The Family Law Section concluded the 2007-2008 Bar year with a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding. Approximately 60 members of the Section, including members of the judiciary, attended the event on May 19 at Fratello’s Ristorante in Manchester.

The Family Law Section is one of the oldest and largest sections of the Bar, with more than 364 members.

Section Chair Graham P. Chynoweth also recognized the co-founders of the section, Honey Hastings, of Wilton; and Robert R. Howard, III, of Henniker, who both remain active participants in section activities. Each was presented with a clock inscribed for the occasion.

Howard, a longtime member of the NHBA Board of Governors as treasurer, praised the collegiality and generous spirit of section members, in particular in sharing their expertise with each other on the Family Law listserv. Hastings said she was pleased with the progress of the family law bar in achieving a level of pride and professionalism that wasn’t present when she began practice in 1983.

The reception also featured entertainment by standup comedian Robbie Printz whose performance included a lively, edgy give-and-take with the audience. Section leaders said they were encouraged by the turnout for the reception, which was held with no charge for section members, and plan to hold a similar function next year.