THE FOLLOWING ARE the brief biographical sketches and statements submitted by nominees for the 2003-04 NHBA Board of Governors. Ballots have been mailed to all voting members of the Bar Association and must be completed and returned to the Bar Center by 5 p.m. on April 15. Election results will be reported in the May 9 issue of Bar News and will be posted sooner on www.nhbar.org.

Please note that since the March 7 issue of Bar News, in which BOG candidates were announced, Wendy Roberts has withdrawn from the race for Grafton County governor, and incumbent Lawrence A. MacLeod, Jr. of Lebanon has decided to seek re-election in her place.

This year’s ballot includes candidates for one-year terms as president-elect, vice president, secretary and treasurer; for a three-year term as governor-at-large; and for two-year county governor seats representing Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Merrimack and Rockingham counties. There will once again be no contested races this year.

President-Elect
James D. Gleason

I am simultaneously pleased, flattered and nervous at the prospect of serving the New Hampshire Bar Association membership and the public as president-elect. The members of our association are a uniquely diverse and opinionated lot. Nevertheless, as an association, we recognize and respect our individual perspectives, while at the same time honoring our common goal: the pursuit of liberty, health, happiness and justice for everyone in our community, state, region and country.

I am fiercely proud of the traditions, practices and customs of the practice of law in New Hampshire. As attorneys and counselors at law, we frequently have the opportunity to promote justice and preserve human dignity. It is my hope that individually, and as an association, we will endeavor to take advantage of that opportunity.

Vice President
Richard Y. Uchida

Richard Y. Uchida’s candidate’s statement appeared in the March 7 issue of Bar News, which can be found under Publications/Archive.

Secretary
Richard B. McNamara

The last few years have been difficult ones for our nation, our state and for our Bar. Economic and geopolitical difficulties have affected the way each and every one of us thinks about our life and our practice. Advances in technology and a difficult economy have resulted in numerous changes in the practice of law. Public concern about the administration of justice has led to far-reaching proposals to dramatically change the way in which law is practiced, and often vitriolic criticism of the Bar, the courts and the justice system.

Over the next few years, New Hampshire lawyers will likely face several new challenges. It is quite likely that legislative interest in the administration of justice will result in more changes in the way in which the law is practiced. Relaxation of the requirements of admission by motion will result in more members of the Bar who have practiced in other jurisdictions and who will bring fresh insights and new ideas to our practice. Technology will continue to affect the way we practice law, and even file our cases in some courts.

The Bar Association exists to improve the administration of justice and foster high standards of conduct in public service on the part of those engaged in the practice of law, to safeguard the proper professional interests of Bar members, and to provide services to members so that the public responsibility of the legal profession may be more effectively discharged. In these difficult times, I believe it ever more important for the Association to serve as a resource for lawyers to help them manage the change that is occurring so rapidly. The Bar must also be a resource for the public, to educate the public about the administration of justice so that changes are made upon a correct and accurate understanding of the legal system.

I would like the opportunity to serve as secretary of the Bar Association for another term to continue to help do the work that the Bar has been doing, to help manage change, to provide assistance to New Hampshire lawyers in managing change, and to help improve the administration of justice.

Treasurer (1-year term)
Robert R. Howard, III

My function as treasurer has been to assist the Board of Governors and the Bar business officers in providing the membership with important financial information, so members can see where their dues are spent, and to work with the Finance Committee to ensure that members’ dues are spent well.  My years of experience on the Board of Governors provides the board with a historical perspective of current events and insight on how they have been dealt with in the past.

Governor-at-Large (3-year term)
Marilyn B. McNamara

I have served on the Board of Bar Governors as a governor-at-large for the past three years and am running for another term. Two years ago, I transitioned from private practice to the executive directorship of the Legal Advice and Referral Center, New Hampshire’s federally funded legal services program.

Bar Association policy seeks to balance the needs of the members and the needs of the public, and it is a privilege to participate in the discussion and planning that brings us such offerings as the Casemaker Web library, Bar-endorsed insurance coverage, the We the People competition and top-notch Continuing Legal Education seminars. I travel throughout New Hampshire and talk regularly with lawyers from both the public and private sectors. I am aware of the challenges facing us all in the years ahead, and wish to continue to serve all the members as the Bar Association forges ahead in uncertain times.

Cheshire County
Gregory T. Martin

I am honored to have my name placed in nomination for the Cheshire County seat on the Board of Governors. Attorneys have an ongoing obligation to provide service to and for the advancement of their profession, whether through participation on boards, committees or through pro bono service. I have always striven to do my part.

This is a particularly relevant time to serve on the Board of Governors because of the increased criticism the legal system has received and the dire budget considerations facing the courts. It is extremely important to restore the credibility of our court system and to maintain and improve the service provided to our citizens. The public needs to have confidence that whatever the outcome of their legal matters, they will have received prompt, fair hearings. Our democratic form of government and the very fabric of our society rely on this fundamental principle.

I would appreciate the vote of the Cheshire County Bar membership. I promise to work diligently for their interests and the interests of the law profession as a whole should I be elected to the position on the Board of Governors.

Coos County
David D. King

In the 10 years since I last took a seat on the Board of Governors, much has changed in our profession. These are certainly challenging times for lawyers and the court system. We are under constant scrutiny (and sometimes attack) by the public, the press and lawmakers. We need to work hard to counter these efforts in a positive way.

Once again, the issue of deunifying the bar has come up in the Legislature. Our bar leaders will have to face the inevitable issues that will arise, if deunification efforts succeed. It is likely that in order to attract members, the Bar Association will have to focus its efforts on becoming a service-oriented organization for the lawyers. Unfortunately, the level of public service, which the Bar currently underwrites, would likely decline. If the Bar Association can no longer afford to finance the many important programs that serve those who cannot afford legal representation, we will have to search for new ways to see that the needs of those less fortunate than we are met.

I believe it is the Bar Association’s responsibility to continue its efforts to promote professionalism, for the benefit of the lawyers it serves, as well as our clients. As our numbers increase, and with the expansion of multi-jurisdictional practices, we need to work harder to insure that practicing law the "New Hampshire way" continues to have meaning.

I look forward to serving again on the Board of Governors for the next two years.

Grafton County
Lawrence A. MacLeod, Jr.

I first became a member of the Board of Governors in the autumn of 2000 when I was asked to complete Tim Caldwell’s term. I have enjoyed my time on the Board and would be happy to serve an additional term on behalf of my colleagues in Grafton County.

I was born and raised in Grafton County and have practiced law in Lebanon for 12 years. Over the years, I have come to know most of the lawyers in my home county, and most of the attorneys in Sullivan County, as well. I think it is important for lawyers in the rural areas of the state to have some idea of what is going on in Concord and to have a means by which they may voice their opinions on issues pertaining to the practice of law. I am happy to serve in that capacity.

There continue to be significant issues facing lawyers and our profession in New Hampshire at this time. In my opinion, many of these issues can best be addressed through the Bar Association. I am aware, however, that not every lawyer from my area of New Hampshire agrees with me. Let me hear from you.

Merrimack County
Martin P. Honigberg

I look forward to representing the lawyers of Merrimack County for another term on the Board of Governors. The Board needs to have lawyers with both public and private backgrounds so that it will remain attentive to all of its members. Regardless of how we feel about the current issues of the day – disputes between the judicial and  legislative branches of government, deunification of the Bar, and the like – we have to keep the members’ needs first in our minds as we do our work on the Board. I hope that you will let me know what you think the Bar should be doing – or not doing – over the next two years so that I can truly represent your interests and serve your needs.

  Thank you for your continued support.

Rockingham County
Michael L. Alfano

I am running for Rockingham County governor because I believe that the New Hampshire justice system works extremely well under some extraordinary pressures. The system is sustained by the hard work of many judges, clerks and administrators who depend on the support of the Bar. Their work is not fully understood or appreciated by the public. I believe that public education should be a priority for the Bar.

My family law practice puts me in contact with the public’s legitimate expectations of lawyers and judges. It also exposes me to that segment of the public that wants to tear down the system as a litigation strategy.

Part of my practice takes me to other jurisdictions where the justice system is not as effective as in NH. However, other states do have one rule that I would like to see here: not allowing non-lawyers to represent other parties in litigation.

I want to work to protect the Bar from the abusive tactics of some litigants, while also striving to enact reforms consistent with the public’s legitimate expectations of the Bar and judiciary.

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