IN A NOTICE issued late last month, NH Superior Court Chief Justice Walter Murphy has indicated that attorneys representing clients through the NHBA Pro Bono Referral System will receive a preference in schedule and, as circumstances permit, will be called first.

The text of Chief Justice Murphy’s notice, which was issued Sept. 24, 2001, reads:

"In recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of attorneys representing clients on a pro bono basis to the justice system, and to encourage further participation in the program, a policy in effect for some months at the Merrimack County Superior Court has been adopted on a statewide basis.

Under the policy, which was inspired by a presentation made to the justices by attorney Marilyn McNamara and [NHBA Associate Executive Director for Legal Services] Virginia Martin, counsel representing clients through the association’s pro bono referral system are given scheduling preference. All files containing a notice of indigency from the pro bono referral system are identified and the cases are called first from the daily hearing list. Additionally, the court extends every reasonable accommodation to pro bono counsel to the extent possible.

It is expected that this procedure will be utilized in each court location as soon as the respective clerks’ offices are able to identify the appropriate cases and put the program into effect."

James J. Tenn, Jr., chair of the Pro Bono Policy Governing Board, said the policy change is a very strong endorsement of Pro Bono service that will assist attorneys handling these cases. "This is such good news for the Pro Bono Program, its low-income clients and volunteer attorneys," said Tenn.

"The court’s new scheduling policy sends an important message to all those attorneys who give so much of their time: What you do matters and we will try to make your volunteer efforts a bit easier," Tenn said.

Home | About the Bar | For Members | For the Public | Legal Links | Publications | Online Store
Lawyer Referral Service | Law-Related Education | NHBA•CLE | NHBA Insurance Agency | NHMCLE
Search | Calendar

New Hampshire Bar Association
2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 300, Concord NH 03301
phone: (603) 224-6942 fax: (603) 224-2910
email: NHBAinfo@nhbar.org
© NH Bar Association Disclaimer