2025 Board of Bar Commissioners Elections

Voting for the Board of Bar Commissioners elections began on Nov. 5 in the Second Judicial District (Bernalillo County) and the Third and Sixth Judicial Districts (Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna Counties). Voting is being conducted electronically, and a link to the ballot will be sent by email to all active members in those judicial districts (and El Paso County, Texas who vote for members in the Third and Sixth Judicial Districts). See information on the candidates in the Oct. 22 Bar Bulletin. Be sure to check your spam/junk folders for the election email from elections@sbnm.org, and if you have a new email address, please notify us at techsupport@sbnm.org of your new address. The election closes on Nov. 30 at noon (MT).

Building Closure: The State Bar of New Mexico Offices and the State Bar Center Will Be Closed on Nov. 27 & 28

Inclusive Interview – Chrystian J. Gonzalez, Esq.

New Mexico Medical Review Commission – Serve as a Hearing Panelist!

The New Mexico Medical Review Commission invites State Bar of New Mexico licensees to volunteer as hearing panelists to review malpractice claims against qualified medical providers covered by the Medical Malpractice Act.

Volunteer panelists provide an important public service. The Commission relies exclusively on volunteer medical providers and attorneys to serve as hearing panelists. 

Attorneys who volunteer for panel hearing are eligible for one (1) General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit per panel, up to four (4) credits per year.

Board of Bar Commissioners – Appointments to Vacancies in the Seventh and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, the Eleventh Judicial District and the Twelfth Judicial District

The Board of Bar Commissioners will appoint four members to vacancies on the Board in the following districts: Seventh and Thirteenth Judicial Districts (two positions), Eleventh Judicial District (one position), and Twelfth Judicial District (one position). Pursuant to Rule 24-101(F), vacancies of district bar commissioners shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Bar Commissioners until the next regular election of the Board, and the term will be for one year from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026. The Board of Bar Commissioners will make the appointments at its Dec. 10 meeting. Active status members with a principal place of practice (address of record) in these districts are eligible to apply. The Board of Bar Commissioners meets five times per year with one meeting during the State Bar of New Mexico Annual Meeting. Active status members interested in serving on the Board should submit a letter of interest and resume to bbc@sbnm.org by Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. (MT).

New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association Foundation (NMHBAF) – Apply for the 2025 NMHBA/NMHBAF Book Scholarship

Second Judicial District Court – Court Closure Notice

All Offices and Divisions of the Second Judicial District Court will be closed briefly on Dec. 12. The Children's Court will be closed from 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (MT). The District Court downtown location will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (MT).

Board of Bar Commissioners – Appointment to the New Mexico State Bar Foundation Board

The Board of Bar Commissioners of the State Bar of New Mexico will appoint one 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. Active status members of the State Bar of New Mexico who are interested in serving on the Board should submit a letter of interest and resume to bbc@sbnm.org by Nov. 21.

Client Protection Fund – Notice of Commissioner Vacancy

One  Commissioner appointment for a three-year term 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, 2026. 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.