Edward Burke of Keene, after a unanimous vote for confirmation by the Executive Council in December, is wrapping up his legal practice and will soon take office as presiding judge of the Keene District Court.

Burke had been in private practice with the law firm of Bragdon and Berkson in Keene, and he served as Cheshire County Attorney from 1997 to 2001.

“Edward Burke has extensive knowledge and experience in the different issues likely to come before the Keene District Court - from criminal law to family law to civil litigation. He has a deep knowledge of the Keene area, and is well suited to meet the challenges facing the Keene District Court,” Gov. Lynch said in nominating him. “With his knowledge of the law and his commitment to the people of New Hampshire, Edward Burke will serve the state well as presiding justice of the Keene District Court.”

Gov. Lynch selected Edward Burke from candidates nominated by the Judicial Selection Commission. Gov. Lynch created the Judicial Selection Commission to ensure the most comprehensive searches possible for potential judicial candidates.

“Mr. Burke is enthusiastic, thoughtful, energetic and well spoken. He is well respected by both members of the bar and the bench. His professional experience, including his dedication to his local community, compassion and deep roots in the Keene area make Mr. Burke a highly qualified candidate for the Keene District Court,” wrote Jill Blackmer and Philip Waystack, the chairs of the Commission in a letter to Gov. Lynch recommending Burke.

Burke has practiced law in Keene since 1979. He initially served as an Assistant County Attorney in Cheshire County from 1979 to 1980 and then moved into private practice where he worked as an associate attorney with two firms before beginning his own firm in 1985; he worked as a solo practitioner for 11 years before his election as County Attorney in 1997. Since 2001, he has been in private practice with Bragdon & Berkson.

His long record of community involvement includes service as a member of the board of “Rise ... For Baby and Family,” an early intervention program for children under three; as a director of the Woodward Home in Keene; member of the boards of the Monadnock United Way, Monadnock Family Services, and Cheshire Homes.

He has served as the moderator for the Keene school district since 1999, and previously served on the Keene School Board and Keene Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Burke earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1974 and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1978.

Edward Burke