2023 Breakout Track - Featured Sections

CLE & Events Annual Meeting 2023 Speakers & Content 2023 Breakout Tracks 2023 Breakout Track - Featured Sections

2023 Annual Meeting Breakout Track - Featured Sections

Featured Sections Track

Several of our practice sections, the Indian Law Section, Employment and Labor Law Section and the Paralegal Division, have coordinated sessions relevant to their practice areas.

The Indian Law section of the State Bar of New Mexico focuses on legal issues affecting Native American communities and individuals, specifically involving advocating for Indian tribes and their members, negotiating with federal and state governments, protecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, preserving cultural and religious traditions, ensuring access to justice for Native American individuals and communities, promoting economic development, and addressing issues related to natural resources and the environment.

The Employment and Labor Law section of the State Bar of New Mexico focuses on providing resources and support to legal professionals who practice in the areas of employment and labor law, including representing clients in disputes involving labor and employment issues, such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations.

The Paralegal Division of the State Bar of New Mexico focuses on supporting and promoting the professional development of paralegals in the state. This division provides a platform for paralegals to connect, collaborate, and network with each other and with legal professionals.

Update from the Supreme Court on Overtime Compensation Issues (1.0 G)

Presented by the Employment and Labor Law Section

When is a highly paid employee entitled to overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act? The U.S. Supreme Court weighs in: a review of Helix Energy Solutions v. Hewitt and evolving FLSA overtime compensation issues.

The Effective (and Ethical) Use of Paralegals (1.0 EP)

Presented by the Paralegal Division

This will be a panel discussion including paralegals, attorneys and judges on what paralegals can/cannot do and how to optimize the skills of paralegals to the benefit of the court, attorney, and client.

Indian Law 101 (1.0 G)

Presented by the Indian Law Section

An overview explaining the recognition of tribal sovereignty and general guide of foundational cases that create the Indian law framework and federal policy. Key points to be discussed are federal, state, and tribal jurisdiction, property rights, gaming, natural resources, economic development, and taxation.

Tribal Law in New Mexico: Reflections of Culture and Values (1.0 EP)

Presented by the Indian Law Section

Tribal law incorporates and reflects the community values of the Pueblos and Tribes of New Mexico, values that often vary from other communities in our state. The panel will address in general terms how tribal law is developed and underscore some of the themes that protect the sovereignty and values of each of New Mexico’s 22 recognized tribes.

Practice in Tribal Courts: Pointers on Actions in Indian Country (1.0 G)

Presented by the Indian Law Section

Although relatively few lawyers in New Mexico focus on Tribal Court practice, you never know if and when you might end up in tribal court. Whether an action originates in tribal court, you need a subpoena, or you want to enforce a judgment, it is important to understand the differences and similarities among the numerous tribal courts in New Mexico, and how practice can differ from state and federal courts. Experienced tribal court judges and/or Indian Law practitioners will explore those issues and more.