OPINION: Access to justice begins with access to information

Every day, people walk through the doors of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court carrying the weight of legal uncertainty; facing landlord/tenant disputes, small claims lawsuits, traffic citations or other matters without legal representation. For too many, the complexity of the legal system compounds an already difficult situation.

To bridge this gap, the Metropolitan Court established a Self-Help Center nearly 25 years ago — designed to help individuals navigate the legal process when they choose to represent themselves or when, in reality, it is not really a choice.

Our community members are met with a calming quiet as they walk into the Self-Help Center located on the court’s second floor. Immediately, they are surrounded by helpful postings, pamphlets and information readily available. The trained professionals behind the desks welcome everyone in with obvious care. They not only provide procedural information, court forms and information about community and legal resources, but they also take the time listen to each person sitting across from them with respect and understanding. These services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are free of charge.

While Self-Help Center staff cannot provide legal advice, the center’s impact and importance in our community is clear.

Last fiscal year, Self-Help Center staff assisted an average of 1,500 individuals per month with questions about civil, landlord/tenant, criminal and traffic matters. Services are offered in multiple languages to reflect the diversity of our community.

In addition to in-person support, the court’s website offers robust resources, including:

•  Frequently asked questions and procedural guides tailored to common legal actions.

•  Self-representation forms and downloadable pamphlets for civil, small claims, and other matters.

•  Legal and procedural resources, such as access to the Supreme Court Law Library, statutes, court rules, and glossary terms to help non-lawyers understand legal language.

This month, the New Mexico Judiciary opened a statewide New Mexico Courts HelpLine as another resource for the public. People can call the HelpLine at (855) 268-7804 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for general assistance regarding civil legal matters. The HelpLine also offers contact information for civil legal service providers that assist clients who need low-cost or no-cost legal assistance.

Access to justice begins with access to information and the ability to be heard. These resources reflect our shared belief that the law and the court process should be understandable and available to everyone.

As judges and court staff, we are committed to strengthening these resources and ensuring that every person who walks through our doors can meaningfully participate in their legal matters.

Andrea Gunderson is a judge in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court.