Like choosing any professional, choosing an attorney is like picking a competent plumber or painter. The best way to find a good one is by a referral. So, if you need to speak to an attorney ask around.

Start with your family and friends. If you know an attorney ask that person. Maybe he or she is can help you. If not, the attorney should be able to refer you to another attorney who can help you.

The next best option is to contact the New Mexico State Bar attorney referral service. You can look for an attorney here: https://www.nmbar.org/Nmstatebar/For_Public/Need_Lawyer.aspx .

If you know what kind of case you have and there is a specific agency or organization that deals with those cases, they will often have a referral list of attorneys. Here's a list:

Workers' compensation cases, contact the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration;

Employment discrimination cases, contact the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau and/or the EEOC;

Sometimes local State District Court will have a referral list. I'd check with the court clerk's office.

You may ask: “What about lawyers who advertise?” Many years ago, lawyers who advertised, perhaps unfairly, were judged to be no better than used car dealers. However, now most lawyers do some kind of advertising, usually through a website, but also on television and the sides of buses. So, don't be turned off by a lawyer who advertises. Just make sure that you do your research on the lawyer. Confirm the lawyers experience and years in service. Ask for copies of any written reviews by past clients.

If you don't feel comfortable with that person and/or his or her office and staff after doing your research, move on. There's lots more lawyers who will be willing to represent you.

No matter who you choose, always, Always, ALWAYS ask if the lawyer has malpractice insurance. They must tell you if they have insurance and how much coverage they have. You should not choose a lawyer who is uninsured.

So, there are lots of ways to find an attorney. The best way is by a referral from a trusted source. If that is not available, do your research.

Remember: try to be kind to one another and wear that mask. We can make beat COVID-19, but we have to work together.

Here are some pictures from a recent hike I tool up La Luz trail. There were lots of lizards.

Thanks for reading.