New Mexico does not require or currently have special admission rules for attorneys who are practicing law for Legal Service Organizations, however attorneys that are out of state and practicing on a pro bono status generally. Check out New Mexico Pro Hac Vice Rules for admission on a specific matter.
New Mexico Pro Bono
In New Mexico pro bono attorneys are governed by Rule 15-301.2 of the New Mexico Supreme Court Rules. It enables attorneys from other states or not in active practice to provide legal services to non-profits or indigent individuals in New Mexico.
Applications by Attorneys
Attorneys seeking to be a New Mexico pro bono attorney or assist with a legal organization must file an application to work for a legal organization with the clerk of the Supreme Court of New Mexico. They must include with the application:
- Proof of a being barred in another state
- Proof they have not been disciplined nor are facing discipline within the past 15 years or the foreseeable future
- Proof of being up to date with CLE requirements
- An affidavit from their employer that they have obtained the position
- An affidavit signed by the attorney that they have read the New Mexico rules on professional conduct, and understands they must report any disciplinary actions against them to the New Mexico courts.
- A $125 fee to the New Mexico Supreme Court. All fees are nonrefundable.
- A disciplinary fee provided by Rule 17-203 to the Disciplinary Board.
Applicants will have their authorization terminate by the court if they no longer work for the legal services organization and must submit a notification to the Clerk of the New Mexico Supreme Court and the bar within 10-14 days.
Practice and Restrictions
Attorneys may practice law for their legal organizations or for New Mexico pro bono matters only while employed by such organization or client. Attorneys must also adhere to the following:
- Can not use any other title to describe their ability to represent entities or clients other than that they are a pro bono attorney for a limited amount of time or if they are a registered legal services attorney
- Attorneys cannot claim they are a member of the New Mexico bar
- Make certain their employer has indicated that they, the attorney will:
- Work without compensation
- Work solely for the employer
- Will be supervised by a New Mexico barred attorney, who will be liable for the non-barred attorneys conduct.
- Has read the New Mexico rules of professional responsibility
- That they are in good standing in their licensed jurisdictions