Board of Bar Commissioners - 2023 Election

Voting in the 2023 election for the State Bar of New Mexico Board of Bar Commissioners is now open and will close at noon on Nov. 30. Voting is being conducted electronically. Five candidates are running for two positions in the First Judicial District (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties). To vote in this district, you need to be an active status member with a principal place of practice (address of record) in the First Judicial District. If you haven’t received a link from elections@sbnm.org, please contact techsupport@sbnm.org.

New Mexico Supreme Court - Summary of Out-of-Cycle Rule Amendments

In accordance with Rule 23-106.1 NMRA, the Supreme Court has approved a number of out-of-cycle rule amendments. What follows is a summary of amendments that the Court approved on Nov. 15, 2023. Unless noted in the history note at the end of each approved rule, the amendments will take effect on Dec. 31, 2023. The full text of the amendments in markup format and the related orders are available on the Court’s website here. Approved rule amendments will also appear on NMOneSource.com by their effective date.

CLE Weekly Special Edition: What You Missed During the 2023 Annual Meeting

Did you miss out on getting your CLE credits during the 2023 Annual Meeting? We recorded the programs! Check out our 2023 Annual Meeting Highlights programs and sign up for CLE savings with course bundles! Save up to 12% on a 2-Day Marathon, which includes four Highlights at a nice discount!

Administrative Office of the Courts - Notice of Request for Letters of Interest

The AOC’s Court-Appointed Attorney Program (CAAP) is seeking letters of interest from attorneys to be considered for a contract to provide representation services for mental health proceedings. The contracts will be in individual districts around the state starting December 1, 2023. There are also opportunities for other court appointments. 

Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission - Notice of Vacancies

Pursuant to Rule 28-101 NMRA, which governs the procedure for evaluating judges standing for retention and interim evaluations, the President of the State Bar of New Mexico nominates three lawyers from which the Supreme Court appoints a member to serve on the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission for a six-year term. Active status members wishing to serve on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief resume by Dec. 8 to bbc@sbnm.org.

New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Legacy Project Video

The NM LAP Legacy Project stands as a tribute to the collective efforts of those attorneys who united in 1988 and to the people that helped to continue to make the program what it is today. It serves as a commemorative gesture to those absent, those among us, and to every individual who has played a role in molding this program. Furthermore, it extends a legacy to those who will come after, offering insight into the genesis of this initiative and those people we remember alongside it.

This endeavor is a profound dedication to every person who has woven their unique narrative into the rich tapestry of the NM LAP.

Board of Bar Commissioners - New Mexico Access to Justice Commission Appointment

The Board of Bar Commissioners will make two appointments to the NM Access to Justice Commission for three-year terms. The Commission is dedicated to expanding and improving civil legal assistance by increasing pro bono and other support to indigent people in New Mexico. Active status attorneys in New Mexico who would like to serve on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief resume by Nov. 27 to bbc@sbnm.org.

New Mexico Black Lawyers Association Presents 2023 Virtual Lunch and Learn CLE: "Coding Justice: Addressing Bias in Artificial Intelligence"

The New Mexico Black Lawyers Association invites you to attend its 2023 Virtual Lunch and Learn CLE, "Coding Justice: Addressing Bias in Artificial Intelligence," presented by Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin, Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico School of Law. The virtual CLE will take place from noon until 1 p.m. (MT) on Dec. 15 (1.0 Ethics Credit Pending) via Zoom.

Registration is $50 for attorneys seeking CLE credit. There is a discounted registration of $30 for NMBLA members, government attorneys and paralegals. Community members can join for free but must RSVP using the community member registration link. Please register via our website: https://newmexicoblacklawyersassociation.org/. The deadline to request a refund is Dec. 11.  

Board of Bar Commissioners - Disciplinary Board Appointment

The President of the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment to the Disciplinary Board for a three-year term. Members wishing to serve on the Board should send a letter of interest and brief resume by Nov. 27 to bbc@sbnm.org.

Board of Bar Commissioners - New Mexico State Bar Foundation Board Public Director Appointment

The Board of Bar Commissioners of the State Bar of New Mexico will appoint one public director to the New Mexico State Bar Foundation Board for a three-year term. The New Mexico State Bar Foundation advances the legal community’s commitment to serve the legal profession and people of New Mexico. Through member donations, fundraising and programs, the Foundation provides and promotes access to legal services to underserved New Mexicans. The Foundation also supports public service, education, and diversity, as well as organizations consistent with its mission. For more information about the Bar Foundation, visit https://www.sbnm.org/Bar-Foundation. Members of the public interested in serving on the Board should submit a letter of interest and resume to bbc@sbnm.org by Nov. 27.

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 to Kate Kennedy at kate.kennedy@sbnm.org.

Board of Bar Commissioners - Disciplinary Board Appointment

The President of the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment to the Disciplinary Board for a three-year term. Members wishing to serve on the Board should send a letter of interest and brief resume by Nov. 27 to bbc@sbnm.org.

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

Join conversations facilitated by Dr. Amanda Parker, Equity in Justice Director of the State Bar of New Mexico, and Torri Jacobus, Statewide Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Director for the Administrative Office of the Courts for the next Equity in Justice Book Club pick, "Lies My Teacher Told Me," by James Loewen. The discussions will take place on Dec. 12, Jan. 9, 2024, Jan. 23, 2024, Feb. 6, 2024 and Feb. 20, 2024. Each session will go from noon to 1:30 p.m. (MT).

The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program

Connection

Did you know that social connections and relationships have a significant impact on our overall health and longevity? Studies have consistently shown that individuals with strong social networks and close relationships tend to live longer, experience less stress, and have better mental and emotional well-being.

For instance, a landmark study conducted by Harvard University known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has been ongoing for over 80 years, found that the quality of a person's relationships is a better predictor of physical and mental health than factors like genetics, diet, or exercise. It suggests that fostering meaningful and supportive connections with friends and family is not only essential for our happiness but also for our long-term well-being.

This fact underscores the importance of nurturing and maintaining social relationships as a fundamental component of a healthy and fulfilling life.

The Solutions Group Employee Assistance Program - Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Free Webinar (Dec. 5 / Dec. 13)

Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)

Keep them separated!

Many of us have moved to our home offices, either for convenience or to save money. Have you either moved home to work or find yourselves sometimes at home conducting client meetings, business meetings or even court hearings from your home office? Sometimes, we may find that the lines between our work life and personal life get blurred, so much so that we may find ourselves eating cereal in our kitchen and answering email at the kitchen table. Finding ways to keep that office space in your home separated from your daily living and personal life can be helpful.

5 suggested tips:

• Set Clear boundaries between your office and home (physical and mental).
• Set a time after which you will no longer check your inbox.
• Turn off notifications on work devices in the evening.
• Set aside one part of the day for meetings and calls.
• Use a separate work phone or laptop.

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