KELLIE A. OTIS, supervisor of the criminal and administrative departments at Merrimack County Superior Court, was honored last month with the latest Spirit of the Judiciary Award.

Otis, who has worked in Merrimack Superior for 15 years, was nominated by Court Clerk William S. McGraw, who said her unflappable "can do" attitude is a positive example for her co-workers. "To Kellie, no problem is unsolvable, no challenge too great," McGraw said.

NH Supreme Court Chief Justice Brock established the Spirit of the Judiciary Award in December 1999 to recognize judicial branch employees who exemplify a commitment to public service and the administration of justice. "Our employees make it possible for us to provide the citizens of New Hampshire with the best possible court system, sometimes under very difficult circumstances," Chief Justice Brock said.

"We want Kellie, and all of our employees, to know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication," said Chief Justice Brock, who presented the award to Otis at a noontime ceremony in the Merrimack County courthouse on Sept. 17. The ceremony was followed by a brief reception for her fellow employees and others who have worked with her. Superior Court Chief Justice Walter L. Murphy also attended.

Otis, who lives in Penacook with her husband Richard and two children, began her career with the court system when she was a student at Merrimack Valley High School by working part-time as an assistant clerk. She began working full-time as a court assistant in the criminal division in June 1987.

Family ties may account for her long and ongoing commitment to working in the court system, Otis said. Her father, James Moran, Sr., retired from the Concord Police Department after 20 years of service and her mother, Sharon Shurtleff, is currently the deputy clerk at Concord District Court "I really enjoy my work," Otis 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