. After spending a few years in the Beaumont, Texas area, Erika brought her passion for law and justice back to West Texas. When she isn’t at school or sporting events for her kids, she enjoys crafting, baking and reading.

Sonia Ramirez, Administrative Assistant

Sonia was born and raised in Lubbock and graduated from Coronado High School. She has a great passion for helping people, with over 10 years of customer service experience. She is married and has 4 energetic boys. In her spare time Sonia enjoys crafting, catering events with her husband and getting involved in her boys’ extracurricular activities.

Majrlie Ruiz, Legal Assistant

Majrlie Ruiz was born and raised in San Marcos Texas, but always knew she wanted to reside in Lubbock. After graduating in Portales New Mexico she quickly made her way to West Texas. She is currently enrolled in Real Estate school , and working to be a leader within her church. She enjoys being outside fishing , hiking or biking with her two pups by her side. Majrlie is a great addition to our PPT&C family.

Mabry Payne, Legal Intern

Mabry was born in Lubbock and is attending Texas Tech University school of law. She will graduate in the spring of 2026.