New Mexico Supreme Court - Remote Proceedings and Meeting Standards

The courtroom, whether a physical in-person courtroom, or a virtual courtroom, remains a formal and serious setting where judges hear matters involving real people that affect real lives. Every case is important, and all participants should maintain court decorum in the virtual world, just as they would in person. The New Mexico Supreme Court asks all individuals participating in Remote Court proceedings, as well as all meetings called by a member of the New Mexico Judiciary, to continue to observe the following well-established rules of court standards and decorum.



Please view the full procedure for remote proceedings and meeting standards by clicking the button below.

New Mexico Supreme Court - Notice of Vacancy on the Rules of Evidence Committee

A new position recently became available on the Rules of Evidence Committee. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on this committee may apply by submitting an application, along with a resume, to my attention: 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. Applications for the Rules of Evidence Committee will be accepted through Nov. 3. 

New Mexico Supreme Court - 2023 Year-End Rule Amendments

Under Rule 23-106.1 NMRA, the Supreme Court has approved a number of changes to the rules, forms, and uniform jury instructions for the 2023 rulemaking cycle. A summary of those changes that the Court approved on Nov. 1, 2023 can be viewed by clicking the button below. The summary also includes out-of-cycle amendments that the Court approved on Nov. 1, 2023. Unless otherwise noted below and in the history note at the end of each approved rule, form, or UJI, most 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 by clicking here. Approved rule amendments will also appear on NMOneSource.com by their effective date.

Second Judicial District Court - Dedication Ceremony Celebrates Justice Charles W. Daniels' Legacy

Friends, family, and members of the legal community gathered late Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Second Judicial District Court to dedicate Courtroom 302 as the Charles W. Daniels Memorial Courtroom, in honor of the late New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Charles Daniels. The ceremony celebrated Justice Daniels’ life and legacy, with speakers who included Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge Marie C. Ward, Randi McGinn, Janette Daniels Gurley (Justice Charles W. Daniels' daughter), Joseph Goldberg and District Judge William Parnall. 

Read about the dedication ceremony in full by clicking the button below.

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 Hispanic Bar Association Holiday Fundraiser

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

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 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).

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.

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.