The Governor’s Judicial Selection Commission is gearing up for a busy spring. The commission, at the Governor’s request, advertises, screens, and interviews applicants for state judgeships and recommends candidates for his consideration.

The commission, which recently updated its application (posted in the Legal Links area of www.nhbar.org and on the Governor’s Web site at http://www.nh.gov/governor/judicial.htm), is awaiting official word from the governor on judicial vacancies he plans to fill. In 2007, three superior court judges have already taken or announced early retirements (Associate Justices Robert Morrill, Bruce Mohl and Arthur Brennan), reducing the number of judges on the Superior Court to 21, one below its authorized level. According to Superior Court Chief Justice Robert Lynn, several additional retirements are anticipated this year, including the mandatory retirement of Bernard Hampsey, who turns 70 on Oct. 11, 2007. (Also, legislation has been introduced in the NH House to increase the authorized number of judges in the Superior Court to 24.)

In addition, the JSC is expecting to conduct a screening to fill three district court judgeships that were created last year by the Legislature, with funding delayed until July 1, 2007. The judgeships, based on rising caseloads, will be for the Manchester, Nashua and Concord district courts. 

As soon as the vacancies are posted, the NHBA will provide information to members via the NHBA e-Bulletin. (If you are not receiving the e-Bulletin, send your e-mail address to nhbainfo@nhbar.org.)

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