Alternative licensing for attorneys is a winner for New Mexico

At the Rio Grande Foundation we sometimes joke about the predomination of trial attorney billboards all over, but that’s a function of our legal system and culture, not necessarily the fact that there are too many attorneys. In fact, we can attest to a distinct lack of attorneys willing to take important cases on our behalf. Apparently, according to a new report, “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 1,000 residents.”

For years the Rio Grande Foundation has pointed to New Mexico’s difficult professional licensing requirements as an obstacle to economic growth and employment in New Mexico. We have previously even engaged (successfully) with New Mexico’s Supreme Court to liberalize rules for out-of-state-attorneys who wish to practice in New Mexico.

So, we applaud New Mexico’s Supreme Court for this move to reduce unnecessary obstacles to attorneys practicing in New Mexico. A skills-based approach to practicing as an attorney makes sense.

Perhaps the Legislature will consider following New Mexico’s Supreme Court? We’re not holding our breath.