Judge David K. Thomson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. David K. Thomson is a justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court. He was appointed to the seat by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on January 25, 2019.

On the Supreme Court, Thomson presides on the Simms Seat. He was also appointed by the Supreme Court to serve on the Uniform Jury Instruction-Civil Committee (chair), the Performance Measures Subcommittee of the Chief Judges Council, and the Guardianship Reform Implementation Steering Committee.

Thomson began his judicial career as a judge for the 1st Judicial District Court in 2015, which includes Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties.

Prior to joining the bench, he had managed his own private solo practice since 2010. Before that, Thomson worked first as a litigation attorney and later as a deputy attorney general with the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office beginning in 1999.

He received a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Wesleyan University. Thomson then spent time working for United States Senator Jeff Bingaman before completing a J.D. at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1998.

He was admitted to practice in New Mexico (1999), the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

After graduating from law school, Thomson began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Bruce D. Black with the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.

He has taught legal education courses on various topics, including trial practice, civility, judicial ethics, evidence, and administrative appeals.

Thomson has also served as a member of the American Bar Association, serving as a member of the Appellate Judges Conference, the Judicial Division’s Executive Committee, and its state delegate.

He was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he attended Santa Fe High School.

Thomson is registered as a Democrat.