|
2024 Paralegal Division Survey Summary and Final Report
The Paralegal Division conducted a survey in late 2024 of its members and other legal staff and collected statistical and practical information relating to salaries, benefits and utilization of paralegals within the legal community in order to better understand the economics of paralegal employment in New Mexico. For a quick overview of the results, see the link below for a summary. For the details, see the link for the full report which follows the summary.
2024 Paralegal Division Survey Summary and Final Report
If you have any questions or need further information about the survey, please contact the Division at pd@sbnm.org.
| |
Calling on New Mexico Attorneys! Please Volunteer for the Bar Exam Coaching Program
The State Bar of New Mexico’s Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession is proud to offer an inclusive coaching program for applicants from all diverse backgrounds taking the New Mexico Bar Exam. The program is designed to match an applicant with a committed attorney volunteer who will serve as a resource for the applicant. Coaches and applicants will communicate in person, via phone, e-mail, and/or virtual meeting during the applicant's bar preparation. Attorney volunteers will not be expected to teach applicants substantive law. To volunteer or to learn more, contact State Bar of New Mexico Equity in Justice Attorney Abby Lewis at abby.lewis@sbnm.org.
| Save the Date for the State Bar of New Mexico's 2025 Annual Meeting - July 31 through Aug. 2 at Sandia Resort & Casino - Book Your Hotel Room At The Special Discounted Rate of Only $229/night! | |
Join Our Team as IT/AV Support Specialist!
The State Bar of New Mexico seeks a qualified applicant to join our team as a full-time (40 hours/week) IT/AV Support Specialist. The successful incumbent will work closely with the IT Director and IT Services Manager to ensure the smooth operation of audiovisual (AV) systems, phone systems, and IT support services. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting AV equipment, coordinating room rental needs, managing phone system support, and providing frontline technical assistance to staff, renters, and members. Additionally, this role will oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of AV equipment for on-site and off-site events, including live streaming services. The hourly rate for this position is $20-$22, depending on experience and qualifications. Generous benefits package included. This position qualifies for partial telecommuting. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@sbnm.org.
Visit www.sbnm.org/SBNMjobs for full details and application instructions.
| | | |
You're Invited to the UNM School of Law Alumni/ae Association Law Scholarship Golf Classic
Join the UNM School of Law for the Alumni/ae Association Law Scholarship Golf Classic presented by Nusenda Credit Union on June 6 at the UNM Championship Golf Course! This tournament raises funds for law student scholarships. To register for the tournament, email lynn.taylor@law.unm.edu or register online at https://lawschool.unm.edu/alumni/events/golf.html.
| |
New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts Seeks Input on Accessibility
The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of its policies, programs, and facilities to determine the extent to which individuals with disabilities may be restricted in their access across the New Mexico State Judiciary. The AOC is contracting with Altura Solutions to assist with the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. The team will evaluate all 13 Districts of the Judiciary including Magistrate Courts, Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. This initiative underscores a dedication to ensuring equal access and opportunities for all residents regardless of ability and marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive judiciary. Please complete the online survey currently available to capture your experiences and provide helpful prioritization preferences in regards to programs and facilities of the Judiciary here: https://www.accessforall-nmcourts.com/community-survey.
A public meeting to discuss accessibility in the New Mexico Judiciary buildings and programs will be held on April 15 at 5 p.m. (MT) at the Southside Public Library in Santa Fe, N.M., located at 6599 Jaguar Dr., Santa Fe, N.M. 87507.
Read more about the courts’ ADA Transition Plan here: https://nmcourts.gov/ada-transition-plan-project/.
Please direct all inquiries to ADA@nmcourts.gov.
| New Mexico State Bar Foundation's Center for Legal Education - Submit Your 2025 Speaker Presentation Proposal Form Today! | |
Board of Bar Commissioners - Appointment to Civil Legal Services Commission
Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 34-14-1 (2001), the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment to the Civil Legal Services Commission for a three-year term. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico and must have experience with civil legal matters affecting low-income persons. Attorneys who wish to apply to serve on the commission should send a letter of interest and brief resume by May 5 to bbc@sbnm.org.
| |
Board of Bar Commissioners - Appointment of Young Lawyer Delegate to ABA House of Delegates
Pursuant to the American Bar Association Constitution and Bylaws (Rules of the Procedure House of Delegates) Article 6, Section 6.4, the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment of a young lawyer delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates for a two-year term, which will commence at the conclusion of the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting and expire at the conclusion of the 2027 ABA Annual Meeting. Members wishing to serve as the young lawyer delegate to the ABA HOD must have been admitted to the practice of law in any state for ten (10) years or less; they must also be a licensed New Mexico attorney and a current ABA member in good standing throughout the tenure as a delegate and be willing to attend meetings or otherwise complete his/her term and responsibilities without reimbursement or compensation from the State Bar; however, the ABA provides reimbursement for expenses to attend the ABA mid-year meeting. Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest and brief resume by May 5 to bbc@sbnm.org.
| | Careers at the State Bar of New Mexico
& New Mexico State Bar Foundation | |
Upcoming Programs From The New Mexico State Bar Foundation's
Center for Legal Education
| | |
The AI Edge: Enhancing Legal Practice with ChatGPT
Ethics in the Age of AI: Navigating the Legal Landscape with ChatGPT
"I've Got a Secret." The Broad Reach of Attorneys' Duties of Confidentiality
| | |
CLE Course Spotlight
Retirement or Rewirement: Crafting Your Successful Next Chapter
May 8, In-Person or Webinar
2 - 4:45 p.m.
2.0 EP
This event will discuss the professional and personal challenges lawyers face when planning for and transitioning from the full-time practice of law to full or partial retirement. Through the use of a film documenting one lawyer’s professional journey, a panel discussion, and a presentation from an executive leadership coach, the event will include discussions about the practical and ethical challenges faced when disengaging from practice. The event will also address the risks to lawyers and their clients when lawyers choose—or, by economic circumstances, are forced—to stay in practice beyond a reasonable stopping point. Additionally, the event will explore options for continuing to stay engaged in a different model of practice, the importance of early financial and succession planning for lawyers, their clients, and their families, and the professional and personal turmoil faced when a lawyer suddenly ceases practice due to unforeseen circumstances.
| | SBNM Professional Programs Group | | | | |
The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP)
Did You Know? April is Stress Awareness Month!
Stress is a constant in the legal field, but unmanaged stress can lead to burnout, impaired decision-making, and even health issues. Here are some key facts:
- Legal professionals rank among the most stressed workers
- Chronic stress impacts memory and concentration
- Lawyers are twice as likely to experience depression
- Substance abuse is a growing issue in the field
Simple Ways to Manage Stress:
- Set Boundaries – Protect personal time and avoid overworking.
- Prioritize Health – Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise.
- Use Time Management Tools – Plan effectively to reduce overwhelm.
- Seek Support – Therapy, mentorship, or peer support can make a difference.
This April, take a moment to check in with yourself. What stress relief methods work for you?
| | | | |
Free Webinars Q2 of 2025 by the Employee Assistance Program
The Science of Laughter
April 30, 2025
4 - 5 p.m. (MT)
Register Here
Overload: Staying Centered in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous (VUCA) World
May 30, 2025
1 - 2 p.m. (MT)
Register Here
Communication in Relationships
June 23, 2025
11 a.m. - noon (MT)
Register Here
| | | | |
Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)
The pressures of working in the legal field can take a significant toll on mental health. Long hours, high expectations, and the constant demand for perfection can lead to burnout—where emotional exhaustion and reduced performance take hold. Recognizing the signs early is key to preventing it from overwhelming you. Common signs of burnout include feelings of detachment, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of motivation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to address them before they affect your personal and professional life. Do not hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends or a mental health professional. No one should navigate these challenges alone.
Here is an article that explains ways to prevent burnout: https://www.dcbar.org/news-events/publications/d-c-bar-blog/six-ways-d-c-lawyers-can-stave-off-burnout
| | | | | |
Professional Development Program (PDP)
Did you know that the PDP offers nine different confidential online self-assessments for your practice. Whether it’s intaking, accepting or terminating client representation, best communication practices, managing fees and trust accounts, or how to take care of yourself in the midst of a busy, stressful practice, these assessments are designed to support best practices. Take one, some or all of them today at PDP SELF-ASSESSMENTS. They’re anonymous, confidential, short, free and informative.
| | | Important Notices, Announcements and Deadlines | | |
State Bar Notices
Court Notices
Legal Community Notices
| | Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities | | The New Mexico State Bar Foundation and the legal organizations it supports all provide rich and significant opportunities to provide pro bono and volunteer legal service to underserved populations in New Mexico. Take a look below at some of New Mexico's most impactful options for serving the state's diverse communities. | | Legal Clinics & Workshops | | |
Divorce Options Workshop
.
| | Consumer Debt Bankruptcy Workshop | | Legal Resources for the Elderly Workshop | | For more information on the Volunteer Attorney Referral process, and to learn about the volunteer attorney pool for LREP or the Modest Means Helpline please click the button below. | | |
vLex Fastcase
Fastcase, the legal research platform available to you as a member of the State Bar of New Mexico, has been upgraded to vLex Fastcase, a new legal intelligence and research platform. Coverage includes cases, statues, regulations, court rules and constitutions for all 50 states & Federal. This service is available through www.sbnm.org. vLex also offers free live monthly training webinars. Customer Support is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday. The Support team can be reached at 866-773-2782 or support@fastcase.com, as well as on chat on vLex Fastcase.
| | | | |