One of Zacary's favorite quotes is:
“The very essence of civil liberty consists in the right of every individual to claim the protection of the law.”
-Conklin v. Cunningham (Freeman, J., dissenting)
Zacary E. Wilson-Fetrow is a 2021 graduate of the University of New Mexico Law School, earning a Juris Doctor with a certificate in natural resources and environmental law. In law school, Zacary was an intern with the Law Offices of the Public Defender in its Mental Health Division and a clinical law student with UNM’s environmental law clinic. Zacary was also a Faculty Research Assistant, aiding projects for gender equality and incarcerated trans youth. Zacary was recognized in law school with a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Torts and named by fellow students as “Most likely to sue everyone.” Zacary holds three bachelor’s degrees, having completed a BA in history, a BLA focusing on cultural heritage, and a BA in psychology.
Zacary’s legal career began at James Wood Law, rising from an associate to now a managing attorney. At the firm, Zacary has litigated in more than 40 cases and practiced over 30 full days in trial. Zacary is especially passionate for the academic research required by handling many of the firm’s appeals cases. On multiple occasions, Zacary has briefed the New Mexico Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of the United States.
For personal development, Zacary enjoys researching and writing articles in social justice law, legal history, and numismatics. Zacary’s particular historical interest lies with German paper money from the 1910s and 20s. Zacary also serves with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, earning the Letter of Commendation, Achievement Medal, and Commendation Medal for accomplishments in national boating safety outreach. Zacary applies passion for knowledge and storytelling, duty and justice, to uphold the oath, “never reject . . . the cause of the defenseless or oppressed.” Oath of Bar Admission.
Education
- University of New Mexico School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2021)
- University of New Mexico (B.A., psychology, 2021)
- University of New Mexico (B.L.A., cum laude; B.A., cum laude, history, 2018)
Bar Admissions
- New Mexico
- Arizona
- Oregon
- US District Court for the District of New Mexico
Publications
- Meaningless Involvement: How Traditional Modes of Involvement Exclude Transgender People from Environmental Justice, UC Berkely Ecology Law Quarterly (2022)
- “No Monuments for Old Seamounts: Submerged Lands and the EEZ in Lobstermen’s Association,” ABA Section on Environment, Energy, & Resources (2021)
- “Reflections from COVID-19: Citizen Suits in Environmental Enforcement,” ABA Section on Environment, Energy, & Resources (2021), with Morgan Johnson, Melanie McNett, & Mara Yarbrough
