Middleton said that he was flattered to be compared to the late Chief Justice Kenison, before whom he had practiced for 21 years of his 48-year career. "Judge Kenison was and is one of my heroes." In presenting Middleton with his award, Charlie A. DeGrandpre called him the "father of the IOLTA program" and added that he was "fearless in protecting the rights of New Hampshire citizens." One of the Foundation's original directors, Middleton argued the case for IOLTA before the state Supreme Court, making New Hampshire the second state in the country to collect this type of revenue to help support legal services.

In accepting the Kirby Award, Ayotte acknowledged several of her mentors and bosses, and then emotionally thanked her mother, who was in the audience, for being "the role model for my life." The award is presented to an attorney who is 35 years old or younger, recognizing outstanding professionalism and civility. It was established in 1996 to honor the memory of Bob Kirby, a young lawyer "of great skill, civility, and good humor" who died that year at the age of 35.

Last year's Kirby Award winner and friend, Jennifer L. Parent, called Ayotte "a shining star in the New Hampshire legal community." A video message from state AG Peter Heed, who could not be in attendance, was played during the dinner. He said that she brought "humor, honesty, brilliance, and integrity" to her job as deputy.

In addition to the award presentations, the 25th anniversary of the Pro Bono program was celebrated and an engraved silver platter was presented to the NHBA's Virginia A. Martin, associate executive director for legal services. She thanked the Bar's Pro Bono Program staff and lawyers who take pro bono cases. "You make a difference in the lives of people who literally, in some cases, have nothing."

Also recognized were past NHBF chair Emily Rice and outgoing board members Charlie DeGrandpre, Alan Cantor, Russ Hilliard, Patrick Harrigan, and Edward Kelly. New board members were welcomed, including: Ellen Arnold, James Tenn, Larry Vogelman, and Ignatius MacLellan.

Prior to the dinner there was a reception to thank firms who donated at the Pacesetter level during the Foundation's Campaign for Legal Services. These firms have made a three-year pledge of $500 per lawyer, per year to the campaign to benefit NH Legal Assistance, the Legal Advice and Referral Center and the NHBA Pro Bono Referral Program.

Pacesetters honored were: Chubrich and Harrigan; Daschbach, Cooper, Hotchkiss & Csatari; Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell; Harvey & Mahoney; Hebert & Uchida; Hinckley, Allen & Snyder; McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton; Nixon Peabody; Nixon, Raiche, Manning, Casinghino & Leach; Normandin, Cheney & O'Neil; Nungesser & Hill; Orr & Reno; Rath, Young & Pignatelli; Sulloway & Hollis; Tenn & Tenn; Upton & Hatfield; and Wiggin & Nourie.

The Foundation also thanked the IOLTA Leadership Banks, which waived routine service charges and created special rates for IOLTA accounts that yield 2 percent or higher, exceeding the banks' standard NOW account rate. These institutions include: Bank of New Hampshire; Bow Mills Bank & Trust; Centrix Bank & Trust; Citizens Bank; Fleet Bank; Laconia Savings Bank; Mascoma Savings Bank; Merrimack County Savings Bank; Siwooganock Bank; and Southern New Hampshire Bank.

Keynote speaker David Hall, former provost and dean of Northeastern School of Law, rounded out the evening with a moving speech on the theme of "Equal Justice in Silent Times."

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