About Daniel T. Montoya, Esq.

Providing Guidance for Some of Life’s Most Important Matters

Key Milestones and Current Focus

With over four decades of experience in law, finance, and fiduciary services, I bring depth and perspective to every client relationship. A long-time New Mexican now based in Velarde, I combine the insight of a Columbia Law School–educated attorney with the ability to communicate clearly and provide information that is understandable and concise.

My career spans executive management, trust and estate administration, corporate and banking law, and estate planning and related law. I have led organizations, advised families, and built systems that turn complex challenges into clear, workable solutions. My leadership at Heritage Trust Company of New Mexico helped guide the company to record growth, recognition for excellence in fiduciary management and compliance, and care to families. After returning to the practice of law, I was able to quickly turn my fiduciary experience into a successful legal practice at Pregenzer Baysinger Wideman & Sale, P.C.

Today, I focus my practice on Estate Planning, Guardianships and Conservatorships, including serving as Guardian Ad Litem, Probate, Trust and Estate Administration, and Beneficiary Representation, helping individuals and families protect what matters most, plan for the future, and navigate sensitive transitions with care and confidence.

Experience and Accomplishments

Attorney, Pregenzer Baysinger Wideman & Sale, P.C. – Served as legal counsel to clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Probate, Trust & Estate Administration, and Fiduciary Services.
President & CEO, Heritage Trust Company of New Mexico – Led the firm to exceed $100 million in assets under management, overseeing fiduciary, investment, and fiduciary services across multiple offices to many families and their loved ones.
Banking & Finance Attorney – Served as counsel to leading financial institutions in New York City, including Citibank, N.A., Marine Midland Bank, N.A. (HSBC), and The Daiwa Bank, N.A., including representing Citibank’s WorldWide Securities Services Legal department. In addition to representing Citibank’s trust and custody departments, I was responsible for creating the framework and the account opening process for the custody of securities in Citibank’s branches and offices in over 50 countries. I also assisted the Global Relationship Bank in connection with the Citibank-Traveler’s merger
Corporate Associate – Served as an Associate at Dewey Ballantine Bushby Palmer & Wood, and Reboul, MacMurray, Hewitt, Maynard & Kristol, documenting and negotiating multimillion-dollar transactions, including venture capital investments, merger’s and acquisitions, securities matters, and municipal finance transactions.
Nonprofit Leadership – Founding Executive Director of Taos Community Foundation and advisor to organizations including the United Way of Northern New Mexico, ACLU of New Mexico, and Southwest CARE Center.
Board Member – Served on the Board of Heritage Trust and various non-profit organizations.

Education

Columbia University School of Law – J.D., 1984

Columbia College – B.A. in Psychology, 1981

Admissions to Practice Law

New Mexico State Bar – Admitted in 2008, currently in good standing
New York State Bar – Admitted in 1985, currently in good standing

Professional Memberships

Member, New Mexico Estate Planning Council

Member, Santa Fe Estate Planning Council

Member, New Mexico Bar Association Elder Law Section, and Real Property, Trust & Estate Sections

Beyond the Law

Outside of my professional work, I am an avid writer, photographer, and lifelong student of Eastern philosophy, Taiji Quan, and Qigong. I enjoy hiking, gardening, and exploring Northern New Mexico’s mountains, rivers and amazing landscapes, embracing the same curiosity, care and discipline that shape my legal practice.