The New Mexico Supreme Court has approved a new skills-based pathway for law school graduates to become licensed attorneys in the state. This alternative route allows graduates to work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and submit documents to demonstrate their legal skills.
Addressing the Lawyer Shortage
New Mexico faces a significant lawyer shortage, particularly in rural areas. Two-thirds of the state’s 33 counties have fewer than one lawyer for every 1,000 residents, earning them the designation of ‘legal desert’ from the American Bar Association. The new pathway aims to increase the number of attorneys in the state, especially in underserved areas.
Chief Justice Julie J. Vargas stated, ‘The skills-based pathway to licensure ensures that new attorneys possess the practical, on-the-job lawyering skills needed to help New Mexicans.’ The pathway is expected to begin accepting applications by 2027.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
