N.M. R. Bar Adm. 15-307

As amended through November 1, 2024
Rule 15-307 - Law professor limited privilege to practice method
A.Description. As further specified in this rule, a person not already licensed to practice law, or who is an inactive member of the State Bar of New Mexico, may be admitted to practice law in any New Mexico court or administrative tribunal, for the purpose of supervising clinical law students in a clinical law program of the University of New Mexico School of Law, under this method of licensure.
B.Application deadlines. An application for a license under this rule may be submitted at any time.
C.Qualifications. An applicant for a license under this rule shall provide:
(1) proof that the applicant is duly employed as a full-time permanent or visiting faculty member of the University of New Mexico School of Law, teaching in a classroom setting at the law school, and supervising students in a clinical law program approved by the dean of the law school;
(2) proof that the applicant is admitted by examination to the bar of another state;
(3) certificates of good standing;
(4) written certification that the applicant will neither seek for nor accept compensation or remuneration of any kind for legal services rendered by the law professor under this rule, other than salary as a law professor; and
(5) written certification as described in Rule 15-202(A)(5) NMRA.
D.Character and fitness. The board will not make a determination about the character and fitness of an applicant for this method of licensure unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court orders a character and fitness evaluation for an applicant for this method of licensure, then the applicant shall pay any fees and costs associated with that evaluation.
E.Procedure for issuance. On the board's receipt from an applicant of (a) a completed application for a license under this rule, and (b) documents required by Paragraph C, the board shall determine if the applicant is qualified;
(1) if qualified, the board shall provide the applicant's name to the Supreme Court for issuance of a limited license, and
(2) the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall then promptly issue a temporary limited license to the applicant.
F.Fees and costs. No fees or costs apply to this method of licensure, except for annual disciplinary fees assessed under Rule 17-203(A) NMRA.
G.Specific ongoing requirements. An applicant approved for a limited license under this rule shall comply with the requirements of Rule 15-206 NMRA and Rule 15-207 NMRA, and additionally, the applicant shall:
(1) submit a new certification described in Subparagraph (C)(1), above, before the start of each academic year, and
(2) inform the board immediately of cessation of employment that complies with Subparagraph (C)(1), above.
H.Limitations. A person practicing law under this method of licensure may neither ask for, nor receive, any compensation or remuneration of any kind for legal services rendered in New Mexico, other than the salary received as a law professor, and may only practice law to the extent necessary to supervise clinical law students in a clinical law program at the University of New Mexico School of Law.
I.Expiration. A license issued under this rule expires (1) on cessation of employment described in Subparagraph (C)(1), above, or (2) at the conclusion of each academic year unless a new certification described in Subparagraph (C)(1) is submitted to the board before the start of the next academic year.
J.Suspension of license. A license issued under this rule is only subject to suspension as described in the Rules Governing Discipline, Rules 17-101 to -316 NMRA.
K.Revocation. A license issued under this rule is only subject to revocation as described in Rule 15-201(F) NMRA and the Rules Governing Discipline, Rules 17-101 to -316 NMRA.

N.M. R. Bar Adm. 15-307

Adopted by Supreme Court Order No. S-1-RCR-2023-00036, effective 12/31/2023.