Bar News - July 7, 2006
2006 NHBA Annual Meeting Focuses on Transitions
About 250 Bar members, family, and guests attended this year’s New Hampshire Bar Association Annual Meeting at the scenic Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield. The annual meeting, which ran from June 22-25, included addresses by Gov. John Lynch and Chief Justice John Broderick, receptions, honors and awards, entertainment, CLEs, golf tournament, and culminated in the changing of the guard of Association officers.
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Govenor John Lynch (left) speaking with Chief Justice John Broderick (right).
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One highlight of the meeting was Governor Lynch’s appearance at Friday evening’s reception. The governor lauded the level of cooperation that now exists between the executive, legislative and judicial branches on justice issues, and indicated his support for the role of lawyers in helping to solve contemporary problems. (Lynch, who passed the NH Bar in 1985 and is a member on inactive status, had a career in business before his election as governor.) Chief Justice Broderick talked about how the legal profession is being affected by technology and the global economy, and how it is imperative that lawyers and judges strive to make the court system and its services more accessible to the public. He also addressed some of the court’s needs, including improving antiquated infrastructure and automation, and making the courthouses more user-friendly for the public. “The hallmark of lawyering in New Hampshire is service to the least powerful in society. This should continue to be nurtured.”
During the Honors & Awards Banquet, nine 50-year members were recognized and applauded for their contributions to the NH Bar and the profession. Also honored were retiring and recently appointed judges. The NHBA presented three awards during the annual meeting. (See article on page 10.)
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NHBA Executive Director, Jeannine McCoy (left), presents a gift to outgoing NHBA President, Richard Uchida (center). Incoming NHBA President Richard McNamara (right) looks on.
| Outgoing NHBA officers and board members also were recognized at the meeting. Bar President Richard Uchida formally passed the gavel to incoming President Richard McNamara. McNamara and NHBA Executive Director Jeannine McCoy presented Uchida with a plaque, a scrapbook and gifts (both humorous and serious).
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Jeannine McCoy (left), Richard McNamara (center), Richard Uchida (right)
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Joining McNamara as officers for the 2006-7 Bar year are: Eleanor Dahar, president-elect; Ellen Arnold, vice president; Gretchen Witt, secretary; and Robert Howard, treasurer. Elected to new terms on the board this year were: Lisa Wellman-Ally, governor-at-large; Dorcas Gordon, Belknap County governor; Donald Smith, Carroll County governor; Jennifer Parent, Hillsborough-North County Governor; Kevin Rauseo, Hillsborough-South County Governor; John Clothier, Strafford County Governor; David Foley, Sullivan County Governor; and Russell Hilliard, Association ABA delegate. Richard Uchida will continue service on the BOG as immediate past president.
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