Paul Kennedy (New Mexico)

Paul J. Kennedy is a former justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Justice Kennedy was first appointed to the supreme court by then-Republican Governor Gary Johnson on September 13, 2002, to fill a vacancy left by a retiring justice. He resigned from his interim term on December 20, 2002. Kennedy also served on the court after the 2012 retirement of Patricio Serna; he ran to retain this position, but was defeated by Barbara J. Vigil, who replaced him in December 2012.

Education

Kennedy received his B.A. degree from St. Joseph's University and his J.D. from Georgetown University.

Career

Kennedy is a prominent criminal defense lawyer. He also served as Governor Susana Martinez's chief legal counsel on her transition committee after her 2010 election. Kennedy has also represented Governor Martinez in redistricting lawsuits over the set boundaries of political districts in the legislature, Congress, and a state regulatory agency.

Awards and associations

• Recipient-Fulbright Scholarship, 1971
• State Bar of New Mexico
• American Bar Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• The Association of Trial Lawyers of America

2012 election

Kennedy received 45.19% of the vote, losing the race for the New Mexico Supreme Court to Barbara J. Vigil.

This seat was formerly held by Patricio Serna; after Serna's retirement in August, Kennedy was appointed to fill the seat until the general election. He ran for election to the seat and was defeated by Barbara J. Vigil in the general election.

See also: New Mexico judicial elections, 2012

See also

• News: Two lawyers recommended for New Mexico Supreme Court, August 14, 2012