Practice by Non-admitted Lawyers

Attorneys authorized to practice law before the highest court of record in any state or country (non-admitted lawyer) wishing to perform legal services on behalf of a client or party in New Mexico should consult the following rules and procedures for Pro Hac Vice authorization:

Step One: Consult the Rules and Determine Eligibility:

Main Pro Hac Vice Rules:
  • Rule 24-106 NMRA
    Practice by nonadmitted lawyers (Rules Governing New Mexico Bar)
  • Rule 16-505 NMRA
    Unauthorized practice of law; multijurisdictional practice of law (Rules of Professional Conduct)
  • Rule 16-104 (c) NMRA
    Disclosure of professional liability insurance (Rules of Professional Conduct)
Rules of Procedure:
  • Rule 1-089.1 NMRA
    Nonadmitted and nonresident counsel (Rules of Civil Procedures for the District Courts)
  • Rule 2-107 NMRA
    Pro se and attorney appearance (Rules of Civil Procedures for the Magistrate Courts)
  • Rule 3-107 NMRA
    Pro se and attorney appearance (Rules of Civil Procedures for the Metropolitan Courts)
  • Rule 5-108 NMRA Nonadmitted and nonresident counsel (Rules of Criminal Procedures for the District Courts)
Appellate Rules:
  • Rule 12-302 NMRA Appearance, Withdrawal or Substitution of Attorneys ( Rules of Appellate Procedure)

Step Two: Find Local Counsel and Obtain Certificates of Good Standing

For assistance finding local counsel please see:
  • Non-admitted attorneys shall submit a certificate of good standing from every state or country in which the attorney is admitted or licensed.
  • Non-admitted attorneys who must disclose discipline should follow the process established in Rule 24-106 (C) NMRA and send their information directly to the Disciplinary Board, 20 First Plaza Ctr NW Ste 710, Albuquerque NM 87102-5802 with a copy to the Office of General Counsel at the address below

Step Three: File Registration Certificate and Payment to the State Bar of New Mexico:


Registration Certificate

Make checks payable to: State Bar of New Mexico and mail to:

  
State Bar of New Mexico
Attn: Office of the General Counsel
PO Box 92860
Albuquerque, NM  87199

  By Fax with Credit/Debit Card

866-767-7281
 For overnight packages
State Bar of New Mexico
Attn: Office of the General Counsel
5121 Masthead St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109

 

Payment of appropriate fee must accompany the registration certificate.
  1. For Fee Structure and waivers see Rule 24-106 (D) NMRA
  2. Payment can be in the form of check, credit/debit card or electronic check

Step Four: Filing with the State Court (if applicable):

  1. Non-admitted lawyer shall consult the appropriate Rule of Civil Procedure Rule or Rule of Appellate Procedure to complete the admission process with the Court;
  2. See sample Affidavit required by these rules.
  3. Non-admitted lawyers intending to appear before an agency or other administrative law hearing should contact the appropriate agency for the admission procedure.
  4. If the non-admitted attorney is going to file electronic, please contact the Judicial Information Division (JID) to obtain a CAID number which is needed to e-file.

    JID Help Desk: 1-505-476-6911

    JID Help Desk Email: helpdesk@nmcourts.gov

If you have any questions contact the Office of General Counsel, 505-797-6050 or email rspinello@nmbar.org.