About Us
Meet Our Team of Lubbock & Clovis Attorneys
If you’re searching for the best Lubbock attorney for any legal issue, look no further. We believe that our strength lies in our commitment to providing personalized legal services that prioritize the unique needs of every client.
Our firm was built by a team of experienced attorneys who saw the need for accessible, results-driven legal solutions. We offer integrity, compassion, and exceptional advocacy for every case we take on. From the first time you call, you will see that we love to serve our clients and help in their times of need.
At Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler, we put our clients at the center of everything we do. We are more than just a legal team—we’re partners in your success. We know that every case is important, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our approach is based on trust, transparency, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.
- Years Combined Experience
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- Years Serving Lubbock
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- Satisfied Clients
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Founder, Partner
Tray Payne
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.
Partner
Matt Powell
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 Lubbock Attorney for the County as well as the Chief Attorney for the Midland, Texas Independent School District.
Partner
Lori Truitt
For more than 16 years, Lori Truitt has been a partner with Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler, where she focuses her practice on family law, adoptions, guardianships, estate planning, and probate matters. Having grown up in the Lubbock community, she values the opportunity to help individuals and families navigate some of life’s most significant transitions and challenges with practical guidance, compassion, and experienced legal counsel.
Partner
Matt Chandler
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.
Partner
Brandon Barnett
Brandon is an experienced trial attorney with a history of handling high stakes cases. Brandon’s practice includes criminal defense, family law, Title IX student representation, and estate planning with an emphasis on special needs. Brandon is a graduate of Texas Tech for both undergraduate and law school and received a Masters of Law (LLM) in Litigation from George Washington University Law School.
PARTNER
Melissa Sciumbato
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.
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 Ornelas
Legal Assistant
Hope has been a member of the PPT&C 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.
Marinda Stryker
Paralegal
Marinda was born and raised in Lubbock. She has been in the legal field for 24 years, having worked in the Courts as well as for private attorneys. This experience has provided her with valuable knowledge of how both sides of the legal process operate. She is married with three sons and three grandchildren. When she is not working, Marinda enjoys going on cruises and spending time with her family.
Desiree Garrison
Legal Assistant
Desiree works in our Clovis office and brings more than 25 years of legal experience to our team. Her extensive knowledge, strong work ethic, and client-focused approach make her a reliable and effective source of support for both attorneys and clients.
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.
Stephanie Gonzales
Legal Assistant
Stephanie was born in Littlefield, Texas. With over 10 years of experience in family law, Stephanie brings significant expertise to her work. She is dedicated to assisting others and is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to connect effectively with a diverse range of clients. Stephanie is married with four children and six grandchildren. Her interests include singing, dancing, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family.
Hanna Nussbaumer-Banister
Legal Assistant
Born and raised in Clovis, NM, Hanna graduated from Clovis High School in 2021 and earned her Criminal Justice degree from ENMU in 2024, with minors in Legal Studies and Political Science, while also playing basketball. For nearly two years, she served as a Judicial Specialist at the Curry County Magistrate Court, gaining invaluable experience in lower-court
criminal proceedings. Hanna brings a strong work ethic, initiative, curiosity, and a positive attitude to every task. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, softball, and time with family and friends.