New Mexico Supreme Court approves alternative licensure program for lawyers

New Mexico's Supreme Court on Tuesday announced its approval of an alternative licensure program for lawyers intended to help address the "legal desert" in much of the state.

By: Source NM Staff

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: August 4, 2026

Words: 413

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

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The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday announced its approval of a new skill-based pathway for law-school graduates to become licensed lawyers.

Justices previewed the program for state legislators in June, saying it could help address the state’s shortage of lawyers. A news release Tuesday noted that New Mexico officially qualifies as a “legal desert” under the American Bar Association’s definition, as two-thirds of its 33 counties have fewer than one lawyer for each …

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