Rule 18-101 Purpose and title.

Lawyers in New Mexico have to keep learning throughout their careers, not just when they finish law school. This set of rules explains why that matters and lays out the basic requirements lawyers must follow to keep their legal knowledge current.

The idea behind these rules is simple. Laws change, and attorneys need to stay sharp so they can properly represent their clients. That benefits both the lawyers themselves and the public who rely on them for legal help.

This first part of the rules just introduces the topic and gives it an official name: the Rules for Minimum Continuing Legal Education, often shortened to "MCLE Rules." The rules that follow spell out exactly what lawyers need to do to meet these education requirements.