Appeals court judge is appointed to New Mexico Supreme Court

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Julie J. Vargas, a judge on the New Mexico Court of Appeals, has been appointed to serve on the state Supreme Court.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office announced the appointment Saturday.

Vargas, a Democrat, will succeed retired Justice Judith K. Nakamura, a Republican who was appointed by former Gov. Susana Martinez.

Vargas grew up in Albuquerque and got her law degree from the University of New Mexico.

As an appellate court judge, Vargas has heard disputed decisions from lower courts around the state since 2016, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Before that, Vargas worked in private practice for more than 20 years, mostly in commercial and personal injury law.

Vargas also has served as co-chairwoman of the Advisory Committee of the Code of Judicial Conduct and taught part time at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

She won a 2016 primary election for an eight-year term on the state Court of Appeals.