MISSION STATEMENT
The Law Student Chapter of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association works 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 attempts being made to curtail these rights; to encourage cooperation between lawyers and students engaged in the furtherance of these objectives through educational programs and assistance and through these efforts to promote justice and the common good.

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. Students who wish to join the Law School Chapter should email unm-nmcdlasc@law.unm.edu.
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 designated to death penalty issues, 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 ($15/SCHOOL YEAR)
1.) Law Students who join the student chapter will have the opportunity to receive discounts on membership with the State chapter.
2.) Discounted attendance at Continuing Legal Education Seminars put on by the NMCDLA.
3.) Many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field and establish relationships with practicing attorneys, i.e. networking opportunities.
4.) Opportunities to attend social events with members of both organizations.