10/08/2026
Spending the week in Indianapolis with access to justice commission chairs from around the country.
A common problem we all see: most people who lose housing, wages or benefits never call it a legal problem. They call it bad luck, and they deal with it alone.
That matters in New Mexico, where whole counties have few lawyers or none. So a lot of the conversation here is about who else can help when the current system doesn't or can't. Solutions include trained community members who can spot a legal issue early; justice workers who can give limited legal help; courts that are easier to use without a lawyer; and more.
Other states are further along on some of this, and they were generous about what's worked and what hasn't. New Mexico is doing its part with a nation-leading statewide legal help call center, a smart portal coming online next year, and expanded licensing pathways. In spite of that progress, our staff and I are still coming home with a long list of ideas to put to work for New Mexicans.
Rooted in Albuquerque | New Mexico Roots
Fearless Advocacy Schreiber