Notice of Appearance - New Mexico
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE
State of New Mexico — District Court
1. COURT HEADER AND CASE CAPTION
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
COUNTY OF [________________________________]
IN THE [________________________________] JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| [PLAINTIFF NAME], | Plaintiff(s), |
| v. | No. D-[____]-CV-[________]-[________] |
| [DEFENDANT NAME], | Defendant(s). |
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE
2. JUDICIAL DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION
Select the applicable judicial district (New Mexico has 13 judicial districts):
☐ First Judicial District — Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos counties
☐ Second Judicial District — Bernalillo County (Albuquerque)
☐ Third Judicial District — Dona Ana County (Las Cruces)
☐ Fourth Judicial District — San Miguel, Mora, Guadalupe counties
☐ Fifth Judicial District — Lea, Eddy, Chaves counties
☐ Sixth Judicial District — Grant, Luna, Hidalgo counties
☐ Seventh Judicial District — Catron, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance counties
☐ Eighth Judicial District — Colfax, Taos, Union counties
☐ Ninth Judicial District — Curry, Roosevelt counties
☐ Tenth Judicial District — Quay, De Baca, Harding counties
☐ Eleventh Judicial District — San Juan, McKinley counties
☐ Twelfth Judicial District — Lincoln, Otero counties
☐ Thirteenth Judicial District — Sandoval, Valencia, Cibola counties
Division: ☐ Civil ☐ Domestic Relations ☐ Other: [________________________________]
Presiding Judge: [________________________________]
3. PARTY INFORMATION
Party Represented:
Name of Party: [________________________________]
Party Designation:
☐ Plaintiff
☐ Defendant
☐ Third-Party Plaintiff
☐ Third-Party Defendant
☐ Cross-Claimant
☐ Counter-Claimant
☐ Intervenor
☐ Petitioner
☐ Respondent
☐ Other: [________________________________]
4. ATTORNEY INFORMATION
Appearing Attorney:
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
New Mexico State Bar Number: [________________________________]
Law Firm Name: [________________________________]
Street Address: [________________________________]
City: [________________________________] State: [____] ZIP: [________]
Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Facsimile: [________________________________]
Primary Email: [________________________________]
E-Filing Service Email (EFS): [________________________________]
Additional Attorneys on the Matter (if applicable):
Attorney Name: [________________________________]
NM Bar No.: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Role: ☐ Lead Counsel ☐ Associate Counsel ☐ Of Counsel
5. APPEARANCE STATEMENT
Pursuant to Rules 1-005 and 1-011 NMRA, the undersigned attorney, [________________________________], New Mexico State Bar No. [________________________________], of the law firm of [________________________________], hereby enters an appearance as counsel of record for [________________________________] ("Client"), the [☐ Plaintiff / ☐ Defendant / ☐ Other: ________________] in the above-captioned action.
The undersigned respectfully requests that all pleadings, motions, notices, orders, and other papers required to be served in this action be directed to the undersigned at the contact information provided herein.
6. TYPE OF APPEARANCE
☐ General Appearance — The undersigned enters a full and general appearance on behalf of the above-named party for all purposes in this action.
☐ Limited Appearance — The undersigned enters a limited appearance on behalf of the above-named party pursuant to Rule 16-102(C) NMRA for the specific purposes set forth in Section 9 below.
☐ Substitution of Counsel — The undersigned enters this appearance as substitute counsel, replacing [________________________________] (prior counsel, NM Bar No. [________________________________]). A separate Stipulated Order of Substitution or Motion for Withdrawal is being filed simultaneously.
☐ Additional Counsel — The undersigned enters this appearance as additional counsel of record alongside existing counsel [________________________________].
7. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE STATUS
Pursuant to Rule 1-005.2 NMRA:
☐ Registered for electronic filing and service through the New Mexico courts Electronic Filing System (EFS). All electronic service shall be directed to:
Primary EFS email: [________________________________]
Secondary email (optional): [________________________________]
☐ Supreme Court exemption order attached — Under Rule 1-005.2(M) NMRA, the attorney obtained a good-cause exemption order from the New Mexico Supreme Court. The exemption is statewide for one year unless renewed. Order date: [__/__/____]. Expiration date: [__/__/____].
☐ Exemption petition pending — A petition has been filed with the New Mexico Supreme Court, but no exemption is claimed unless and until an order is entered.
ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIREMENTS (Rule 1-005.2 NMRA): Attorneys required to file documents electronically must register with the EFS through the district court's website. Every registered attorney must provide a valid, working, and regularly checked email address for the EFS. Documents filed electronically must be formatted in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure and must comply with Rule 1-079 NMRA regarding protected personal identifier information.
Electronic Filing Standards:
- Documents must comply with formatting requirements of the Rules of Civil Procedure
- Protected personal identifier information must be redacted per Rule 1-079 NMRA
- Rule 1-005.2(E) currently sets an $8 electronic filing fee or a $12 combined filing-and-service fee per transmission, subject to the rule's stated exemptions
- When a rule requires multiple filed copies, one electronic transmission is sufficient under Rule 1-005.2(F)
- An attorney relying on an exemption must attach the Supreme Court exemption order to a paper filing as Rule 1-005.2(M) requires
8. PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION (If Applicable)
☐ This section does not apply (attorney is an active member of the State Bar of New Mexico in good standing).
☐ The undersigned seeks admission pro hac vice pursuant to Rule 24-112 NMRA and files the following:
Out-of-State Attorney Information:
Full Name: [________________________________]
Bar Admission(s): [________________________________] (State), Bar No. [________________________________]
Office Address: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Associated New Mexico Attorney (Required):
Name: [________________________________]
NM Bar No.: [________________________________]
Firm: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
Pro Hac Vice Requirements under Rule 24-112 NMRA:
☐ Verified Motion for Pro Hac Vice Admission filed
☐ Certificate of Good Standing from home jurisdiction attached
☐ Affidavit of applicant attorney attached
☐ New Mexico local counsel has entered an appearance
☐ Pro hac vice fee paid as required
☐ Applicant has disclosed all jurisdictions of admission and any disciplinary actions
☐ Applicant has registered in the EFS for electronic service
☐ Applicant acknowledges subjection to the disciplinary authority of the New Mexico Supreme Court
Notice Regarding Non-Admitted Lawyers: Attorneys not admitted in New Mexico who appear or sign pleadings without proper pro hac vice admission risk sanctions. The New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court have issued specific notices regarding practice by non-admitted lawyers. Ensure pro hac vice admission is secured before making any appearance or filing.
9. LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION (If Applicable)
☐ This section does not apply (general appearance entered above).
☐ Pursuant to Rule 16-102(C) NMRA, the undersigned enters a limited appearance for the following specific purpose(s):
Scope of Limited Representation:
☐ Representation at specified hearing(s): [________________________________]
Date(s): [__/__/____]
☐ Representation for discovery matters only
☐ Representation for mediation or settlement conference
☐ Representation for trial proceedings only
☐ Representation for specific motion(s): [________________________________]
☐ Representation for appeal only
☐ Drafting of specific pleading(s): [________________________________]
☐ Other limited scope: [________________________________]
Anticipated Duration:
From: [__/__/____] Through: [__/__/____]
Or upon completion of: [________________________________]
Client Acknowledgment:
☐ The client has provided informed written consent to the limited scope of this representation as required by Rule 16-102(C) NMRA.
☐ The client understands they are responsible for all matters outside the stated scope.
Termination Procedures:
- Upon completion of the stated limited purpose, counsel shall file a Notice of Completion of Limited Representation
- If withdrawal before completion is necessary, counsel must comply with Rule 1-089 NMRA and obtain court approval
- The client resumes self-represented status for all matters outside the defined scope
10. SCHEDULING AND CONTACT INFORMATION NOTICE
☐ This district requires a separate Notice of Hearing with contact information. The undersigned confirms:
Contact information for scheduling purposes:
Preferred hearing dates/times: [________________________________]
Attorney availability conflicts: [________________________________]
Estimated trial time: [________________________________]
Practice Note: Some New Mexico judicial districts require submission of a separate scheduling order or contact information form. Check the local rules and any standing scheduling orders for the assigned judge. The Second Judicial District (Bernalillo County) and other larger districts often have specific scheduling procedures.
11. SIGNATURE BLOCK
Dated: [__/__/____]
Respectfully submitted,
[________________________________]
(Law Firm Name)
By: ___________________________________________
[________________________________]
New Mexico State Bar No. [________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[City], New Mexico [________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Attorney for [________________________________]
12. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on [__/__/____], the foregoing Notice of Appearance was served upon all counsel of record and unrepresented parties by the following method(s), in accordance with Rule 1-005 NMRA:
| No. | Name | Address / Email | Method of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | [________________________________] | [________________________________] | ☐ EFS (registered recipient) ☐ Email (recipient agreed) ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ Facsimile under Rule 1-005.1 |
| 2. | [________________________________] | [________________________________] | ☐ EFS (registered recipient) ☐ Email (recipient agreed) ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ Facsimile under Rule 1-005.1 |
| 3. | [________________________________] | [________________________________] | ☐ EFS (registered recipient) ☐ Email (recipient agreed) ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ Facsimile under Rule 1-005.1 |
| 4. | [________________________________] | [________________________________] | ☐ EFS (registered recipient) ☐ Email (recipient agreed) ☐ U.S. Mail ☐ Hand Delivery ☐ Facsimile under Rule 1-005.1 |
___________________________________________
[________________________________]
New Mexico State Bar No. [________________________________]
13. ELECTRONIC FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Registration and Setup
- Navigate to the New Mexico Courts Electronic Filing System portal
- Register for an EFS account through the applicable district court's website
- Provide a valid, working, and regularly checked email address
- Link your New Mexico State Bar number to your account
- Accept the terms and conditions of electronic filing
Filing This Document
- Log in to the EFS portal
- Select the appropriate judicial district and county
- Enter the case number to file into an existing case
- Select document type: "Notice of Appearance"
- Upload the Notice of Appearance as a PDF
- Ensure compliance with Rule 1-079 NMRA (redact protected personal identifiers)
- Attach any supporting documents (pro hac vice materials, substitution orders)
- Select service recipients
- Review the filing for accuracy and submit
- Retain the EFS transmission receipt as proof of filing
Filing Fees
- An electronic services fee may be assessed in addition to any other filing fees
- There is generally no separate filing fee for a Notice of Appearance
- Pro hac vice admission fees are payable as directed by the court
- Verify current fees with the district court clerk
Protected Personal Identifier Information (Rule 1-079 NMRA)
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, dates of birth of minors, and other protected identifiers must be redacted from all filings
- Use only the last four digits of any Social Security number
- Use only the last four digits of any financial account number
14. NEW MEXICO PRACTITIONER NOTES
Court Structure
- New Mexico has 13 judicial districts with District Courts serving as courts of general jurisdiction
- The Second Judicial District (Bernalillo County) is the largest and busiest
- Magistrate Courts handle civil matters up to $10,000; Metropolitan Court (Bernalillo County) handles certain civil matters
- The New Mexico Supreme Court oversees attorney admissions and disciplinary authority
Key Filing Rules
- Electronic Filing (Rule 1-005.2 NMRA): Where an approved local rule implements mandatory EFS filing, covered attorneys must register and file electronically unless exempt; the rule excludes specified action types. A valid working email address must be maintained for EFS service.
- Single Transmission: When a rule requires multiple filed copies, one electronic transmission is sufficient under Rule 1-005.2(F) NMRA.
- Exemption: An attorney must obtain a good-cause exemption order from the New Mexico Supreme Court under Rule 1-005.2(M); a checkbox in this notice does not create an exemption.
- Personal Identifier Protection (Rule 1-079 NMRA): All filings must comply with redaction requirements for protected personal information.
Withdrawal of Appearance (Rule 1-089 NMRA)
- An attorney seeking to withdraw must obtain court approval
- File a Motion to Withdraw as Counsel citing Rule 1-089 NMRA
- The motion must demonstrate that the client has been notified and that withdrawal will not prejudice the client
- Coordinate with the client and opposing counsel, particularly if substitution is anticipated
- The court may deny withdrawal if it would unreasonably delay the proceedings or prejudice the client
District-Specific Considerations
- Second Judicial District (Bernalillo): Largest district; has specific local rules and standing orders for case management, scheduling, and electronic filing. Check for assigned judge's individual requirements.
- First Judicial District (Santa Fe): Houses the state capital; may have specific procedures for cases involving state agencies.
- Third Judicial District (Dona Ana): Border district; may encounter bilingual proceedings and cross-border legal issues.
- Fifth Judicial District (Lea/Eddy/Chaves): Oil and gas country; may have specialized dockets for energy-related disputes.
- Eleventh Judicial District (San Juan/McKinley): May involve tribal jurisdiction issues; confirm jurisdictional basis.
Common Pitfalls
- Filing in the wrong judicial district (New Mexico uses county-based districts)
- Failing to register in the EFS before attempting to file
- Claiming an electronic-filing exemption without the required Supreme Court order
- Not redacting protected personal identifiers per Rule 1-079
- Failing to check district-specific local rules and the assigned judge's standing orders
- For pro hac vice attorneys: making an appearance or signing pleadings before admission is granted
15. OFFICIAL SOURCE
This template is designed for use in New Mexico state district courts. Federal court appearances in the District of New Mexico require separate procedures under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and local federal rules. Always verify current rules and fees before filing.
About this template
- Last updated
- September 19, 2026
- Jurisdiction
- New Mexico
- Category
- Litigation & Court Documents
Legal authority
- Rule 1-005 NMRA (Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers)
- Rule 1-005.2 NMRA (Electronic Service and Filing)
- Rule 1-011 NMRA (Signing of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers)
- Rule 1-089 NMRA (Withdrawal of Attorneys)
- Rule 16-102(C) NMRA (Scope of Representation — Limited)
- Rule 1-079 NMRA (Protected Personal Identifier Information)
- Rule 24-112 NMRA (Pro Hac Vice Admission)
These are the filings that drive a lawsuit through the system: complaints, answers, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and post-judgment papers. Each has its own format requirements under federal and state procedural rules, and each has a deadline that cannot be missed without consequences. Clean, procedurally correct filings move a case forward; sloppy ones invite motions to strike, amended responses, and avoidable delays.
Not legal advice
This template is provided for informational purposes. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Checked against the law it cites
The statutes this template relies on are listed under Legal authority.
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