The Taste of the Bar event (part of the Practical Skills, Day 1 CLE held on Dec. 14 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord) drew an unusually large crowd this year: 250 members, including 35 judges.

Richard Y. Uchida, NH Bar Association president, welcomed the group, stressing the necessity of becoming involved in the Association and its work.  Speaking in particular to new lawyers, he said, “We encourage you to tell us your concerns and make suggestions.  We do listen—and have already used many of your ideas in planning our events.”

During the lunch break, attendees visited the displays from each department of the Association and had a chance to find out more about the services the Bar offers.  They were able also to ask questions and become acquainted with staff members.

Following the Practical Skills session that evening, attendees plus other invited Bar members (admitted in the last five years) mingled at an informal “Meet and Greet” reception with members of the NH bench. Five judges, representing the federal and each level of the state courts, addressed the group. Steven J. McAuliffe, Chief Judge of the United States District Court in NH, and NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John T. Broderick, Jr., approached the podium together.

Judge Broderick spoke encouragingly to the new members, saying there were many people willing and ready to help them—and Judge McAuliffe talked briefly about the various aspects of preparing for trial.  Smiling, he read a letter from the late Atty. Debbie J. Cooper on expert witness testimony.  It humorously depicted the consternation which some “experts” can cause, saying in part: “I realize that today is the deadline for notifying you of the expert witness____intends to use at the trial of the above-entitled matters….  I am unable to provide you with a copy of John H.’s curriculum vitae….  In the meantime I can tell you that Mr. H. has an opinion on everything and will be able to identify any number of facts or opinions on which he is expected to testify.  Unfortunately, I will be unable to identify any basis for Mr. H.’s opinions or any materials which he has reviewed in forming them.  Mr. H. possesses strange and exciting psychic powers which enable him to formulate unimpeachable opinions with the assistance of a medium who conducts weekly séances…. Consequently, if you wish to depose Mr. H., I suggest that you do so during one of the weekly sessions.”

When the laughter had died down, Judge McAuliffe concluded his remarks. Then Judge Robert J. Lynn of the Superior Court spoke, telling the new members how important it was to get involved not only with the Bar, but in their communities—and even in the political life of their state.

Judge Susan B. Carbon, standing in for Judge Edwin Kelly of the District Court, and the Family Division, stressed the importance of being courteous in court and always being prepared.

Judge John R. Maher of the Probate Court closed the event with his clever and entertaining presentation of a parody on the song “If Ever I Would Leave You” from Camelot—which he sang, much to the delight of the assembly.  (Bar News hopes to present the lyrics to Judge Maher’s presentation in a future issue.) 

Judge Steven J. McAuliffe, Chief Judge at the Federal District Court and Bar president from 1991-92, joins Judge John T. Broderick, Jr., Chief Justice of the NH Supreme Court and Bar president from 1990-91, at the Bar Association “Meet and Greet” event.

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