Supreme Court Chief Clerk Elizabeth Garcia (at podium) administers the oath to new attorneys for admission to the practice of law in New Mexico. Seated from left, Justice Julie J. Vargas, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Justice David K. Thomson and Justice Briana H. Zamora. Courtesy/NMSC Court

NMSC News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Ninety-five new attorneys were admitted to the practice of law in the state of New Mexico Thursday during a swearing-in ceremony.

The oath of attorneys was administered by Supreme Court Chief Clerk Elizabeth A. Garcia during the ceremony outside of the University of New Mexico School of Law. Each of the individuals also signed the roll of attorneys, which contains the names of people licensed to practice law in the state.

“This is a memorable day for each person because it represents the culmination of many years of hard work and commitment to the goal of becoming an attorney,” Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon said. “This is a proud moment for each of the new attorneys along with their family members, friends and mentors.” 

The swearing-in ceremony was the first to be conducted in-person since the fall of 2019 because of public health concerns from the pandemic.

“Becoming a licensed attorney is a milestone but also the start of a journey following the rule of law to further the public good,” Justice Julie J. Vargas said. 

“We congratulate the new members of the State Bar of New Mexico and celebrate their achievements in graduating from law school and passing the bar exam,” Justice Briana H. Zamora said. “Attorneys play a vital role in society as advocates in our legal system for fairly and equitably resolving disputes in accordance with the law.”

At the ceremony, Justices Vargas and David K. Thomson served as sponsors for their law clerks – Elisa Cibils and Alyssa Maria Isabel Segura – and made brief remarks for their admission to the state bar.