Watch the New Officer

Swearing-In Livestream!

The 2024 State Bar of New Mexico New Officer Swearing-In Ceremony will be livestreamed from the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, N.M. on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. (MT). Erinna M. “Erin” Atkins will be sworn in as the 2024 State Bar of New Mexico President, along with Aja N. Brooks being sworn in as the President-Elect and Allison H. Block-Chavez being sworn in as the Secretary-Treasurer. Click the button below to view the ceremony live.

New Legal Well-Being in Action Episode: Ho, Ho, Hold on a Minute: The Stresses and Joys of the Holiday Season

In this episode, the State Bar of New Mexico's Professional Programs Group Director Pamela Moore speaks with clinical psychologist Dr. Evelyn Sandeen about the stresses and joys of the holiday season and how to successfully manage the stresses through in-depth strategies.

Join the Equity in Justice Program for the Kickoff to the Equity in Justice CLE Credit

In celebration of the forthcoming addition of the Equity in Justice CLE credit, the State Bar of New Mexico's Equity in Justice Program is kicking off with an opportunity to learn more about the Equity in Justice CLE requirement and how it will work in 2024. Join the Equity in Justice Program on Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. (MT) at the State Bar Center for a discussion about the Equity in Justice CLE Credit as well as the 2024 Equity in Justice CLE Series that the State Bar will be offering at a low cost. Reserve your spot for this event by clicking the button below. For more information, contact Equity in Justice Program Director Dr. Amanda Parker at amanda.parker@sbnm.org.

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. 

New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Presents "Strengthening New Mexico: Navigating the Perils and Promise of Federal Awards"

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration is hosting a CLE titled, "Strengthening New Mexico: Navigating the Perils and Promise of Federal Awards." In this CLE, co-sponsored by the State Bar of New Mexico's Public Law Section, there will be a presentation and discussion that go over a variety of topics relating to federal awards, focusing on acquiring and managing federal funds. Attendees will earn 1.0 General CLE Credit and is free to public sector lawyers. Registrants will receive New Mexico federal data and legal toolkits on attendance. For more information, please contact Patrick Schaefer at Patrick.Schaefer1@dfa.nm.gov.

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.  

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.

Professional Development Program

Wrestling with an ethics or best practices issue? Did you know that the PDP offers New Mexico lawyers a free, confidential helpline to discuss issues related to the Rules of Professional Conduct, professional liability and law practice management. Call the helpline at 1-800-326-8155.  

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

Spending Time in Nature

Did you know that spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health? This concept is known as "ecotherapy" or "nature therapy." Research has shown that spending time in natural settings, such as forests, parks, or near bodies of water, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve mood, boost creativity, and enhance overall well-being.

In Japan, there's a practice known as "shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing," where people deliberately immerse themselves in natural environments to reap the benefits of being in nature. The practice has gained recognition for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress.

This fact highlights the importance of incorporating time in nature as a well-being strategy and emphasizes the positive impact of the natural world on our mental and emotional health.

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

Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)

Update/Manage Your Calendar

This may seem a bit simplistic, but the power in really having command of your calendar helps us feel more in control and relaxed about the upcoming day or week because we know what to expect. Also, finding out where the spaces exist for you to have time for your own wellness (i.e., exercise, leisure, family or friend time) can help you make the time for things other than work. By doing that, we may find that we are more relaxed and supported to fully engage in our work. Our productivity can be increased with just this small shift of finding balance. 

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