The School of Law has announced the recipients of two prestigious awards for its third-year students. Damon Nieto has been awarded the 2024 Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award, while Rebecca Myers has received the 2024 Salazar Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

The Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award is given annually to a law student entering their final year who exhibits excellence in professionalism and legal ethics. Established in 2014 by Richard C. Minzner, Of Counsel at the Rodey Law Firm, this award honors Pamela Burgy Minzner, New Mexico Supreme Court's first female Chief Justice. Nieto expressed his gratitude: “Receiving the Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award in Professionalism and Legal Ethics has been one of my greatest accomplishments in law school. It is truly a privilege and an honor to be recognized in such a meaningful way. I wish I had the pleasure of meeting Justice Minzner, as I have heard nothing but the most admirable things about her. Based on what I have heard and read about Justice Minzner, she exemplifies traits that I hold near and dear to my heart: respect, grace, integrity, and, most importantly, humility. I hope to follow in Justice Minzner’s footsteps and inspire others in the way she has inspired so many, including myself. I look forward to carrying this honor with pride as I work toward making a positive impact in the legal field in New Mexico.”

The Salazar Prize recognizes the law student with the highest cumulative GPA at the end of their second year. Established in 2013 by John P. Salazar from Rodey Law Firm and his wife Terri, it honors Tibo J. Chavez for inspiring service and excellence within law practice. Myers remarked: “I’m so grateful to Mr. Salazar and his family for their support of the law school. I’m honored to have received the Salazar Prize and to be associated with Tibo Chavez’s reputation for hard work and dedication to New Mexico. I’d like to acknowledge that my success is only possible because of the support of my family, and the staff and faculty of the School of Law.”

Both students were congratulated on their achievements by The School of Law which also thanked John Salazar and Dick Minzner for their ongoing support.