Judge Kennelly announces plan to step down

Eighth Judicial District Court Judge of Colfax and Union counties Melissa Kennelly announced this week that she plans to step down from the bench on June 30.

“I am excited to share that I have decided after four years to step down as district judge so that I can spend more time enjoying other parts of my life, like my artwork and the outdoor adventures I’ve been putting off. My last day as a judge will be June 30, 2023,” Judge Kennelly wrote in an email to her colleagues in the district on Monday (May 22).

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Kennelly as judge in April 2019, filling a seat vacated by Sarah Backus. At the time, Kennelly had been working as an attorney in the 8th Judicial District, serving as a mediator in civil cases and as a special projects manager for the courts.

Kennelly was one of three candidates who had applied to fill the vacancy, and a nominating panel recommended her to the governor in late March 2019.

As judge, Kennelly juggled a heavy caseload out of the district’s Raton courthouse and was a staunch advocate for protecting defendant’s speedy trial rights and improved behavior health diversion programs district-wide.

“I intend to continue my work as Chair of the Supreme Court’s Mental Health & Competency Commission, working on a statewide level to increase opportunities for diversion and improved outcomes for people with unmet behavioral health needs involved in the criminal justice system,” she wrote when she announced her retirement this week. “I also intend to engage in part-time consulting and other selected justice work.”

In coming weeks, UNM Law School will post an announcement of the judicial vacancy. A judicial nominating committee will convene to interview candidates for the role and will then submit a list of recommendations to the governor for appointment.