Phillip W. Cheves

Phillip W. Cheves is a shareholder and vice president at Butt Thornton & Baehr PC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation and general liability matters, with additional work in sports and recreation and dram shop liability. Cheves represents clients in disputes that require careful assessment of exposure, claims strategy, and potential resolution. His work also involves matters connected to athletes, entertainers, event promoters, venue owners, and businesses facing liability concerns.

Cheves earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1991 and a B.A. from Abilene Christian University in 1987. His legal education provided a foundation in litigation, legal analysis, negotiation, and advocacy. He is admitted to practice in New Mexico and before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting his work in state and federal civil matters.

Cheves has experience handling complex civil disputes, general liability claims, premises-related matters, and sports and recreation issues. His practice also includes dram shop liability matters involving commercial establishments that serve alcohol. In sports and recreation, he works within a practice that addresses athlete and entertainer representation, business management, event operations, and disputes involving promoters and venue owners. This varied background supports practical case evaluation and litigation strategy across a range of civil matters.

Phillip W. Cheves also serves on Butt Thornton & Baehr’s executive committee as vice president, reflecting a leadership role within the firm. He is affiliated with the State Bar of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association, the Texas State Bar, and the International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association. Cheves combines litigation experience, industry-focused work, and firm leadership when helping clients address complex disputes, liability questions, and business-related legal concerns.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Butt Thornton & Baehr PC
• Member, State Bar of New Mexico
• Member, Albuquerque Bar Association
• Member, New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Texas State Bar
• Member, International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association

Licensed State

• New Mexico

Education

• Pepperdine University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Abilene Christian University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)