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Bar News - October 5, 2001 Marital Department Supervisor Named 'Spirit' Winner SUZANNE SALTMARSH, supervisor of the marital department of Merrimack County Superior Court, has been named the latest recipient of the Spirit of the Judiciary Award, NH Supreme Court Chief Justice David A. Brock recently announced. The Supreme Court gives the award each month to a judicial branch employee from a different county in recognition of outstanding public service. Saltmarsh was recognized as an "outstanding example of tireless dedication to her duties" during 29 years of service at Merrimack County Superior Court. She received her award from Brock in a ceremony on September 21 at Merrimack County Courthouse. Saltmarsh has been working for the NH court system longer than any other court employee, according to the Supreme Court. She began her career working in Concord District Court in December 1968 and moved to the Superior Court in 1972. As supervisor of the marital department, Saltmarsh oversees five full-time employees, as well as court monitors. She prepares the list of marital cases to be heard each day, works the phones and the counter, helps lawyers and citizens, and prepares orders. She said she answers questions when she can and is "ready with a tissue or a pat on the shoulder when emotions run high, as they often do in domestic relations cases." In nominating Saltmarsh for the award, the judges, marital masters, clerks and staff of Merrimack County Superior Court said that she is "demanding, yet understanding" and always the first person at her desk in the morning and the last one to leave. "Her work ethic is impeccable and obvious to all who work with her," they wrote. Saltmarsh said that one of the most demanding aspects of her job is working with pro se litigants who come to court without a lawyer and need answers about court procedures and paperwork. The staff praised Saltmarsh’s ability to deal appropriately with such individuals. Each month she arranges for volunteer attorneys to come to the court to answer questions for pro se litigants. "Suzanne has been a model to those in the marital department on how to treat pro se litigants with patience yet firmness, providing information, not legal advice," the staff said. In naming Saltmarsh the latest ‘Spirit’ winner, Chief Justice Brock said, "Suzanne’s diligence on the job and her patience with everyone who demands her attention are valuable attributes, especially in the marital division, where the staff is working with families in distress." "She has a reputation for a calm, self-assured manner, which means that even in tough situations she’ll see to it that the necessary work gets done," said Brock. Nomination forms for the Spirit of the Judiciary Award are available from each court’s clerk or register. Forms can also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts by contacting Jeff Smith at 271-2521.
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