Melanie Fritzsche has been appointed as the new Director of Career Services at the University of New Mexico School of Law, following the retirement of Bonnie Stepleton.
Fritzsche, who grew up in Albuquerque and is from Laguna Pueblo, brings a background that includes work in non-profits, private practice, and government. Before taking on her new role, she served as Senior Program Manager for the Center for Justice Innovation’s Tribal Justice Exchange (TJE), where she collaborated with tribal communities to improve their justice systems. Her responsibilities at TJE included participation in the Tribal risk-need-responsivity tool project and helping to develop a tribal youth leadership program. Fritzsche has also worked with the American Indian Law Center and New Mexico Legal Aid. In addition to her non-profit experience, she has practiced law as both an associate attorney and contract attorney at various firms. Early in her career, she was an Assistant Attorney General for New Mexico and an Attorney-Advisor for the Department of the Interior's Solicitor’s Office.
Fritzsche holds a Bachelor’s degree in History/Government from Adams State College in Colorado and earned her Juris Doctor from UNM School of Law in 1996, along with certificates in Indian Law and Natural Resources. While attending law school, she served as a teaching assistant for first-year advocacy classes, contributed to the Natural Resources Journal as a staff member, and clerked for the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
“I am honored to have been selected as Director of Student and Career Services at the University of New Mexico School of Law. As a graduate of UNM School of Law, I am excited to have the opportunity to support students, staff, and faculty. I enjoy working with students in exploring career paths. The Student and Career Services team is very knowledgeable and care about students and the legal profession. I’m thrilled to join such a fantastic team,” said Fritzsche.
