Sonia M. Gipson Rankin Professor of Law | UNM School of Law Clinical Programs
The State Bar of New Mexico held its 2025 Annual Meeting at Sandia Resort & Casino from July 31 to August 2. The event, with the theme “Together Towards Justice,” gathered legal professionals from across the state for three days of continuing education and networking.
Seven faculty members from the School of Law played a significant role in this year’s program by leading several Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions. Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin delivered two plenary sessions titled “Justice by Design: Artificial Intelligence, Law, and the Future of Us” and “Navigating the New Frontier: Ethical Uses of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice.” Professor Vinay Harpalani presented on “The Legal Status of Racial Diversity and Equity Initiatives.” Professor Joshua Kastenberg discussed “The Commander in Chief at High-Tide, Wherever that Line May Be.” Professor Nadine Padilla participated in a panel called “Tribal and State Collaborations — Sovereigns Working Together to Better One Another.” Professor Allison Freedman addressed housing issues with her session on “Addressing the Housing Crisis in New Mexico.” Professor Cliff Villa presented on environmental topics with “Environmental Justice: Past, Present, and Near Future.” Associate Dean John Kang led a session titled “Manliness and the Constitution.”
The meeting provided an opportunity for attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals to gain CLE credits while engaging with colleagues throughout various presentations.
