MISSION & VALUES

Our Mission

The New Mexico Center for Language Access (NMCLA) is the training division of the Language Access Services Unit within the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts. Established with support from the State Justice Institute, NMCLA advances meaningful language access across New Mexico’s justice system.

Our mission is to strengthen and improve the quality of language access services by developing highly qualified court interpreters and language access professionals who serve the courts with skill, integrity, and professionalism.

WHO WE SERVE

NMCLA Serves:

  • Court interpreter candidates seeking certification and professional training

  • Certified court interpreters pursuing continuing education and advanced skill development

  • Bilingual court staff and Language Access Specialists (LAS) supporting language access in New Mexico courts

  • Judges, court administrators, and justice partners committed to ensuring compliance with language access requirements

Through training, technical assistance, and collaboration, NMCLA supports meaningful access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency, as well as individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, throughout the state.

OUR CORE VALUES

    • Quality – We are committed to excellence in training and service delivery.

    • Access – We promote meaningful access to justice for all court users.

    • Diversity – We value linguistic and cultural diversity as strengths within our communities.

    • Service – We support courts, interpreters, and justice partners with professionalism and responsiveness.

    • Creativity – We embrace innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

    • Social Responsibility – We recognize our role in advancing fairness and equity within the justice system.

    • Personal Development – We encourage lifelong learning and professional growth.

At the heart of our work is a simple principle: language should never be a barrier to justice.