New Mexico Law Student Admission
Rule 1-094 and 1-094.1 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts allow law students to practice in New Mexico as part of a law school clinical program at the University of New Mexico or for law students enrolled in out-of-state clinical programs.
New Mexico Clinical Program (1-094)
Eligibility
Law students must be enrolled full-time and be in good standing in the University of New Mexico School of Law. Students must have received a passing grade in law school courses aggregating 30 or more semester hours (or the equivalent) but cannot have graduated. Students must meet the academic and moral standards established by the school.
Practice
Law students authorized under the control and direction of the law school Dean may advise persons, negotiate, and appear in civil and criminal matters before the courts and administrative agencies of New Mexico. The practice must be under the active supervision of a New Mexico Bar member who is designated by the law school Dean.
The supervision includes assignment of all matters, review and examination of all documents, and signing all pleadings prepared by the student. The supervising attorney does not need to be present while the student is advising a client or negotiating but must be present for all court appearances.
Application and Certification
Law students in the program may appear in a given court with the written approval of the judge presiding over the case and must file in the court a copy of the order granting approval.
Law schools are required to report annually to the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Out-of-State Clinical Programs (1-094.1)
Eligibility
Law students enrolled in an ABA approved law schools may participate in a clinical law program of that law school under the direction of a qualified New Mexico attorney.
Law students must read and be familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct and the student practice rules.
Practice
Law students may advise persons, negotiate, and appear in civil and criminal matters before the courts and administrative agencies of New Mexico. The practice must be under the active supervision of a New Mexico Bar member who has been admitted to practice law for at least five years.
The supervision includes assignment of all matters, review and examination of all documents, and signing all pleadings prepared by the student. The supervising attorney does not need to be present while the student is advising a client or negotiating but must be present for all court appearances.
The term of practice cannot exceed four months.
Application and Certification
Law students in the program may appear in a given court with the written approval of the judge presiding over the case and must file in the court a copy of the order granting approval. Law students must also file a copy of the law school Dean certificate. The law school Dean is required to provide to the supervising attorney a statement that includes:
- The clinical law program complies with the ABA’s policy regarding “field placement programs.”
- The student has received a passing grade in law school courses aggregating to 30 or more semester hours (or equivalent).
- The student meets the academic and moral standards required of students enrolled in the law school.
- Must specify the period during which the law student will practice in the clinical program. The term cannot exceed four months.