Language Access Coordinator Contact
Bernice Ramos
Language Access Services, New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts
237 Don Gaspar
Santa Fe, NM 8700
Phone: (505) 231-1681
Email
Website
Code of Ethics or Rules of Professional Conduct
Interpreter Statutes and Rules
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: Interpreters are certified or otherwise qualified for work in NM State Courts by the Administrative Office of the Courts, Language Access Services (LAS), a program of the Court Services Division. Scheduling, coordinating, and supervision of freelance interpreters (the majority of interpreters working in NM State Courts) for all courts is also done through Language Access Services’ coordinators. Language Access Services Coordinators are assigned by region statewide.
Cost of Interpreter Services (including fees to freelance and salaries of staff interpreters): FY 19 Annual Operating Budget: $ 3,818,600.00
Budget for Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): Approximately $800,000
Funding for Language Access Program: By appropriation; State General Funds.
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): $50,000.00 - $ 64,000.00
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (sign language): N/A
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): $46.00
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified sign language): Legal Apprentice: $40.00, Legally Qualified: $ 50.00; Legal Specialist: $60.00
Difference in Pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: N/A
Minimum Certification Requirements: Two week online Orientation Course or completion of Justice System Interpreter 26 week course (both through NMCLA), passing NCSC Written Exam at 80%, passing Simultaneous Oral Background Check, and half day introductory seminar post-certification. To maintain certification must have 20 hours approved continuing education every two years, including two hours of ethics. Visit their website for more information or for languages for which there are no nationally recognized. https://www.nmcenterforlanguageaccess.org/cms/en/court-interpreter-certification/about-cic
Dates and Locations of Testing and Training
Additional Information:
Annual Report 2022: NM Administrative Office of the Courts Diversity & Inclusion