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You're Invited to Well-Being Week in Law!
The Institute for Well-Being in Law is kicking off Mental Health Awareness month with Well-Being Week in Law from May 6 to 10. This year’s overall theme is The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection. The Institute for Well-Being in Law is providing individuals and organizations with a variety of tips, tools and ideas for activities designed to improve and optimize your well-being.
Be on the look-out for daily social media posts during Well-Being Week in Law on the State Bar of New Mexico's Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn that will provide the legal community with useful information on how to recharge during Well-Being Week in Law and beyond!
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Invitation to Presentation by Senator Jeff Bingaman on May 2
The Historical Committee of the State
Bar of New Mexico is proud to announce
a presentation by Senator Jeff Bingaman
at noon (MT) on May 2 at the State Bar
Center located at 5121 Masthead St. NE,
Albuquerque, N.M. 87109. Lunch will be
provided. Senator Bingaman will speak
on his book Breakdown: Lessons for a
Congress in Crisis. Seating is extremely
limited, please register to attend the
presentation in-person at https://form.
jotform.com/sbnm/historical-committee.
The presentation will also be livestreamed
through Zoom at https://bit.ly/Historical-
Committee-5-2-25-Presentation. Meeting
ID: 895 6449 8694. Passcode: 881959.
| Register For "Retirement or Rewirement: Crafting Your Successful 'Next Chapter'" | |
2024 Paralegal Division Survey Summary and Final Report
The Paralegal Division conducted a survey in late 2024 of its members and other legal staff and collected statistical and practical information relating to salaries, benefits and utilization of paralegals within the legal community in order to better understand the economics of paralegal employment in New Mexico. For a quick overview of the results, see the link below for a summary. For the details, see the link for the full report which follows the summary.
2024 Paralegal Division Survey Summary and Final Report
If you have any questions or need further information about the survey, please contact the Division at pd@sbnm.org.
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Calling on New Mexico Attorneys! Please Volunteer for the Bar Exam Coaching Program
The State Bar of New Mexico’s Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession is proud to offer an inclusive coaching program for applicants from all diverse backgrounds taking the New Mexico Bar Exam. The program is designed to match an applicant with a committed attorney volunteer who will serve as a resource for the applicant. Coaches and applicants will communicate in person, via phone, e-mail, and/or virtual meeting during the applicant's bar preparation. Attorney volunteers will not be expected to teach applicants substantive law. To volunteer or to learn more, contact State Bar of New Mexico Equity in Justice Attorney Abby Lewis at abby.lewis@sbnm.org.
| Save the Date for the State Bar of New Mexico's 2025 Annual Meeting - July 31 through Aug. 2 at Sandia Resort & Casino - Book Your Hotel Room At The Special Discounted Rate of Only $229/night! | New Mexico State Bar Foundation's Center for Legal Education - Submit Your 2025 Speaker Presentation Proposal Form Today! | |  | |
2025 State Bar of New Mexico Annual Awards - Call for Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Annual Awards to recognize those who have distinguished themselves or who have made exemplary contributions to the State Bar or legal profession in the past year. The awards will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting on July 31 at Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, NM. For additional information and to submit a nomination through Jotform, please visit https://bit.ly/SBNM-AnnualAwards.
| The Digital Resource Deskbook 2025-2026 is Here! | |
You're Invited to the UNM School of Law Alumni/ae Association Law Scholarship Golf Classic
Join the UNM School of Law for the Alumni/ae Association Law Scholarship Golf Classic presented by Nusenda Credit Union on June 6 at the UNM Championship Golf Course! This tournament raises funds for law student scholarships. To register for the tournament, email lynn.taylor@law.unm.edu or register online at https://lawschool.unm.edu/alumni/events/golf.html.
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New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts Seeks Input on Accessibility
The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of its policies, programs, and facilities to determine the extent to which individuals with disabilities may be restricted in their access across the New Mexico State Judiciary. The AOC is contracting with Altura Solutions to assist with the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. The team will evaluate all 13 Districts of the Judiciary including Magistrate Courts, Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. This initiative underscores a dedication to ensuring equal access and opportunities for all residents regardless of ability and marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive judiciary. Please complete the online survey currently available to capture your experiences and provide helpful prioritization preferences in regards to programs and facilities of the Judiciary here: https://www.accessforall-nmcourts.com/community-survey.
A public meeting to discuss accessibility in the New Mexico Judiciary buildings and programs will be held on April 15 at 5 p.m. (MT) at the Southside Public Library in Santa Fe, N.M., located at 6599 Jaguar Dr., Santa Fe, N.M. 87507.
Read more about the courts’ ADA Transition Plan here: https://nmcourts.gov/ada-transition-plan-project/.
Please direct all inquiries to ADA@nmcourts.gov.
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Board of Bar Commissioners - Appointment to Civil Legal Services Commission
Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 34-14-1 (2001), the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment to the Civil Legal Services Commission for a three-year term. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico and must have experience with civil legal matters affecting low-income persons. Attorneys who wish to apply to serve on the commission should send a letter of interest and brief resume by May 5 to bbc@sbnm.org.
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Board of Bar Commissioners - Appointment of Young Lawyer Delegate to ABA House of Delegates
Pursuant to the American Bar Association Constitution and Bylaws (Rules of the Procedure House of Delegates) Article 6, Section 6.4, the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment of a young lawyer delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates for a two-year term, which will commence at the conclusion of the 2025 ABA Annual Meeting and expire at the conclusion of the 2027 ABA Annual Meeting. Members wishing to serve as the young lawyer delegate to the ABA HOD must have been admitted to the practice of law in any state for ten (10) years or less; they must also be a licensed New Mexico attorney and a current ABA member in good standing throughout the tenure as a delegate and be willing to attend meetings or otherwise complete his/her term and responsibilities without reimbursement or compensation from the State Bar; however, the ABA provides reimbursement for expenses to attend the ABA mid-year meeting. Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest and brief resume by May 5 to bbc@sbnm.org.
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Upcoming Programs From The New Mexico State Bar Foundation's
Center for Legal Education
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"I've Got a Secret." The Broad Reach of Attorneys' Duties of Confidentiality
April 16, Webinar
Noon - 1 p.m.
1.0 EP
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"Impeach Justice Douglas!
.
April 16, Webinar
11 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
3.0 EP
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"Take Ethical Security Precautions with Email: When and How to Encrypt
April 17, Webinar
11 a.m. - Noon
1.0 EP
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CLE Course Spotlight
The Rule of Law, Federal Action and Balance of Powers
April 29, In-Person or Webinar
Noon - 1 p.m. (MT)
1.0 G
UNM School of Law Professors Ahranjani, Bach
and Bowman will explain the rule of law, recent federal
action and the balance of powers required by the U.S.
Constitution. They will explain the basics of relevant
administrative law and the significance and legality of
executive orders, summarize relevant constitutional law
principles (e.g., spending clause) and provide examples and analysis of recent federal action.
| | SBNM Professional Programs Group | | | | |
The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP)
Did You Know? April is Stress Awareness Month!
Stress is a constant in the legal field, but unmanaged stress can lead to burnout, impaired decision-making, and even health issues. Here are some key facts:
- Legal professionals rank among the most stressed workers
- Chronic stress impacts memory and concentration
- Lawyers are twice as likely to experience depression
- Substance abuse is a growing issue in the field
Simple Ways to Manage Stress:
- Set Boundaries – Protect personal time and avoid overworking.
- Prioritize Health – Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise.
- Use Time Management Tools – Plan effectively to reduce overwhelm.
- Seek Support – Therapy, mentorship, or peer support can make a difference.
This April, take a moment to check in with yourself. What stress relief methods work for you?
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Free Webinars Q2 of 2025 by the Employee Assistance Program
The Science of Laughter
April 30, 2025
4 - 5 p.m. (MT)
Register Here
Overload: Staying Centered in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous (VUCA) World
May 30, 2025
1 - 2 p.m. (MT)
Register Here
Communication in Relationships
June 23, 2025
11 a.m. - noon (MT)
Register Here
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Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)
The pressures of working in the legal field can take a significant toll on mental health. Long hours, high expectations, and the constant demand for perfection can lead to burnout—where emotional exhaustion and reduced performance take hold. Recognizing the signs early is key to preventing it from overwhelming you. Common signs of burnout include feelings of detachment, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of motivation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to address them before they affect your personal and professional life. Do not hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends or a mental health professional. No one should navigate these challenges alone.
Here is an article that explains ways to prevent burnout: https://www.dcbar.org/news-events/publications/d-c-bar-blog/six-ways-d-c-lawyers-can-stave-off-burnout
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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.
| | | Important Notices, Announcements and Deadlines | | |
State Bar Notices
Court Notices
Legal Community Notices
| | Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities | | The New Mexico State Bar Foundation 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. | | Legal Clinics & Workshops | | |
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. | | |
LawPay
LawPay was developed specifically for legal professionals, providing a simple, secure way to accept credit, debit, and eCheck payments online. LawPay’s proprietary technology prevents the commingling of earned and unearned funds and protects your trust account against any third-party debiting, ensuring compliance with ABA and IOLTA guidelines. LawPay is a proud member benefit of the New Mexico State Bar and trusted by more than 50,000 law firms. Learn more here.
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