Two Law Firms Make $2M Gift to University of New Mexico School of Law
Joseph Cervantes (JD ’91), James F. Scherr, Sam J. Legate, and Joseph G. Isaac of Cervantes Scherr Legate, PLCC; and Daniel Anchondo of Anchondo & Anchondo have contributed $2M to the University of New Mexico School of Law.
The gift will establish two endowed scholarship funds. The first, The Cervantes Scherr Legate PLCC and Anchondo Law Firm Scholarship Endowed Fund, will have an initial gift of $1.5M. Scholarship recipients will be selected by Camille Carey, Dean of the School of Law. Recipients must have a proven record of strong academic achievement and maintain a high GPA to remain eligible for the award.
The second endowed fund, the Judge Sarah Singleton Endowed Scholarship Fund, will have an initial gift of $500,000. This scholarship honors Judge Sarah Singleton, who retired from the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico in 2017 and passed away in 2019. Judge Singleton presided over many influential cases during her long career. In 2013, she became the first New Mexico judge to rule in favor of same-sex marriage in Santa Fe County.
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Joseph Cervantes and attorneys James Scherr, Sam Legate, and Daniel Anchondo for their incredible generosity,” said Dean Carey. “This gift will change many of our students’ lives for years to come. We are proud that these new scholarships represent a commitment to civil justice and honor Judge Sarah Singleton.”
Cervantes Scherr Legate PLLC Attorneys at Law is a Las Cruces-based firm offering legal services in the areas of personal injury, product liability, workplace accidents, and employment law.
Anchondo & Anchondo Attorneys at Law is located in El Paso, Texas. The firm’s practice areas include criminal law, divorce, DUI and DWI, family law, and personal injury.
Any individual or organization may make additional gifts to either of these endowed funds at any time. To learn how to donate to the School of Law, visit https://lawschool.unm.edu/alumni/.
About UNM School of Law
The University of New Mexico School of Law offers the Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) programs and Certificates in Natural Resources and Environmental Law and in Indian Law. Known for its 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and excellent employment rates for graduates, the school consistently ranks high in educational value. UNM School of Law has earned high rankings from prelaw Magazine, Princeton Review, and more. Established in 1947, it is the state of New Mexico’s only law school. The UNM School of Law is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).