Judge Joshua J. Sánchez: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. Joshua J. Sánchez is a judge for the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in New Mexico. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 3, 2021, filling the vacancy created by the election of the Hon. Courtney B. Weaks to the 2nd Judicial District Court.

Prior to his appointment, Sánchez practiced at his father's law firm, the Law Offices of Michael J. Sánchez, for fifteen years, where he specialized in criminal, juvenile, domestic relations, civil, and probate law. During that same time served as a contract attorney with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender since 2007.

He received a B.A. in political science from the University of New Mexico in 2002. Sánchez went on to complete a J.D. at the University of New Mexico School of Law. While a law student, he was a law clerk for the 2nd Judicial District Court in Bernalillo County and the 13th Judicial District Court in Valencia County.

He was admitted to practice in New Mexico in 2006.

Sánchez attended Belen High School, where he later served as a volunteer attorney coach for the Eagle’s mock trial team. When not presiding over legal matters, he enjoys attending Los Angeles Dodgers games, snowboarding in New Mexico, and spending time with his wife and daughter. His wife, the Hon. Heather Benavidez, presided as a municipal court and magistrate court judge.