Rule 15-202. Qualifications.

A. Required qualifications. Every applicant for any method of licensure shall prove to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant possesses each of the following qualifications: (1) Age. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) Law degree. Is a graduate with a juris doctor or bachelor of laws and letters degree (but not only a masters of law degree) from a law school that is: (a) formally accredited by the ABA; or (b) not formally accredited by the ABA, in which event the applicant must also show admission to the practice of law in one or more other states for at least four (4) of the six (6) years immediately preceding submission of an application under these rules; (3) Good standing. Is, for every state in which applicant has ever been admitted to practice law, in good standing, by providing a certificate to that effect from each state in which applicant has ever been licensed; (4) Child support obligations. Is in compliance with all child support and spousal support obligations imposed under a “judgment and order for support” as defined in the Parental Responsibility Act, Sections 40-5A-1 to -13 NMSA 1978, or imposed under a child support or spousal support order entered by a court of any state. Any applicant who is subject to an order shall provide evidence acceptable to the board of compliance with all applicable child and spousal support orders. An applicant who has appeared on the State of New Mexico Human Services Department’s certified list of obligors shall submit a certified statement from that department showing that the applicant is in compliance with the judgment and order for support; and (5) Certificate of understanding. Has read and is familiar with (a) the New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct, including the succession planning requirements set forth in Rule 16-119 NMRA, (b) the New Mexico Rules Governing Discipline, including the trust accounting requirements set forth in Rule 17-204 NMRA, (c) the Creed of Professionalism of the State Bar of New Mexico, (d) the rules of the Supreme Court of New Mexico, and (e) the New Mexico statutes relating to the conduct of attorneys. Proof shall be made by submitting a signed certificate in a form prescribed by the board confirming compliance with this subparagraph, and that the applicant understands those items. B. Citizenship or immigration status. Admission may not be denied solely on an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status.