Press Release on Endorsement of Helen Lopez

NM Hispanic Bar Association Endorses
Helen Laura Lopez for District Court Judge

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association endorsed the judicial candidacy of Helen Laura Lopez for District Court Judge in a special meeting held on May 3, 2012. 

Ms. Lopez is running for District Judge in Division III of the 8th Judicial District, covering Taos, Colfax and Union Counties. “The NMHBA is honored to endorse Ms. Lopez – a past founder of the Association - for District Judge in the 8^th Judicial District,” said Rebecca Avitia, President of the NM Hispanic Bar Association, adding “Ms. Lopez will serve the District with distinction.” 

A long-time resident of Taos County, Ms. Lopez is exceptionally well qualified to serve as a District Judge given her broad experience.  A graduate of the prestigious University of California at Berkeley School of Law, Ms. Lopez was the 7th Hispanic woman to be licensed in New Mexico and has since mentored many women and Hispanic lawyers who have followed in her footsteps. Practicing in the State's District Courts, the NM Court of Appeals, the NM Supreme Court, the United States District Court and Court of Appeals, Ms. Lopez has also frequently, and successfully, represented clients who otherwise would not have had the benefit of counsel. 

“Helen was opposing counsel at my first trial,” recalled NM Hispanic Bar Association Board member Yolanda Gallegos.  “Twenty five years later, she remains the most courteous, civil, and dignified opposing counsel I have ever faced.  I cannot think of anyone more suited in character and demeanor to sit on the bench,” she noted.

The NM Hispanic Bar Association is the state-wide association for Hispanic attorneys, and is currently composed of around 300 members.  The Association’s mission is to promote the education and development of Hispanic legal professionals, and it currently works to fulfill this mission through judicial endorsements, community mentorship programs, and continuing legal education programs. For more information on the NM Hispanic Bar Association and its initiatives, visit http://nmhba.blogspot.com.

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