Newsroom & Articles

The New Mexico Access to Justice Commission, as a commission of the New Mexico Supreme Court, sets priorities for civil legal providers around the state, makes recommendations to the Supreme Court to improve court services, and troubleshoots legal service issues statewide as they arise. The ATJ Commission regularly provides information about issues important to civil legal needs in New Mexico in the Bar Bulletin to keep members of the bar up-to-date.

"Well-Being? Me, Solo/Small Firm Gal-Guy? Who Are You Kidding? I Don't Have Time for "Me", or Well-Being!!!"by Briggs CheneyTRUE OR FALSE: Solo/Small Firm (SSF) lawyers don’t have the time or the luxury of thinking about their own wellbeing? It would not be unfair to call that a trick question. It would also not be unfair to say there is no wrong answer to the question.I tire of buzz words and phrases, and while it is a little disingenuous (another word I don’...

Dear State Bar of New Mexico Members,The State Bar of New Mexico’ s Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession has reported on the status of diverse members in the legal profession for several decades now. More recently, our Committee on Women and the Legal Profession began reporting on the status of women attorneys. As we progress as a community and commit ourselves to equal access to justice in our profession, we see the need for specific programming and education to address ine...

Two new attorneys were inducted into the Roehl Circle of Honor. The Circle of Honor is named after the late Joseph E. Roehl who is known as one of the premier trial lawyers of our generation. New inductees are welcomed into the circle each year to honor his memory and commitment to the trial lawyer community.Lisa Curtis, Jerry Roehl, and Ned ShepherdLisa Curtis is the founding partner of Curtis & Co. Law Firm. For 28 years, Lisa has prosecuted negligent and reckless corporations, people, ins...

From its inception in 2020, the New Mexico Well-Being Committee has maintained that it’s time for a culture change in the legal community; one that supports, encourages, and provides resources for its members’ well-being. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all; not at the individual lawyer level, nor at the community level. Indeed, there are many different sub-communities within the larger legal community, each with its own needs and perspectives on well-being. Thus, the Committee is...

The State Bar of New Mexico announces its 2022 leadership: President Carolyn A. Wolf (Santa Fe), President-Elect Benjamin I. Sherman (Albuquerque), and Secretary-Treasurer Erinna M. Atkins (Alamogordo). The State Bar is governed by a 23-member Board of Bar Commissioners (BBC), elected by the membership. President Wolf and Secretary-Treasurer Atkins were sworn in during a ceremony on Dec. 8, 2021, by New Mexico Supreme Court Justice C. Shannon Bacon. President-Elect Sherman will be formally ...

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared August 26, 2021 as "Paralegal Day" in the State of New Mexico. 

The last year has seen many changes in the way lawyers and courts conduct business. One of the most obvious changes is the increased reliance on virtual platforms, such as Google Meets, Polycom Realpresence, and Zoom, to conduct hearings and trials. While often necessary and sometimes convenient for the lawyers, the parties, witnesses, and the court, it is important to always remember that virtual hearings and trials are still formal court proceedings. Please view the video for reminders of prop...

The State Bar of New Mexico supports all Americans to express their First Amendment rights through peaceful protest, guaranteed by our Constitution. However...

Supreme Court Justice Julie J. Vargas was sworn into office on Jan. 25. Chief Justice Michael Vigil administered the oath of office to the justice during a ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom