University of New Mexico - School of Law

The University of New Mexico School of Law stands out for how accommodating the program is for its students. With classes in Indian Law and natural resources, and “hands-on” clinical opportunities for students, UNM “takes a supportive and collaborative approach to teaching law.” UNM is the only law school in the state, which makes it feel “like the entire legal community is involved in a UNMSOL student’s legal education.” Students have come to expect “representatives of all areas and levels of the NM legal system to participate in some way.” The law school regularly hosts a range of legal professionals: “With the New Mexico Court of Appeals adjacent to the law school, appellate judges sometimes teach classes, coach moot court, and are otherwise uniquely available to students. UNMSOL students have unparalleled opportunity to be directly involved with the state’s legal system.” Students are continually impressed by UNM’s network, including the “accessible” professors. Law students feel as if they can easily discuss issues with the faculty: “Everyone is willing to discuss and answer questions, even if you run into them in the halls,” and “almost all employ an open-door policy.”
The mentorship continues across the student body as well, since all required 1L courses “have a 2L tutor . . . to answer questions, give reviews throughout the semester, and help in the learning of certain subtopics.” The administration “incorporates the student voices into various aspects of the school.” Many students are from New Mexico, and most students agree that “UNM is a gem generally hidden to those outside the state.”
Students feel happy with the career services office, but feel like they could do more to support students. UNM has “a strong tribal law department, and therefore have a handful of native professors.” Even so, some students point out that “diverse perspectives in the faculty will only strengthen those characteristics in the professors who are shaping our learning.” And again, no student has to struggle to find their professors when they need them. “No one, not even the Dean, is more than an e-mail or phone call away. The faculty is not only receptive to student needs but welcomes it and solicits it.”
As for curriculum, several students point out the need for more legal research and writing access, and say “focusing on legal research earlier in the curriculum might be a good idea to help 1Ls navigate through their first year of school.” Most students would like improvement with food (“some of the faculty have tried to alleviate the problem by bringing in food trucks”) and the wireless capabilities, and feel that the “building itself could use some upgrades. . . . it shows its age.”

As one 2L student puts it, “We are competitive . . . but the supportive friends I have made have been at least as much a part of my success as the supportive professors.” The law school “is a very special place,” where students are taught to be “amazing and strong legal advocates.” Everyone’s “skills and strengths are analyzed and amplified to the highest degree possible for the individual.” Even better, UNM is located in Albuquerque, “one of the coolest places to live, ever.”
All told, “UNM is very integrated with the local legal community.” Students get to engage with activities and already feel like they’re a part of the system before graduation, which makes a huge difference to a student’s career. As another student told us, “The community cares about the law students and the school does a great job of fostering the connections.” Finally, another student succinctly defined UNM: “In a word, support, support, support.”