Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Mitchell Mender and his family have been in eastern New Mexico for five years.
Mitchell Mender grew up on the East Coast. Raised in a tightknit community on the New Hampshire/Vermont border, he's used to the fun of living in a "borderland."
Mender said he enjoyed an idyllic childhood exploring the natural beauties of New England with his parents and two older brothers.
Five years ago, Mender moved with his wife Robyn and young children to Clovis where he began work at the county prosecutor's office. For the last year, Mender has worked in Portales as a public defender. Whether he is volunteering on the board for the Hartley House, running errands with his kids, or working on home improvement projects with his wife, Mender said he finds fulfillment in serving his loved ones and community members.
Q: What was it like growing up in New Hampshire?
A: Growing up in New Hampshire was special. I really did have the best childhood. I grew up in a small community right on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire. I loved having distinct seasons. Fall in New Hampshire is a magical time, especially when the leaves change; and the winter is just beautiful, when everything is covered in snow.
Q: What's one thing you miss about the East Coast, and one thing you appreciate about the Southwest?
A: I really miss trees and hills. I really appreciate the mild winters where I don't have to shovel my driveway and I love the community. People here are kind and genuine --It's a great place to raise a family.
Q: Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
A: Growing up I loved John Grisham books where the lawyer would go on some adventure and save the day. I think that's where the seed was planted. As I got older I realized I loved working with people and helping them. Becoming a lawyer gave me the ability to use the law to help people.
Q: Tell us about your favorite childhood memory.
A: I have two. The first is the day my older brothers came to live with us. I was so excited when we adopted them and I was no longer an only child. The second is, almost every summer my family would canoe out to an island and camp. We would swim, jump off the rope swing, cook Dutch oven meals, roast s'mores, and tell scary stories. They really were the best trips.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite book character, and why?
A: Samwise Gamgee from "Lord Of the Rings." He is the unsung hero. Frodo never would have made it without his brave and humble friend Samwise.
Q: If you could meet any famous person (living or dead), who would you choose, and why?
A: I would love to meet any of the founding fathers, but if I could only pick one, I would probably pick Alexander Hamilton. Why? Because I love history and, of course, thanks to the Broadway hit "Hamilton" I have so many questions!
Q: What's something you wish you could have told yourself five years ago?
A: Take time to enjoy the small things. Work on finding happiness in the moment.
Q: What's the best advice you've ever been given? Who gave it to you?
A: My dad would always tell us "Do what you say and say what you do." He always encouraged us to be trustworthy and honest. I am so grateful that he taught us the importance of integrity.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: My wife and I started collecting "lapel pins" from our travels. It is fun to look back and remember all the places we traveled together.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: Graduating law school and passing the bar exam. I wanted to quit so many times but, thanks in no small part to my wife, I pushed through and made it.
