COURTS
Veteran trial lawyer to be formally sworn in as magistrate judge
Phillip G. Sapien, who has more than 30 years of courtroom experience, will be formally installed to the federal bench on Aug. 14.
U.S. District Court for New Mexico will hold the investiture ceremony for part-time U.S. Magistrate Judge Phillip G. Sapien on Aug. 14.
The court appointed Sapien, a veteran trial lawyer with more than three decades of courtroom experience, as a part-time magistrate judge on March 6.
In a Wednesday news release, the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association credited Sapien鈥檚 extensive legal experience and record of public service for his appointment.
鈥淚 advocate and represent clients harmed by others, including harm caused by corporations and the government, so that my clients are treated fairly in our system of justice,鈥 Sapien said in the release.
Sapien has served on the district court since his appointment in March, according to association. The Aug. 14 investiture will formally mark his installation to the bench.
Before joining the federal bench, Sapien focused his legal practice on criminal defense, personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He has appeared in state and federal courts and argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver.
Sapien began his legal career in 1992 as a New Mexico public defender. Since 1999, he has served as a Criminal Justice Act panel attorney, representing clients in hundreds of court-appointed cases, including approximately 80 jury trials, according to the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association.
Sapien also served as president of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association from 2003 to 2005 and was a member of the board of directors for the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
鈥淚t is very rewarding to know that I assisted someone to navigate the legal system with aggressive and determined representation in their case,鈥 Sapien said. 鈥淚 look forward to bringing that same commitment to fairness, diligence and justice to the federal bench.鈥
Peyton Jackson covers community news for the Journal. Contact her at pjackson@abqjournal.com.