Karl W. Reifsteck, as Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in New Mexico, has been actively involved in judicial administration and system improvements.
His leadership has focused on court efficiency, behavioral health initiatives, and access to justice. He previously served as a judge for the 13th Judicial District Court of New Mexico, which covers Cibola, Sandoval, and Valencia counties, and was appointed to the bench by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2022.
Before his appointment to the AOC, Reifsteck served as Chief Administrator and Chief Counsel for the 13th Judicial District Court, where he had worked since 2012. His experience in court administration and legal counsel helped shape his approach to judicial leadership.
He began his legal career as a staff attorney for Law Access New Mexico after earning his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.