$2.5 million donation establishes the F. Michael Hart Chair in Children’s Law at the School of Law

David B. Martinez, Kelly Stout Sanchez and Julio C. Romero, partners at Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero P.C., have contributed $2.5 million to the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Their gift has established an endowed chair, the F. Michael Hart Chair in Children's Law, which provides support in perpetuity for the holder of the chair to teach children's law. The chair was created in recognition of Mike Hart, partner of the law firm.

The F. Michael Hart Chair in Children's Law honors School of Law alumnus Frederick Michael Hart ('88) whose family has a longstanding connection with the institution. Hart worked for the Children, Youth and Families Department before opening his private practice in 1990 with Roger V. Eaton, Esq. and has since become one of the foremost children's law expert in New Mexico. In his 36 years of practice, Hart has served on numerous children's advocacy groups, has helped mentor young lawyers, and is a premier resource for judges, legislators, and social workers.

The donors hope their contribution will create a foundation for the School of Law to become a center for children's law, encouraging new legal professionals and future law students to undertake careers protecting and addressing critical issues faced by the children of New Mexico.

"There is nothing more revealing about a society's values and core principles than the way it treats its children. We can't just say 'our children are the future' and then tolerate the known consequences of childhood adversity. Lawyers trained and educated about children's legal rights have the power and responsibility to make the difference," Hart said.

David B. Martinez reflected upon the role School of Law graduates play in their communities:

"For over 75 years, the UNM School of Law has produced the leaders of the State of New Mexico. UNM Law's graduates not only lead in the legal community in terms of law firms, the judiciary and the State Bar, but have traditionally been leaders in political and local government as well. The Law School has produced governors, cabinet members, attorneys general, district attorneys, legislators, and many other local leaders.

UNM Law graduates living in the communities of the State of New Mexico also lead school, church, community, charitable, and neighborhood organizations. The education at all law schools including UNM Law, focuses on critical thinking. At UNM Law, the overall educational program also uniquely focuses its graduates on group and community success as well as service to the people of New Mexico.

The value of this leadership training of UNM Law grads to the State of New Mexico over the last three quarters of a century is immeasurable."

School of Law Dean Camille Carey shared her excitement and gratitude for the gift.

"I am thrilled about this new gift to establish the School of Law's new F. Michael Hart Chair in Children's Law. We are excited to expand our curricular offerings in children's law and honor Mike Hart and his career of impactful work on behalf of children," Carey said. "We are grateful to David Martinez, Kelly Stout Sanchez, and Julio Romero for their incredible generosity and for allowing the School of Law to grow its commitment to children's law."

The F. Michael Hart Chair in Children's Law is subject to approval by the University President and Board of Regents. The selection for the inaugural chair holder is underway.

Any individual or organization may make additional gifts to this endowed fund. Donations to the School of Law can be made on the UNM Foundation website.

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