New Mexico Supreme Court: Notice of Current Vacancies

The Supreme Court of New Mexico is seeking applications to fill existing vacancies on its committees, boards, and commissions listed here, or by clicking the button below. Unless otherwise noted, any person may apply to serve on any of the listed committees, boards and commissions. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on one or more of the foregoing committees, boards, or commissions may apply by submitting an application, along with a resume, to Elizabeth A. Garcia, Chief Clerk, by email to nmsupremecourtclerk@nmcourts.gov, or by first class mail to P.O. Box 848, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504. The required application form can be found on the Supreme Court’s website at https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/current-vacancies.aspx. Please submit applications by Oct. 31.

Civil and Family Law Volunteer Attorneys Needed

The Sixth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee is currently seeking volunteer attorneys for our upcoming Grant County Legal Fair on Oct. 20 at the Western New Mexico University Global Resource Center in Silver City, N.M.

The Twelfth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee is currently seeking volunteer attorneys for our upcoming Lincoln County Legal Fair on Oct. 21 at Eastern New Mexico University in Ruidoso, N.M.

The Third Judicial District Pro Bono Committee, the Volunteer Attorney Program and the Southern New Mexico Bar Association will be hosting a Law-La-Palooza legal fair on Nov. 4 at the Branigan Library in Las Cruces, N.M.

Notice of Commissioner Vacancies

Two Commissioner appointments for three-year terms for the Client Protection Fund will be made in accordance with Rule 17A-005 (B). The purpose of the Client Protection Fund is to promote public confidence in the administration of justice and the integrity of the legal profession by reimbursing losses caused by the dishonest conduct of lawyers admitted and licensed to practice law in the courts of New Mexico. The new term will begin Jan. 1, 2024. Applicants must be active members of the State Bar of New Mexico. Anyone interested in serving on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief résumé to kate.kennedy@sbnm.org.

Notice of Commissioner Vacancies

Four Commissioner appointments for three-year terms will be made to the State Bar of New Mexico ATJ Fund Grant Commission. The ATJ Fund Grant Commission solicits and reviews grant applications and awards grants to civil legal services organizations consistent with the State Plan for the Provision of Civil Legal Services to Low Income New Mexicans. To be eligible for appointment, applicants must not be affiliated with a civil legal service organization which would be eligible for grant funding from the ATJ Fund. Anyone interested in serving on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief résumé by Nov. 15, to Stormy Ralstin at sralstin@sbnm.org.

The Equity in Justice Book Club Presents: "Poverty, by America"

Join the Equity in Justice Book Club, led by State Bar of New Mexico Equity in Justice Director Dr. Amanda Parker and Equity and Justice Commission Chair Torri Jacobus, for more Book Club meetings this Fall discussing Matthew Desmond's "Poverty, by America." The remaining date is Oct. 24 from noon to 1:30 p.m. (MT). Click the button below to register. Please contact Dr. Amanda Parker at amanda.parker@sbnm.org with any questions.

The New Mexico Civil Rights Act Symposium: Its Meaning and Application

The New Mexico Law Review invites you to the New Mexico Civil Rights Act Symposium: Its Meaning and Application! The symposium will be on Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MT), at the UNM School of Law. This event is approved for 5 general and 1 ethics MCLE credit. Contact Shannel Daniels at nmlrsymposium2023@unm.edu with any questions. Please register by Oct. 21 using the button below.

2023 Distinguished Achievement Award and Alumni Promise Award Honorees

The UNM School of Law and the UNM School of Law Alumni/ae Association are proud to announce the 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award and Alumni Promise Award honorees. The Distinguished Achievement Award honorees are (Hon) Judith K. Nakamura (Ret.), Benny Naranjo and Alicia Gutierrez. The Alumni Promise Award honoree is Larissa Lozano. The 2023 UNM School of Law and UNM School of Law Alumni/ae Association Distinguished Achievement Award Dinner will be held on Oct. 20 at the UNM Student Union Building in the ballrooms. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. (MT), followed by dinner and award presentations at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Tickets may be purchased on the UNM School of Law website at https://lawschool.unm.edu/. Funds go toward UNM School of Law scholarships.

New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association Holiday Fundraiser

Join the NMHBA for their annual Holiday Fundraiser on Dec. 8 at Demacios Bar & Tapas in Albuquerque.

Join the Volunteer Attorney Program for the Next ECHO Session

Join the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. for a special ECHO session during Pro Bono Month. Discussion will include the importance of pro bono work and will highlight the ethics of communicating with clients of limited means. Judges and volunteer attorneys will also speak to their pro bono experiences during the meeting to provide insight on the value of pro bono work.

Professional Development Program

Most lawyers are constantly striving to find ways to improve and reach their highest potential, whether that means improving practice skills, profitability, the integration of work and personal life pursuits, seeking a higher level of confidence and overall well-being, improving professional or personal relationships, or some other way. A certified professional coach is someone trained to partner with a person to maximize full personal and professional potential and reach that person’s desired results. To learn more about how a certified professional coach might be of value to you please visit the State Bar website at CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COACHING.

Equity in Justice Program

Sign up for the 9th Annual Symposium on Diversity and Inclusion! This program explores the ongoing struggle to defend the right to learn by confronting book bans and classroom censorship. Dive into the history of the Disability Rights Movement and gain updates on significant legal developments, including the New Mexico Civil Rights Act and the landmark Yazzie vs. Martinez case. Additionally, examine the intersection of reproductive rights and trans rights and learn strategies for effectively responding to challenges to equity and justice in contemporary society. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of key civil rights issues and strategies for advocacy and change. The course will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (MT) on Oct. 27, 2023. Attendees will earn 5.0 G credits and 1.0 EP credit.

The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program

There Is No Work Life Balance!

We often find ourselves speaking to audiences of law students and new lawyers who are trying to figure out what their future as practicing attorneys will look like. At some point, typically toward the end of our remarks, a hand goes up and a dreaded question-as reliable as the law of gravity-lands with a thud: “Do you have any advice as to how to achieve the right work-life balance?”

Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)

Step outside and refresh!

We all have busy lives and are often too busy for exercise. One thing we can always make time for is simply stepping outside for some fresh air during your day. Maybe you get to walk to the courthouse from your office or go outside to head to a depo or meeting. Instead of walking straight to your car, or walking straight to the courthouse, take a moment to inhale the fresh air, look around for flowers or trees and just notice the beauty that our state has to offer. When we appreciate with intention instead of going through our routine motions, a sliver of lightness can present itself.

Try it and let us know how it worked! Reach out with any comments to Sandra.engel@sbnm.org.