MEET OUR DEDICATED TEAM
Jacob Candelaria, Owner & Managing Attorney
Jacob Candelaria, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, grew up in the vibrant South Broadway community of San Jose. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University in 2009. Following his passion for law, Jacob attended the University of New Mexico School of Law where he graduated cum laude in 2016.
Driven by his passion for justice and advocacy, Jacob founded Candelaria Law LLC in 2019 to serve the legal needs of his fellow New Mexicans. His dedication to public service also led him to represent the Westside of Albuquerque in the New Mexico State Senate from 2013 to 2022, and to serve as the president of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association
Jacob’s legal achievements include the landmark case of Candelaria v Lujan Grisham, affirming that the Legislature, and not the Governor, has authority to appropriate federal funds. His journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering advocacy for justice and equality in his community and beyond.
Antonio "Moe" Maestas, Of Counsel
Moe Maestas brings a wealth of legal expertise to Candelaria Law, underpinned by a deeply rooted connection to his New Mexico heritage. With 19 years of experience, Moe’s legal endeavors have crisscrossed the diverse landscape of New Mexico. He currently serves as State Senator of District 26 in Albuquerque, and is a former Assistant District Attorney. Moe’s journey through the legal realm has spanned from the tranquil towns of Truth or Consequences and Tucumcari, the historic avenues of Las Vegas and Roswell, the vibrant communities of Los Lunas and Farmington, and the bustling streets of Burque.
Born and raised in Albuquerque’s north valley, Moe is a product of our public schools—from Cochiti Elementary to Valley High School. He holds degrees from the University of Washington, as well as the University of New Mexico School of Law. Throughout his extensive career, Moe has adeptly handled a range of legal areas, from criminal and family law to property disputes, victim advocacy, and civil rights. Now, Moe primarily concentrates on personal injury cases, applying his extensive legal knowledge and deep community ties to advocate for New Mexicans that have been harmed.
Moe is happily married to Vanessa Alarid, and is a dedicated father to their three children: teenage daughter Gabriela, and two young children, Mateo and Isadora. His life and career are a testament to his enduring commitment to his family, his community, and the state of New Mexico.
Devrim Tiryaki, Law Clerk
Devrim Tiryaki is a proud first-generation New Mexican and Turkish-American. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Devrim’s journey led him to the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science.
After graduation in 2018, Devrim immersed himself in state policy and community engagement as a lead staffer in both chambers of the New Mexico State Legislature. His direct collaboration with legislators honed Devrim’s skills and deepened his understanding of the legal and political landscape in New Mexico.
With a passion for advocacy and a dedication to serving his community, Devrim was sworn into the bar in September 2024 and is excited to continue his career with Candelaria Law LLC in the state he calls home.
Jose Verdi Cevallos Alarcon, Law Clerk & Case Manager
Jose Verdi Cevallos Alarcon grew up watching his father preside from the bench, and those early lessons in integrity shaped his understanding of law as a form of public trust. He earned his Law Degree from Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo in Ecuador in 2011 and a Master of Constitutional Law from Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo in Guayaquil in 2021.
Jose’s discipline comes from direct experience with the legal system at multiple points along a case’s path. As a Prosecutorial Secretary, he prepared case documentation that held up under scrutiny. As a Substitute Notary in Manta, he handled sensitive legal matters personally, from officiating marriages to processing divorces, work that requires precision and care with people going through significant life moments. Later, as Provincial Director of the Judiciary in Manabí, he oversaw the operations behind one of Ecuador’s largest court systems. That same combination of process discipline and attention to the people behind each case now shapes his work.
Jose joins Candelaria Law as a Law Clerk and Case Manager. He completed his MBA in Finance and Strategy at UNM’s Anderson School of Management in May 2026 and began pursuing his US law degree at UNM School of Law in the fall of 2026, expected graduation in spring 2029.
New Mexico's law firm that puts people first
At Candelaria Law, we believe in creating a fair and equitable society where every individual can thrive without discrimination or injustice. Our commitment to our clients and our community drives us to pursue every case with passion, diligence, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.
Los abogados hablan Español.
– In English or Spanish –
