ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico has tapped Albuquerque civil rights attorney Leon Howard to lead the group's litigation and legal efforts in the state.
The group said Wednesday that Howard will become the New Mexico chapter's legal director as the city of Albuquerque finishes up court-ordered reforms into its police department.
Leon began his career working as an Assistant District Attorney in New Mexico's First Judicial District, primarily prosecuting DWI and domestic violence cases. He then joined the ACLU of New Mexico as a staff attorney before moving to a law firm.
Leon is a board member of the New Mexico Innocence and Justice Project, co-chair of the New Mexico State Bar Committee on Diversity, and past vice president of the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association.