Since its humble beginnings in the late 1970s, the Las Cruces office of New Mexico Legal Aid has been a pillar of justice for the communities of southern New Mexico. With deep roots in the region’s legal history, this office has not only grown in size and scope but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless individuals through its unwavering commitment to legal advocacy. 

The Birth of a Legal Lifeline 

In 1977, Albuquerque Legal Aid took a bold step to expand access to justice in southern New Mexico. With a grant from the Legal Services Corporation, Southern New Mexico Legal Services (SNMLS) was born. The mission was clear: to provide legal services to the 16 southern counties of New Mexico, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations had a voice in the legal system. 

The heart of this operation was to be in Las Cruces, a decision that would have far-reaching implications for the region. Albert Lassen, the first Executive Director of SNMLS, was tasked with the monumental job of laying the groundwork for this new legal service. Initially operating out of Albuquerque, Lassen’s vision soon became a reality as he secured office space and began assembling a dedicated team of legal professionals in Las Cruces. 

By 1978, SNMLS had expanded rapidly, with offices sprouting up in Roswell, Carlsbad, Clovis, Alamogordo, Socorro, Silver City, and Hobbs. Each office was staffed with a managing attorney, a staff attorney, a paralegal, and a secretary, ensuring that even the smallest and most remote communities had access to legal representation. However, as budgets began to shrink over time, the reality of maintaining such a vast network of offices became untenable, leading to the gradual closure of many of these rural outposts. 

In the early 2000s, SNMLS merged with other legal service agencies across the state, forming the New Mexico Legal Aid we know today. Despite the challenges, the Las Cruces office remained steadfast in its mission, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need of legal assistance. 

A Modern-Day Advocate for Justice 

Today, the Las Cruces office stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders. With a robust team that includes five attorneys, six paralegals, a community justice worker, and a legal secretary, the office has become a powerhouse of legal advocacy in southern New Mexico. The staff specializes in housing, economic benefits, and family law, areas of critical importance to the community they serve. 

While Las Cruces is a large urban area, surrounded by numerous rural communities that often lack access to essential legal resources. Recognizing this, the office has made it a priority to engage in extensive outreach efforts, ensuring that even the most isolated individuals can access the legal help they need. 

Changing Lives, One Case at a Time 

The impact of the Las Cruces office can be seen in the lives of the clients they have helped over the years. Take, for example, the case of a domestic violence survivor who found herself facing legal action for damages caused by her abuser after she had terminated her lease. Despite following the proper legal procedures, her landlord sought to hold her accountable for the damage. NMLA stepped in, representing her in court and successfully removing her from the case, sparing her from a potential $3,000 judgment. This intervention not only protected her financial stability but also provided a sense of justice in an already traumatic situation. 

Another notable case involved a client who had purchased a car only to have it wrongfully repossessed despite having paid it off in full. The dealer’s refusal to return the vehicle led to the client’s loss of two jobs, compounding the hardship. Through litigation and mediation, NMLA’s consumer attorney secured the return of the vehicle and an additional $17,000 in damages. This victory was not just a financial one but also a restoration of dignity and justice for the client. 

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Justice 

As the Las Cruces office of New Mexico Legal Aid looks to the future, its mission remains as vital as ever. In a region where economic challenges, rural isolation, and systemic barriers to justice persist, NMLA’s work is indispensable. The office’s ongoing commitment to outreach, advocacy, and legal representation continues to make a profound difference in the lives of southern New Mexico’s residents. 

In every case they take on, the Las Cruces team embodies the spirit of their organization’s founding principles—providing a voice to the voiceless, fighting for fairness, and ensuring that justice is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality for all.