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Reflecting on Black History Month with State Bar of New Mexico President Aja N. Brooks
New Mexico is an incredibly diverse place and the mission of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Equity in Justice Program is to work to develop a legal profession that is representative of and reflective of the people of New Mexico. With that in mind, each quarter we will be curating a list of Reflections for you to read, listen to and watch.
In honor of Black History Month, we bring you this Reflections feature curated in collaboration with the State Bar of New Mexico's first Black President, Aja N. Brooks.
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Board of Bar Commissioners - Appointment of Commissioner to Vacancy in the Third and Sixth Judicial Districts
One vacancy exists on the Board of Bar Commissioners in the Third and Sixth Judicial Districts. Pursuant to Rule 24-101(F), vacancies of district bar commissioners shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Bar Commissioners, and district bar commissioners so appointed shall serve until Dec. 31. An election of a district bar commissioner to fill the unexpired term shall be held with the next regular election of bar commissioners following the appointment to fill the vacancy. The Board of Bar Commissioners will make an appointment at its Feb. 28 meeting. Active status members with a principal place of practice (address of record) in these districts are eligible to apply. The 2025 Board of Bar Commissioners meetings are scheduled for: Feb. 28 (Albuquerque), May 15-17 (Las Cruces, in conjunction with a board retreat), July 31-Aug. 2 (Sandia Resort, in conjunction with the State Bar of New Mexico Annual Meeting), Oct. 24 (Albuquerque) and Dec. 10 (Santa Fe). Members interested in serving on the Board should submit a letter of interest and resume to bbc@sbnm.org by close of business (MT) on Feb. 14.
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Join Our Team as Development Program Director!
The New Mexico State Bar Foundation seeks qualified applicants to join our team as a full-time (40 hours/week) Development Program Director. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading fundraising efforts for the New Mexico State Bar Foundation, creating and managing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, building relationships with stakeholders, cultivating donors and sponsors, securing grant funding, and organizing Foundation fundraising events. $65,000-$75,000 per year, 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.
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Join Our Team as Telephone Helpline Intake Screener!
The New Mexico State Bar Foundation seeks qualified applicants to join our team as a full-time (40 hours/week) Telephone Helpline Intake Screener. The successful applicant will answer Bar Foundation Legal Helplines incoming calls, conduct/complete intakes and establish case files in the Legal Services Programs electronic case management systems. Fluency in Spanish is preferred. $18-$20/hour, 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.
Visit www.sbnm.org/SBNMjobs for full details and application instructions.
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Holiday Hours: The State Bar of New Mexico offices and the State Bar Center Will Be Closed on Feb. 17 In Observance of President's Day | |
Access to Justice Fund Grant Commission 2025-2026 Grant Process Now Open
The State Bar of New Mexico Access to Justice Fund Grant Commission now seeks grant applications from nonprofit organizations that provide civil legal services to low income New Mexicans within the scope of the State Plan. Upon review of the applications, the Grant Commission will make the final decision regarding applicants to be awarded grants and the amount of each grant. The deadline for proposals is April 1.
The Request for Proposals can be found at https://www.sbnm.org/Leadership/commissions/Access-to-Justice-Fund-Grant-Commission. Contact the ATJFG Administrator at ATJFG-Admin@sbnm.org.
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Invitation to the Judicial CLEAR Survey
Colleagues,
I am the vice-chair of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR). CLEAR is studying the law school experience, practice readiness, and public services gaps across America. We want to hear from practicing attorneys across the country about their law school and legal experience. This survey will close on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Your perspective will help inform the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR) as it works to develop recommendations to improve bar admissions, ensure practice readiness of newly admitted attorneys and pathways into public service.
This survey is anonymous, and your identity and individual response will not be shared. This survey should take between 15-20 minutes and your responses will be saved if you exit before completion.
CLEAR Law Student and Attorney Survey
Thank you in advance for participating in this important project.
Sincerely,
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Justice C. Shannon Bacon
New Mexico Supreme Court.
| Save the Date for the State Bar of New Mexico's 2025 Annual Meeting - July 31 through Aug. 2 at Sandia Resort & Casino - Featuring Keynote Speaker Bryan Stevenson! | The Digital Resource Deskbook 2025-2026 Is Coming Soon! Advertising Opportunities Are Now Available To State Bar of New Mexico Licensees At A Discount! | |
Careers at the State Bar of New Mexico | |
Upcoming Programs From The
Center for Legal Education
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Democracy's Battle: Understanding the Legacy and Tactics of Voter Suppression
Back to Basics Part 1: The Rules of Professional Conduct
REPLAY: 'Would You Mind Making Some Copies?': Recent Research in Gender Bias
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SBNM Professional Programs Group | | |
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The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP)
Did You Know?
February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to explore the connection between heart health and emotional/mental well-being. Research shows that chronic stress and burnout in professionals can increase the risk of heart disease by up to 40%. However, simple practices like mindful breathing, gratitude journaling and maintaining strong social connections can significantly lower cortisol levels and improve heart rate variability—key indicators of both cardiovascular and mental health.
This month, consider small, heart-healthy habits such as taking short movement breaks, prioritizing sleep, incorporating omega-3-rich foods into your diet and connecting with friends and family in a meaningful way to support both your physical and emotional well-being.
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Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)
In addition to other member resources, the Professional Development Program has developed and posted to the State Bar website checklists, forms, articles and links to relevant resources to allow lawyers to follow best practices when engaged in succession planning, closing files, managing trust accounts, appearing before a tribunal in a virtual setting and starting a small law firm. You can find them at the Professional Development Program tab on the State Bar’s website.
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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.
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Important Notices, Announcements and Deadlines | |
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State Bar Notices
Court Notices
Legal Community Notices
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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. | |
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Gene Franchini New Mexico High School Mock Trial Competition
Judges Needed in Albuquerque and Las Cruces
The Gene Franchini New Mexico High School Mock Trial Competition needs judges. The qualifier competitions will be held Feb. 21 and 22 in Albuquerque and Las Cruces at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque and the U.S. District Court in Las Cruces.
The deadline for application to be a judge in the Gene Franchini New Mexico High School Mock Trial Competition is Feb. 19.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristen at the Center for Civic Values at
505-764‐9417 or Kristen@civicvalues.org.
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Legal Clinics & Workshops | |
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Divorce Options Workshop
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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. | |
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Ruby
Ruby’s friendly, U.S.-based virtual receptionists answer your phone calls, 24/7/365, as a true extension of your firm! Answering with your custom greeting, they’re then able to make live transfers, take messages, perform intake, help with calendaring, or even assist with calendaring. Ready to answer all calls or be used as backup, Ruby is the best teammate you never had. State Bar members receive an 8% lifetime discount on all plans!
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