In a world where the scales of justice often tilt in favor of those who can afford it, an extraordinary event is resetting the balance. Welcome to Law-La-Palooza, the largest legal fair in Albuquerque.

On an energized Friday, August 25, a sense of anticipation and empowerment enveloped the Cesar Chavez Community Center. This was not your average community gathering; this was Law-La-Palooza, a groundbreaking legal fair orchestrated by the Volunteer Attorney Program at New Mexico Legal Aid. As visitors streamed into the community center, they were greeted not just with the promise of free legal advice, but with the potential for life-altering consultations on issues spanning from family conflicts to civil disputes.

Co-sponsored by the Second Judicial District Pro Bono Committee, Law-La-Palooza became a reality due to the relentless commitment of 48 volunteer attorneys, each an expert in their respective fields, who gave their time and expertise to serve the community throughout the day.

Lance Wainwright, a participating attorney who lent his skills pro bono, underscored the ethos of the event. “Each volunteer truly makes a difference in someone’s life. I believe attorneys have a civic responsibility, and this event was an opportunity to fulfill that responsibility,” Wainwright stated with conviction.

The event didn’t just meet expectations—it shattered them. A staggering 216 individuals walked away with actionable legal guidance, and many others were directed to an upcoming Statewide Teleclinic slated for September 21, 2023.

Isabella Zayani, the Statewide Pro Bono Coordinator with New Mexico Legal Aid’s Volunteer Attorney Program, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. “I think the event was very successful! It was amazing to see so many people getting some help and guidance with their legal issues! I am hopeful that we will be able to help even more people at the next one,”

Wainwright, echoing Zayani’s sentiments, noted, “The large number of people that showed up is what stood out to me the most. It just shows how many people in our community need legal help but can’t afford it. Money should never stand in the way of justice.”    

Visitors were treated to consultations with bilingual attorneys and professionals, adept in handling an array of legal complexities—from the personal, like divorce and child custody, to the broadly civil, such as employment issues and immigration matters.

Beyond the immediate legal aid, Law-La-Palooza served as a nexus for community resources. Various partners came forward to offer an extended helping hand, providing attendees with information on other essential services and support structures.

In the words of Wainwright, “I think and hope that this event gives people in need the knowledge and advice they need to navigate the extremely complex legal process while showing the volunteers what a difference they can make by volunteering for a half day.”

In a society where the gap between legal needs and affordable services often seems insurmountable, Law-La-Palooza is doing more than filling a void. It’s delivering justice, one consultation at a time.