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Bar News - November 21, 2003 Opinions ~ Many Count Their Blessings for Help of NH Lawyers By: Russell Hilliard THANKSGIVING - IS IT your favorite holiday, too? As it approaches, our thoughts turn to a day with comforting food and friends, and a nap following a brisk walk after the big meal. For me, it is just about the most relaxing day of the year. It is also a time to begin reflection about the year almost past, and in my role as an Association officer, at least some consideration must be given to the state of the Bar. A time when lawyers and the justice system were not under constant attack is now a distant memory. Much of our energy and resources are devoted to responding to often-baseless attacks, setting the record straight, and reminding the public that we are a noble profession. I would rather devote more time to developing and improving member services, and supporting members in their service to the public and the justice system. Yet I am reminded nearly every day of the dedication and selflessness of attorneys in this state: a community volunteer, a pro bono case, a Bar committee member, a helping hand to another lawyer - daily acts of professionalism and caring for the legal and wider community. I had the privilege of representing the Association at recent admission ceremonies at the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. NH Supreme Court Associate Justice John Broderick and U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe spoke eloquently in their respective remarks on the good that lawyers do, and the often-misunderstood role of the advocate in our justice system. Perhaps this misunderstanding contributes to misperceptions about lawyers generally (and popular television and high media cases do not help). I remain inspired by the actions of lawyers in this state, and whether they all appreciate it or not, the citizens of New Hampshire should be thankful for the contributions made by lawyers every day. Back to the turkey. I hope each of you has a wonderful holiday, and count your blessings. There will be many on Thanksgiving Day who will count among their blessings the help they have received from New Hampshire lawyers during the past year. Russell Hilliard is the 2003-04 president of the NH Bar Association, and practices with the Concord law firm of Upton & Hatfield.
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