Santa Fe, N.M. – District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced she will retire at the end of May after dedicating 15 years to the First Judicial District Court. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in New Mexico’s judicial history, punctuated by her leadership through challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on her career, Marlowe Sommer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing the importance of delivering fair and timely justice within the legal system. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of New Mexico,” she stated, signaling readiness to transition into retirement and step back from the rigorous demands of judicial duties.
Appointed to the district court in 2010 by then-Governor Bill Richardson, Marlowe Sommer secured her position through election later that year and won retention from voters, most recently in 2020. Her tenure as chief judge, from April 2019 to April 2022, involved presiding over the district through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
Prior to her judgeship, Marlowe Sommer had a robust legal career in Santa Fe, spanning over 20 years that included roles as a domestic relations and child support hearing officer, a criminal defense attorney for adults and juveniles, and an assistant attorney general. She received her law degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in 1983, following an undergraduate degree from James Madison University in Virginia.
The First Judicial District, comprising Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties, will see a judicial nominating commission screen applicants to fill the upcoming vacancy. The commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to the governor, who will appoint a successor to complete Marlowe Sommer’s term, which runs until December 31, 2028.
Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid commended Marlowe Sommer’s dedication, noting her “distinction, integrity, and an unswerving commitment to the rule of law.” Throughout her judicial career, Marlowe Sommer presided over approximately 21,600 cases, beginning with family, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases. Following the retirement of District Judge Michael Vigil in 2012, her docket expanded to include criminal and treatment court cases.
Among the high-profile cases overseen by Marlowe Sommer are the trials of actor Alec Baldwin and movie set armorer Hannah Gutierrez, stemming from a fatal shooting on the set of the film “Rust.” She also presided over cases involving former teacher Gary Gregor accused of child molestation, and Jeannine Jaramillo, convicted of killing a police officer and a retired firefighter in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 25.
As Marlowe Sommer prepares to retire, her legacy within New Mexico’s judicial landscape remains highlighted by her resilience and commitment to justice. The process to select her successor is underway, with significant attention on ensuring the continuation of principled and effective judiciary service in the First Judicial District.
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