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In light of ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, New Mexico's appellate practice has seen a significant increase in virtual hearings as of February 20, 2026. The shift to remote proceedings has allowed the state's appellate courts to continue their work efficiently, while also ensuring the health and safety of all involved.One of the key factors driving this shift is the rising number of COVID-19 cases in New Mexico, which has prompted courts to implement measures to reduce in-person gatherings and promote social distancing. As a result, many appellate hearings that would have traditionally taken place in a physical courtroom are now being conducted via video conferencing technology.Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, Maria Sanchez, stated, "The safety and well-being of our court staff, attorneys, and the public are our top priorities. By utilizing virtual hearings, we are able to maintain access to justice while minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19."Despite some initial challenges in adapting to the virtual format, attorneys and judges alike have praised the efficiency and convenience of remote hearings. Attorney Juan Martinez, who recently argued a case before the New Mexico Court of Appeals via video conference, noted, "While there were certainly some technical hiccups to navigate, overall the process was smooth and allowed for seamless communication between all parties involved."In addition to the transition to virtual hearings, the New Mexico appellate courts have also implemented other measures to streamline their operations during the pandemic. These include electronic filing of documents, expanded use of email communication, and increased flexibility in scheduling hearings to accommodate changing circumstances.Looking ahead, it is likely that virtual hearings will continue to play a prominent role in New Mexico's appellate practice even after the pandemic subsides. As Chief Justice Sanchez emphasized, "While the challenges of the past year have been significant, they have also provided us with an opportunity to innovate and modernize our court system. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage technology to improve access to justice and increase efficiency in our appellate practice."