Newsroom & Articles

On Dec. 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of New Mexico officiated the swearing-in of Erinna M. “Erin” Atkins as President of the State Bar of New Mexico for 2024. In addition to President-Elect Atkins’ swearing-in, Aja N. Brooks was sworn in as the President-Elect and Allison H. Block-Chavez as the Secretary-Treasurer.  The swearing-in took place at La Fonda in Santa Fe, N.M., where many from New Mexico’s legal community gathered alongside the Justices of the New Mexi...

The State Bar of New Mexico honors the passing of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the inspiring first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, who passed away on Dec. 1 at the age of 93.   State Bar of New Mexico President Benjamin I. Sherman stated, “The State Bar of New Mexico honors the life and legendary career of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. I’m sure many of our members will fondly remember when Justice O’Connor j...

Public defenders in the Albuquerque office are hosting three warrant workshops for New Mexicans with warrants from Bernalillo County. These workshops are an alternative to police roundups and court safe surrender programs. They offer a one-stop shop to resolve or get cases back on track.“This is a safe space for our clients. There’s no fear of arrest. They can bring their phones, which they can’t do if they go to court. And we’ll have snacks and some winter essentials for...

The State Bar of New Mexico’s official publication, the Bar Bulletin, published bimonthly, is calling for artwork on 2022 and 2023 covers. Each issue, the Bar Bulletin features artwork from an artist. At this time, we are soliciting for artists and galleries to submit artwork to be displayed on covers of the Bar Bulletin. Each artist is credited on the cover and their short biography will be printed inside the issue. Featured artists will receive a copy of the issue which ex...

The New Mexico State Bar Foundation is excited to announce the opening of the Modest Means Helpline which is a civil legal telephone helpline and pro bono referral service for New Mexico residents of modest means. The Modest Means Helpline was created through the efforts of the Access to Justice Commission, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the State Bar of New Mexico/New Mexico State Bar Foundation with funding from the New Mexico State Legislature. The MM Helpline is an expa...

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...