University of New Mexico Project

The University of New Mexico School of Law has created a network of attorneys called the Access to Justice Panel. These attorneys are supported through reduced cost continuing education programs, the possibility of externs, bi-monthly luncheons and participation on a list serve. The lawyers take referrals from the clinic to provide services for reduced fees in a variety of areas. 

In addition, Professor Alfred Mathewson is developing a program for training lawyers to use limited liability companies and other business tools to assist low income individuals who own fractured land parcels to consolidate their land holdings so that it can be developed appropriately. He is targeting the training to address the needs of African American and Latino communities with this problem. 

For the first time, UNM will be offering a law office management course for the solo and small firm practitioner this summer. It will be focused on practitioners who are serving community interests, rather than a course focused on large law firm practices.

The members of the Access to Justice Network will not have to pay tuition for the course and will receive MCLE credit (at a fee of $1 per credit payable to the Bar). Law students will be allowed to take the course and receive two credits. Practitioners who are not members of UNM Network will have to pay $70.00. Law students will be required to draft a business plan.

There has been so much excitement over the course that some practitioners who live in rural areas have asked for video conferencing of the course or live-streaming over the web. If the course is successful this year, teleconferencing will be considered for next summer.

The UNM has also developed a Listserv for their network members. They now have approximately 35 members of the UNM Network.

The Albuquerque Bar Association devoted its October program to legal services for moderate income individuals, or "low bono" work. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Mexico and Suellyn Scarnecchia, the Dean of the UNM Law School participated. Jeanne Charn, Harvard Law School and member of the Advisory Board of the Law School Consortium Project was a guest speaker.