The New Mexico Judiciary is expanding its network of interpreters to address a growing demand for language access services in state courts. The increased need comes as more jurors and court participants with limited English proficiency, as well as individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, require interpretation.
In fiscal year 2025, New Mexico courts provided interpretation services in 87 languages. Requests totaled approximately 50,300 hours of interpretation during this period, which is more than double the amount recorded in fiscal year 2021. The five most requested languages were Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), Navajo, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
Recently, four newly certified court interpreters and four Judicial System Interpreters (JSI) joined the roster of professionals available to serve New Mexico courts. Over the past two years, the Language Access Services (LAS) program at the Administrative Office of the Courts has added six certified interpreters and a dozen JSI interpreters statewide.
“We continue our efforts to recruit more interpreters, and our training initiatives along with other improvements have produced positive results by strengthening interpreter preparedness and expanding access to qualified language professionals throughout the state,” said Freda Valdez, director of the state LAS program. The program coordinates and funds judicial interpretation and translation services.
Interpretation in New Mexico courts occurs both in person and virtually. About 20 fully accredited Spanish interpreters and a dozen JSI interpreters work with the state judicial system; some provide only virtual services. Most interpreters are contractors. There are 13 staff interpreters within the Judiciary, including nine members of the LAS team. Fully accredited interpreters may interpret for any court proceeding—including jury trials—while JSI interpreters can handle most hearings but not jury proceedings.
To become certified, candidates must pass a multi-stage national exam: first a written test followed by an oral examination designed to mirror real courtroom conditions. JSI candidates complete a 24-week LAS program and must achieve high marks on an oral exam.
Alma Luna from Albuquerque and Luis Céspedes from Raton are among those recently certified as court interpreters.
“The process for state accreditation as a Spanish interpreter is very intense. I began my studies in 2021 and now work at the Second Judicial District Court where I interpret daily in multiple settings,” Luna said. “I am very proud to have reached this milestone.”
Céspedes works as an independent contractor for the Judiciary. “Interpreting is an endless learning experience. For me it is very exciting,” Céspedes stated. “My goal remains simple: facilitate ongoing communication while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, professionalism, and integrity in the process.”
LAS has recruited interpreter candidates through presentations at institutes and universities across New Mexico. It also collaborates with The University of Texas at El Paso to integrate parts of LAS certification training into university curricula. In addition, LAS has updated its curriculum and implemented a structured mentoring program for interpreter candidates.
“Interpreters play an essential role in ensuring equal access to justice for people who speak little or no English—and for people who are deaf or hard of hearing,” said Chief Justice David K. Thomson.
