Gov. Bill Richardson appointed Albuquerque criminal defense attorney Charles W. Daniels today to the New Mexico Supreme Court.
In doing so, Richardson rejected arguments that the court needed a justice from the south – such as Robert E. Robles, chief judge of the Third Judicial District Court in Doña Ana County – or a woman to replace Justice Pamela B. Minzner, who died in August. Richardson said Daniels was the best candidate.
“Charles Daniels exemplifies the qualities necessary to serve on New Mexico’s highest court,” Richardson said in a news release. “I am confident that Charles Daniels’ leadership, work ethic and impeccable integrity will be a tremendous asset to the state Supreme Court.”
Daniels has been a senior partner in the Friedman, Boyd, Daniels, Hollander, Goldberg and Ives law firm in Albuquerque for more than 30 years. He was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 1969.
“I chose Charles Daniels for the Supreme Court given his keen intellect, outstanding reputation and unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law,” Richardson said.
Daniels grew up in Albuquerque. He and his wife, attorney Randi McGinn, live in the Duke City.
Daniels earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Arizona and graduated first in his class at the University of New Mexico School of Law. He served as a Prettyman Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center, where he received a masters in trial advocacy. He also served as a professor at UNM.
Daniels will be up for election in November 2008.
A prior version of this posting incorrectly stated that Daniels will be up for retention, not election, next year.
