April 3, 2026

 
 
 

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Bar Bulletin: Commemorative Edition Sponsorships Now Available!


The State Bar of New Mexico’s Bar Bulletin is preparing for a once-in-a-generation Commemorative Edition marking the United States of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.


This special issue of the Bar Bulletin will trace the evolution of law in New Mexico, from pre-territorial foundations to the modern legal profession.


Please contact us for more information on how you can help support this historical edition of the Bar Bulletin.

 

New Legal Well-Being in Action Podcast Episode: When Burnout Speaks


Welcome to Season 6 of Legal Well-Being in Action! For the start of our new season, we explore how burnout shows up for hard-working attorneys - often disguised as “normal stress” or simply part of the job. We discuss why burnout can persist even when commitment, competence and ethics remain intact. You’ll also learn why creative expression is an evidence-backed tool for nervous system regulation, especially for analytical, high-control professions. Finally, we share realistic, time-respectful ways busy attorneys can begin small creative practices that actually help. Thank you to this episode’s speakers, Pamela Moore and Virginia Hicks.

The New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Bar Scholarship. This opportunity supports law graduates preparing for the July 2026 New Mexico Bar Exam, with consideration given to academic achievement, financial need, community involvement and commitment to public interest law. Applicants must submit a completed application, transcript, and letters of recommendation in a single PDF by April 13. For full details and submission requirements, please review the application below.



Board of Bar Commissioners Appointment 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 to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates for a two-year term, which will expire at the conclusion of the 2028 ABA Annual Meeting. The delegate must be a licensed New Mexico attorney and a current ABA member in good standing 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 meetings. Members wishing to serve on the House of Delegates should send a letter of interest and brief resume by April 29 to bbc@sbnm.org.

Eighth Judicial District Court in Taos, New Mexico - Notice of Destruction of Exhibits

Pursuant to the New Mexico Functional Records Retention and Destruction SchedulesLegal and Judiciary, the Eighth Judicial District Court in Taos, New Mexico will destroy the following exhibits filed with the Court if not claimed by the allotted time: 1) Criminal, Juvenile, Youthful Offender, and Lower Court Appeal cases within the years 1989-2024, excluding cases on appeal or those in which the sentence has not been completed; 2) All case types with unmarked exhibits, and oversized poster boards/maps and diagrams; and 3) ‘Domestic Matters’ cases filed within the years 1979-1991 and 1997-2003 which the exhibits have been exposed to biohazards and are no longer safe to handle. Parties or their attorney are advised-exhibits may be retrieved until May 25, 2026; Exhibits not claimed by the deadline will be considered abandoned and will be destroyed by order of the Court. Plaintiff exhibits will be released to counsel of record for the plaintiff, and defense exhibits will be released to counsel of record for the defendant; exhibits will be released in their entirety. For more information or to claim exhibits, contact the Court at 8thexhibitsgrp@nmcourts.gov. 

 

The Young Attorney Voices Series!

Save the Date! – State Bar of New Mexico Annual Meeting 2026

Learn, Network and Explore in Colorful Southern Colorado!


Save the date for the 2026 Annual Meeting at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Southern Colorado! Located in Ignacio–only 20 minutes from Durango–the Sky Ute Casino Resort is the perfect backdrop for this year's Annual Meeting, where attendees can learn, network and explore the majestic landscape. More information and registration coming soon!

The Albuquerque City Council is recruiting applicants for the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB), a five-member group that reviews investigations into complaints involving Albuquerque Police Department (APD) personnel, makes policy recommendations, and hears public comment at monthly meetings. Board members are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. This is a meaningful way to contribute to public safety policy at the local level. Residents from all backgrounds who are interested in public safety, accountability, and who want to serve our City are encouraged to apply. For more information on the CPOA board and to apply, click the button below.

Board of Bar Commissioners

Appointment to Judicial Standards Commission


Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 34-10-1(B) (1999), the Board of Bar Commissioners will make one appointment to the Judicial Standards Commission for a four-year term. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in New Mexico. The time commitment for service on this Commission is substantial and the workload is voluminous. Receiving, reviewing and analyzing substantial quantities of electronic documents are necessary to prepare for Commission matters. Strict adherence to constitutional, statutory and regulatory authority governing the Commission is mandatory, expressly including but not limited to confidentiality. Commissioners meet at least six (6) times per year for approximately three hours per meeting. A substantial amount of reading and preparation is required for every meeting. In addition to regular meetings, the Commission schedules at least three (3) weeklong trailing dockets of trials. Additional trials, hearings or other events may be scheduled on special settings. Additionally, mandatory in-house training sessions may periodically take place. Unless properly recused or excused from a matter, all Commissioners are required to faithfully attend all meetings and participate in all trials and hearings. Appointees should come to the Commission with limited conflicts of interest and must continually avoid, limit or eliminate conflicts of interest with the Commission's cases, Commission members, Commission staff and with all others involved in Commission matters. Attorneys who wish to serve on the Commission should send a letter of interest and brief resume by April 29 to bbc@sbnm.org.

Join Our Team! – Equity in Justice Program Manager


The State Bar of New Mexico seeks qualified applicants to join our team as a full-time (40 hours/week) Equity in Justice Program Manager. The successful incumbent will provide support for State Bar committees, sections, and divisions (“groups”) implementing diversity, inclusion, and equity in justice projects/initiatives. The position works alongside various groups and State Bar members engaged in eliminating biases and inequalities within New Mexico’s justice system and promoting participation by underrepresented communities in State Bar programs and activities. Salary: $56,000-$65,000/year, depending on experience and qualifications. Generous benefits package included. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@sbnm.org. Visit www.sbnm.org/SBNMjobs for full details and application instructions.

Careers at the State Bar of New Mexico & New Mexico State Bar Foundation

 

Updates & Announcements From The New Mexico State Bar Foundation's

Center for Legal Education

CLE Course Highlights

Gender-Neutral Language: Client Counseling, Courtroom Practices and Transgender Cultural Fluency


April 16

Virtual

10 a.m. – Noon (MT)

2.0 EIJ

On-Demand Spotlight

2025 Annual Meeting – Justice by Design: Artificial Intelligence, Law, and the Future of Us

1.5 EIJ

2025 Basics of Trust Accounting: How to Comply with Disciplinary Board Rule 17-204

1.0 EP


 
 
 

Legal Well Being

 
 

Legal Well Being in Action Podcast

New Episode: When Burnout Speaks 

Welcome to Season 6 of Legal Well-Being in Action! For the start of our new season, we explore how burnout shows up for hard-working attorneys - often disguised as “normal stress” or simply part of the job. We discuss why burnout can persist even when commitment, competence and ethics remain intact. You’ll also learn why creative expression is an evidence-backed tool for nervous system regulation, especially for analytical, high-control professions. Finally, we share realistic, time-respectful ways busy attorneys can begin small creative practices that actually help. Thank you to this episode’s speakers, Pamela Moore and Virginia Hicks.

The New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP)

The Importance of Asking for Help in the Legal Profession

 

The legal profession is built on fact finding, problem-solving and the “perceived” ability to take on significant responsibility for clients and cases. Yet these expectations can make it difficult for attorneys to be aware, let alone make a phone call, when they need support. Research consistently shows that lawyers experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression (to the tune of 2-3 times higher), compared with many other professions, in part due to demanding workloads, adversarial environments and long hours. Unfortunately, stigma within the profession discourages attorneys from asking for help because they fear it may be perceived as weakness or harm their professional reputation. In reality, seeking help—whether through trusted colleagues, or mental health professionals, is a sign of strength, emotional intelligence and professionalism.


Read more here.


Judicial Wellness Program (NMJWP)

Did you know? JWELL benefits the entire legal community. Judicial wellness supports a more productive courtroom environment and reinforces professionalism and effective communication for all court participants. Many of you may one day want to take the bench and if so, know that there is lots of support available for you. Together we are stronger!


Please visit our website to find out more about our JWELL services. https://www.sbnm.org/Member-Services/New-Mexico-Judicial-Wellness-Program

Equity in Justice (EIJ)

The mission of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Equity in Justice Program is to cultivate and grow a legal profession in New Mexico that is representative of and reflective of the people of New Mexico.

 
 

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.

News & Announcements

The New Mexico Medical Review Commission invites all State Bar of New Mexico licensees to volunteer as hearing panelists to review malpractice claims against qualified medical providers 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 hearing panel are eligible for one (1) General Continuing Legal Educaiton (CLE) credit per panel, up to four (4) credits per year.

New Mexico Legal Aid – Soliciting New Members of the Board of Directors

New Mexico Legal Aid – April 30 Statewide Legal Teleclinic

 

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.

Featured Member Benefit

The Solutions Group


The Solutions Group partners with the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program to offer comprehensive, state-wide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to members of the New Mexico legal community and their immediate family members.


Services include up to four complimentary counseling sessions per issue per year, addressing any mental or behavioral health, addiction, relationship conflict, anxiety and/or depression issue. These sessions are conducted by licensed professional therapists. Additional no-cost services encompass management consultation, stress management education, critical incident stress debriefing, video counseling, and a 24/7 call center. Providers are available statewide. 


•To access this service call  505-254-3555 and identify with NMLAP. All calls are confidential.

State Bar of New Mexico | 505-797-6000 | info@sbnm.org | www.sbnm.org