Benjamin P. Gifford

Benjamin P. Gifford is an associate lawyer in the Amarillo office of Dugas & Circelli, PLLC, bringing extensive experience in federal and state prosecution, criminal defense, civil litigation, and legal leadership. His diverse background provides a broad perspective on complex legal matters, informed by years of courtroom experience, public service, and military leadership.

Before joining the firm, Benjamin served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, a prosecutor in Colorado’s 4th Judicial District, and a prosecutor with the Potter County District Attorney’s Office in Texas. His private practice experience includes criminal defense, veterans’ disability claims, complex civil litigation, and professional malpractice matters while practicing with Heuser & Heuser, LLP, in Colorado.

Benjamin also served as Director of the Randall County Managed Assigned Counsel program, where he oversaw indigent defense operations, 32 contracted panel lawyers, staff, and a multimillion-dollar budget. He previously represented veterans as defense counsel for the Panhandle Region Veterans Treatment Court.

Before entering the legal profession, Benjamin served eight years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. As a platoon and company commander with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, he completed three combat tours, including two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and received multiple personal and unit awards. His military experience established a foundation of discipline, leadership, and accountability that continues to influence his professional approach.

Benjamin earned his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2011 and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2000, where he competed as a catcher on the university’s PAC-10 baseball team. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and Colorado, with federal court admissions including the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, and federal district courts throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Benjamin resides in the Amarillo area with his wife, Sara, and their five children. Outside the office, he maintains a small family farm and enjoys endurance activities, particularly hiking and mountain climbing.