SANTA FE – Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon has been selected as the first recipient of the Albuquerque Bar Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
“This award recognizes Chief Justice Bacon’s distinguished service and continued determination to make the courts and legal process accessible to all people regardless of means,” said Meredith Johnstone, president of the Albuquerque Bar Association. “The Chief Justice’s efforts have positively impacted the Albuquerque community and will continue to shape the legal profession.”
The Chief Justice will accept the award during a virtual awards ceremony on Friday.
Chief Justice Bacon has served on the Supreme Court since 2019 and became Chief Justice in April of this year. Before joining the state’s highest court, she served as a judge on the Second Judicial District Court for nearly nine years and was the presiding civil judge. She is a member of the Commission on Access to Justice, which was established by the Supreme Court nearly two decades ago to improve civil legal assistance for New Mexicans.
The Chief Justice has led the Judiciary’s efforts to implement an eviction prevention and diversion program, promote equitable access by all persons to the state’s justice system and improve the adult guardianship and conservatorship system.
“I am deeply honored by the award,” said Chief Justice Bacon. “The Judiciary is committed to working in partnership with the legal community and others across New Mexico to advance justice for all.”
