October 27, 2023

Pro Bono Opportunities
Online Notices

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.

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


Two Commissioner appointments for three-year terms for the Client Protection Fund will be made in accordance with Rule 17A-005 (B). The purpose of the Client Protection Fund is to promote public confidence in the administration of justice and the integrity of the legal profession by reimbursing losses caused by the dishonest conduct of lawyers admitted and licensed to practice law in the courts of New Mexico. The new term will begin Jan. 1, 2024. Applicants must be active members of the State Bar of New Mexico. Anyone interested in serving on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief résumé to kate.kennedy@sbnm.org.

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 by Nov. 15, to Kate Kennedy at kate.kennedy@sbnm.org.

New Mexico Supreme Court: Notice of Current Vacancies

 

The Supreme Court of New Mexico is seeking applications to fill existing vacancies on its committees, boards, and commissions listed here, or by clicking the button below. Unless otherwise noted, any person may apply to serve on any of the listed committees, boards and commissions. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on one or more of the foregoing committees, boards, or commissions may apply by submitting an application, along with a resume, to Elizabeth A. Garcia, Chief Clerk, by email to nmsupremecourtclerk@nmcourts.gov, or by first class mail to P.O. Box 848, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504. The required application form can be found on the Supreme Court’s website at https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/current-vacancies.aspx. Please submit applications by Oct. 31.

View Current Vacancies

New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association Holiday Fundraiser

 

Join the NMHBA for their annual Holiday Fundraiser on Dec. 8 at Demacios Bar & Tapas in Albuquerque. 

Register Here

The New Mexico Civil Rights Act Symposium: Its Meaning and Application


The New Mexico Law Review invites you to the New Mexico Civil Rights Act Symposium: Its Meaning and Application! The symposium will be on Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MT), at the UNM School of Law. This event is approved for 5 general and 1 ethics MCLE credit. Contact Shannel Daniels at nmlrsymposium2023@unm.edu with any questions. Please register by Oct. 21 using the button below.

RSVP Here
Upcoming Programs from the Center for Legal Education:

2023 Business Law Institute


2023 Indian Law Conference


2023 Real Property Institute

View Full Course Catalog

SBNM Professional Programs Group

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.

PDP Website

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 Nov. 14, Nov. 18, 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).

Sign Up Here

The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program


Kindness


Did you know that acts of kindness and altruism can have significant positive effects on your own well-being? Research has shown that when people perform acts of kindness, such as helping others, volunteering, or simply being generous, they experience increased levels of happiness and well-being. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "helper's high."


Additionally, studies have indicated that acts of kindness can lead to the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and social connection. This not only boosts your mood but also strengthens social bonds and can have a ripple effect, promoting well-being in both the giver and the recipient.


So, being kind not only benefits others but can also enhance your own well-being and overall happiness.

The Helper's High: How Being Nice Can Make You Happy

Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)


Step outside and refresh!

We all have busy lives and are often too busy for exercise. One thing we can always make time for is simply stepping outside for some fresh air during your day. Maybe you get to walk to the courthouse from your office or go outside to head to a depo or meeting. Instead of walking straight to your car, or walking straight to the courthouse, take a moment to inhale the fresh air, look around for flowers or trees and just notice the beauty that our state has to offer. When we appreciate with intention instead of going through our routine motions, a sliver of lightness can present itself.

 

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

Judicial Wellness Program

Important Announcements and Deadlines


State Bar Announcements and Deadlines

Court Announcements and Deadlines 


Legal Community Announcements and Deadlines

View Announcements and Deadlines

Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities

The State Bar of New Mexico 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.

The Twelfth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee and the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid will be sponsoring legal fair on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (MT). Attorney volunteers are needed in-person to provide legal consultations through brief advice and counsel. All legal consultations will take place in-person at the Otero County Courthouse located at 1000 New York Ave., Alamogordo, N.M. 88310. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Bella Zayani at Nediaz@nmlegalaid.org.


Sincerely,

District Judge John Sugg

Chair, Twelfth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee

Attorney Sign-Up for Alamogordo

The Ninth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee and the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid are sponsoring the Ask-A-Lawyer legal fair on Nov. 8. Attorney volunteers are needed in-person to provide legal consultations through brief advice and counsel. All legal consultations will take place in-person at the Eastern New Mexico University - Campus Union Building at 1500 S. K Avenue, Portales, N.M. 88130. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Bella Zayani at Nediaz@nmlegalaid.org.


Sincerely,

District Judge Mowrer

Chair, Ninth Judicial District Pro Bono Committee

Attorney Sign-Up for Portales

The Third Judicial District Pro Bono Committee, the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid and the Southern New Mexico Bar Association will be hosting a Law-La-Palooza legal fair on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (MT). Attorney volunteers are needed in-person to provide legal consultations through brief advice and counsel. All legal consultations will take place in-person at the Branigan Library located at 200 E. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces, N.M. 88001. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Bella Zayani at Nediaz@nmlegalaid.org.


Sincerely,

District Judge Robert Lara

Chair, Third Judicial District Pro Bono Committee

Attorney Sign-Up for Las Cruces

Join the Volunteer Attorney Program for the Next ECHO Session

 

Join the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. for a special ECHO session during Pro Bono Month. Discussion will include the importance of pro bono work and will highlight the ethics of communicating with clients of limited means. Judges and volunteer attorneys will also speak to their pro bono experiences during the meeting to provide insight on the value of pro bono work.

Sign Up Here

The New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program needs judges for its next event on Nov. 3, hosted by the Third Judicial District Circuit Court and the US District Court in Las Cruces. Those interested in attending the event may sign up at by Oct. 20. Please email any questions to Kristen Leeds at Kristen@civicvalues.org or by phone at 505-764-9417.

Sign Up Here
View All Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities
Legal Clinics & Workshops
Divorce Options Workshop
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Attendees will learn how to save time, money and stress at a the State Bar's free Divorce Options Workshop. The virtual workshop includes a presentation by a volunteer attorney, materials on divorce and an open question-and-answer period. This virtual event is a free community service open to the public. Workshops are held (usually) on the first Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. (MT) To register please call 505-797-6022.
Download Flyer
Consumer Debt Bankruptcy Workshop
Get answers to questions about repossessions, foreclosures, collection issues, bankruptcy and more. The free presentation includes a presentation by a volunteer attorney, an open question and answer period and a one on one consultation with an attorney. The virtual workshops occur on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November) at 6 p.m (MT). To register please call 505-797-6094.

Download Flyer
Legal Resources for Elderly Workshop
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The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) presents free legal workshops. Seniors, family members and others who work with seniors are invited to attend. The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program can be reached at 505-797-6005 or
1-800-876-6657.





View Calendar

For more information on the Volunteer Attorney Referral process, and to learn about the volunteer attorney pool for LREP or N.M. Legal Aid's Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP), please click the button below.

Volunteer Sign-Up

Careers at the State Bar

Modest Means Helpline Staff Attorneys 
Featured Member Benefit

Fastcase


Fastcase is a free member service that includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules and constitutions. This service is available through www.sbnm.org. Fastcase also offers free live training webinars. Visit www.fastcase.com/webinars to view current offerings. Reference attorneys will provide assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday. Customer service can be reached at 866-773-2782 or support@fastcase.com.

State Bar of New Mexico | 505-797-6000 | info@sbnm.org | www.sbnm.org