NMCDLA is the single most important organization for any law student interested in the defense of the accused in the New Mexico Criminal Justice system.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
1.) Mentorship program – Law students interested in criminal defense work will be paired up with a practicing attorney and will get to establish a relationship with that attorney and see what the work of a criminal defense attorney entails, e.g. by going to court with the attorney, spending some time at his/her office, etc. Lawyers may complete a Mentorship Application.
2.) Externship Opportunities – The law student chapter and the State chapter will work together to encourage attorneys to consider hosting law student for externships, allowing the students to gain hands-on experience in criminal defense. By joining the Law Student Chapter, students will have priority in placements with members of the NMCDLA and vice versa.
3.) Practical Experience in the Legal Field – The NMCDLA has various committees set-up to work in different areas of criminal defense. For example, they have a committee in charge of writing amicus curiae briefs, and a committee in charge of drafting legislation and lobbying, as well as other committees. Members of the LSC will have the opportunity to assist these committees. Additionally, we hope to be able to seek out opportunities to do legal research and writing on a volunteer basis for individual attorneys who may be pressed for time. Attorneys wishing to seek assistance will contact our organization via our e-mail address.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Law students who join the student chapter will have the opportunity to receive discounts on membership with the State Chapter
Discounted attendance at Continuing Legal Education Seminars put on by the NMCDLA
Opportunities to attend social events with members of both organizations.
Many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field and establish relationships with practicing attorneys, i.e. networking opportunities.
CONTACTS
Co-President: Ashley Schneller, email: [email protected] --B.A., University of New Mexico
Co-President: Jenessa Trillo (Reyes), email: [email protected] --B.A., University of New Mexico
Secretary: Brittany Maldonado, email: [email protected] --B.A., University of New Mexico
Treasurer: Pery Klare, email: [email protected]
The purpose of this organization is to work in conjunction with the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association to:
* Protect and ensure, by rule of law, those individual rights guaranteed by the New Mexico and Federal Constitutions in criminal cases
* To resist the constant efforts which are being made to curtail these rights
* To encourage cooperation between lawyers and students engaged in the furtherance of these objectives through educational programs and other assistance and, through these efforts, to promote justice and the common good.
