New Mexico Courts announced that District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will step down at the end of May after 15 years on the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe. The announcement was made in a press release on March 6, 2025.
Sommer served as Chief Judge of the First Judicial District from 2019 to 2022, overseeing court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointed to the bench in 2010 by Governor Bill Richardson, she won election that year and has been retained by voters, including in 2020. Before her judicial appointment, she worked as a hearing officer in domestic relations and child support cases, practiced law in Santa Fe for over two decades, and served as an assistant attorney general.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of New Mexico," said Sommer. "However, it is time to step away from the hectic schedule of court business and enjoy retirement. During my time on the bench, I have admired and deeply appreciated those who work so hard each day to ensure the court delivers the fair and timely justice that people are entitled to in our legal system."
Since joining the bench, Sommer has handled approximately 21,600 cases. She began with family law and juvenile matters before overseeing criminal cases in 2012. She presided over high-profile trials such as Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez’s "Rust" shooting case, as well as cases involving Gary Gregor and Jeannine Jaramillo, who were convicted of killing a police officer and firefighter during a chase.
"Judge Marlowe Sommer has served the people of the First Judicial District with distinction, integrity and an unswerving commitment to the rule of law," said Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid.
New Mexico Courts operate at multiple levels. The Supreme Court oversees the system and major appeals, while the Court of Appeals reviews civil and non-capital criminal cases. District Courts handle general jurisdiction cases; Magistrate and Metropolitan Courts address misdemeanors and traffic violations; Municipal and Probate Courts handle ordinances and estates. The Los Alamos County District Courthouse is noted for its energy-efficient systems.
