The term "Pro Bono" means "for the public benefit" and involves efforts to improve access to the justice system for those of limited economic means.  

The Second Judicial District Court's Pro Bono Committee is chaired by Family Division Judge Jane Levy and Civil Division Judge Erin O'Connell.  The Committee is made up of attorneys and support staff who work in both private and public agencies as well as Court support staff.  The Committee, in conjunction with New Mexico Legal Aid and numerous public and private lawyers, has developed a Volunteer Attorney Pool which provides individuals with volunteer attorneys at no cost.  In addition, the Committee has fostered the development and presentation of monthly Civil and Family Legal Clinics here at the Courthouse and free legal fairs, also known as Law La Paloozas, throughout Bernalillo County on a quarterly basis. All services provided through the Pro Bono Committee are at no cost to low income residents.  For a listing of planned events, please consult the calendar on this page.

Pro Bono Committee

The following individuals serve on the Pro Bono Committee:

• The Honorable Jane Levy (2nd Judicial District Court; co-chair)
• The Honorable Erin O’Connell (2nd Judicial District Court; co-chair)
• The Honorable C. Shannon Bacon (Supreme Court)
• The Honorable Clay Campbell (2nd Judicial District Court)
• The Honorable William Parnall (2nd Judicial District Court)
• The Honorable Cristy Carbon-Gaul (Probate Court)
• Dina Afek (New Mexico Legal Aid Volunteer Attorney Program)
• C. Tattiana Kinahan (New Mexico Legal Aid Volunteer Attorney Program)
• Grace Spulak (Administrative Office of the Courts)
• Rachelle Klump (2nd Judicial District Court)
• Heather Garcia (2nd Judicial District Court)
• Aja Brooks (2nd Judicial District Court Center for Self-Help)
• Renee Valdez (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Self-Help)
• Torri Jacobus (City of Albuquerque)​
• Lori Frank (Probate Court)
• S. Charles Archuleta (ADC LTD NM)
• Larry Kronen (Law Office of Lawrence B. Kronen)
• Kelsey Green (Miller Stratvert PA)
• Theresa Parrish (Rodey Dickason Sloan Akin & Robb PA)
• Mariposa Padilla Sivage (Sutin Thayer & Browne APC)
• Allan Wainwright (Law Offices of Allan L Wainwright PA)
• Billy Burgett (Billy K Burgett Attorney at Law)
• Rosa Q. Valencia

Pro Bono Legal Clinics

Civil Legal Clinic

The Civil Legal Clinic takes place the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Court Cafe of the 2nd Judicial District Court (400 Lomas Blvd. NW, Albuquerque).  Attorneys provide free legal information on all civil legal issues with the exception of family law.  The Civil Legal Clinic is first come, first served, and attendance is limited to the first 25 people who arrive (depending upon attorney capacity).  Interpreters are available, and we encourage attendees to bring any related paperwork for the attorney to review.  The Civil Legal Clinic is sponsored by the Second Judicial District Court Pro Bono Committee and the Volunteer Attorney Program.

Family Law Clinic

The Family Law Clinic takes place the third Wednesday of each month from 10 AM until 1 PM in the Court Cafe of the 2nd Judicial District Court (400 Lomas Blvd. NW, Albuquerque). Attorneys provide free legal information on family law issues, including Divorce, Child Support, Custody, Visitation, Mediation, Paternity, Kinship/Guardianship, Domestic Violence,  Adoption, and Settlement Facilitation.  Pre-registration is required and attendance is limited to the first 25 people who pre-register.  Please call the Volunteer Attorney Program on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month at 1-877-266-9861 to pre-register. Interpreters are available, and we encourage attendees to bring any related paperwork for the attorney to review.  Sponsored by the Second Judicial District Court Pro Bono Committee and the Volunteer Attorney Program.

Law La Palooza