Denise Barela-Shepherd
Metropolitan Court Judge
Bernalillo County
Year: 2002
Evaluation: Judge Barela Shepherd is well-respected, knowledgeable, and hard-working. She received positive scores from all of the populations surveyed, particularly for her attentiveness to the proceedings, her control over the courtroom, and her courteous and dignified behavior. She also obtained strong scores for displaying a sense of basic fairness and for treating all courtroom participants equitably. This evaluation indicated no specific areas of weakness or concern. She has used mentors within the District to improve her ability to run the courtroom, and she readily shares her knowledge with peers and the community.
Experience & Education: Prior to her appointment to the judgeship in 1997, Judge Barela Shepherd worked as general counsel for the New Mexico Department of Health and in private practice. She has been involved in various community and professional organizations for the past ten years, including the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque, and the New Mexico Women's Bar Association. Judge Barela Shepherd received her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and her law degree from the University of New Mexico.