What is the VAP CLE ECHO?
As an accredited CLE provider, VAP offers its volunteer attorneys a resource and learning platform, along with free CLEs through the VAP CLE ECHO Program.
This innovative virtual community of practice uses the ECHO model to offer interactive CLE sessions. Each session includes a topic presentation by an attorney who serves as the subject matter expert and a hands-on case presentation that allows participants to address a problem of practice related to the topic presentation.
The mission of the VAP CLE ECHO is to expand the knowledge and expertise of volunteer attorneys across the state through tele-mentorship while building a collaborative community of practice focused on the legal needs of low-income rural New Mexicans. Together, we hope to empower the pro bono community and ensure New Mexicans can access expert knowledge wherever they live!
By joining the VAP CLE ECHO Program
Volunteers gain exclusive access to:
- An online resource webpage and a learning platform that includes details on past and upcoming CLEs;
- View CLE recordings; and
- Download presentation and resource materials.
*The one-time registration to join the platform allows full access to all CLEs offered by the Volunteer Attorney Program of New Mexico Legal Aid. There is no need to register for individual CLE sessions; participants automatically receive reminders for all sessions offered by the VAP Pro CLE ECHO Program.
We welcome:
- Current and new volunteer attorneys interested in attending free CLE sessions;
- Legal practitioners interested in presenting a CLE on a topic of interest to the legal community; and
- Case presenters who would like to introduce a case study/problem of practice relating to a topic for discussion.
If you are interested in presenting on a specific topic or submitting a case study/problem of practice, please email vapecho@nmlegalaid.org
Upcoming CLE ECHO Sessions
The FREE VAP CLE ECHO sessions are not your ordinary CLE!
- Interactive learning sessions
- Including a Topic Presentation by a Subject Matter Expert and a Hands-On Case Study for discussion;
- Sharing support, guidance, and feedback with peers;
- All while using an All Teach/All Learn framework
By joining the VAP CLE ECHO, participants consent to be added to the VAP volunteer attorney pool and consent to join the project ECHO web-based platform for exclusive access to on-going session material and resources.
Click here to join the VAP CLE ECHO Program and attend upcoming CLE sessions.
*By registering for this CLE, you will automatically join the VAP CLE ECHO Program. Through this CLE program, participants will access on-going FREE CLE’s, resource materials and meaningful pro bono opportunities.
VAP has no CLEs scheduled at this time. Please check back, for updates on additional 2025 CLEs and trainings linked to pro bono service projects.
Previously Offered Sessions
CLE recordings, presentation and resource materials are available for individuals enrolled with the VAP CLE ECHO program.
2025
Empowering Family Law Clients: An Income Tax Perspective (3-Part Series)
Presenter: Grace Allison, Staff Attorney and Former Director, New Mexico Legal Aid Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
- Part 1: Overview of income tax issues in family law cases.
- Part 2: Claiming dependents and maximizing tax credits.
- Part 3: Allocating tax benefits between parents.
2024
Succession Planning
Presenter: Judge Carbon-Gaul, Bernalillo County Probate Court
Overview of estate planning essentials, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
Navigating Foreclosure and Learning its Alternatives
Presenters: Penelope Quintero, Esq., and Jennifer Isom (Jeannie)
Insight into the foreclosure process, creditor perspectives, and alternatives to foreclosure.
Adult Guardianship 101 (4-Part Series)
Presenter: Patricia Galindo, Supervising Attorney, Administrative Office of the Courts
- Part 1: Petition to Hearing
- Part 2: Appointing Professionals & Hearing Preparation
- Part 3: Managing Family Conflict
- Part 4: Post-Adjudication Issues
Part 5: Do You Really Need a Guardian?
Presenters: Alice Liu McCoy & Joseph Turk
Exploration of decision-making supports as alternatives to guardianship.
Income Tax (3-Part Series)
Presenter: Grace Allison, Staff Attorney and Former Director, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, New Mexico Legal Aid
- Part 1: Helping low- and middle-income families with IRS claims.
- Part 2: Understanding tax benefits for families.
- Part 3: Allocating tax benefits between separated parents.
Project ECHO
Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO), or Project ECHO, was originally created as a medical model to tele-mentor doctors across geographic distances. The goal of this model has been to create better outcomes among patients by sharing best practices among doctors treating specific illnesses. This model has since been adapted and is now being used around the globe in other fields, including education and civics.
