New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana Zamora grew up in Albuquerque but chose to attend New Mexico State University because she wanted to live in southern New Mexico.
She is the first in her family to attend NMSU. As a double major in psychology and government, the native New Mexican found NMSU to have a welcoming environment.
"After taking prelaw classes at NMSU, I was intrigued by the significant impact the judiciary has on our community," Zamora said. "It was at NMSU that I first decided to pursue a career in law."
She graduated from NMSU in 1996 and earned her law degree at the University of New Mexico in 2000.
Zamora is one of few judges to have served at every level of the court system in New Mexico.
Her judicial experience began at the Metropolitan Court in 2008, which is often referred to as the “People’s Court,” where in addition to her day-to-day docket, Zamora presided over Homeless Court at St. Martin’s Homeless Shelter and "Courts to School" at local high schools. She moved on to district court and the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
After being vetted and recommended twice by a bipartisan judicial nominating commission, Zamora was appointed to the New Mexico Supreme Court in 2021 and elected to the position in November 2022. Since the terms are staggered, Zamora will stand for a retention election in 2024 and then serve an eight-year term.
Zamora's career has been dedicated to public service. She plans to continue as she raises her two children while serving on the New Mexico Supreme Court.
"I am deeply committed to improving our state and helping the people of New Mexico through my work in the judiciary."