About Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was born in Salisbury (now Franklin), NH.  He graduated from Dartmouth College, studied law in Boston, and became a successful lawyer in Portsmouth, NH.  He was elected US Representative in 1812. Leaving the House after three terms, he won several major cases in the US Supreme Court, establishing himself as one of the nation’s leading attorneys.  Elected to the US Senate in 1827, Webster helped pass the Compromise of 1850, thus preserving the Union.  He served as secretary of state under Presidents William Henry Harrison, under John Tyler after the death of Harrison, and again under President Millard Fillmore.  Under Tyler, he negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty which settled the Maine-Canada boundary dispute and avoided a war with Britain.

The Award

With the practice of law and trade growing ever more global, many members of the NH Bar Association make substantial contributions toward the promotion of peace,  understanding and respect for the rule of law around the world.  To encourage such works, the International Law Section of the NH Bar Association gives annual recognition to an attorney who exemplifies the spirit of Daniel Webster. The attorney so recognized is awarded the title of Daniel Webster International Lawyer of the Year.

The award recipient shall be:

• A member of the NH Bar Association, and
• Someone whose contribution to international law demonstrates the spirit of Daniel Webster, and whose good works help elevate the standing of the legal profession and serve as an inspiration to others.  The contribution of the nominee is not necessarily confined to the year preceding the award, but is current enough to have topical significance. Former recipients are: 2006—Merrimack County Attorney and war crimes prosecutor, Michael Johnson; 2007—Attorney Philip Walker, for contributions toward legal and institutional reforms in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen, and leadership as Chief of Party, 2005-2007.

The Nomination Process

Nominations for this third annual award may be made with or without notice to the nominee. Nomination may be made by any member of the NH Bar.   Your submission should include a description of the contributions made by the nominee. All nominations should be forwarded no later than March 1, 2008 to the chair of the nominating committee, Attorney Susan Goff.

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