By Tom Jarvis
With the salty air of Portsmouth Harbor just beyond the walls of the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, attorneys and judges from all corners of the state convened for a day of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking discussion. At a time when the legal profession is not only evolving but also facing increasing public scrutiny and challenges to the rule of law, the 2025 NHBA Annual Meeting offered a chance to connect, take stock, and look ahead.
Fittingly, this year’s theme, “Charting a Course for Justice,” invited participants to consider where the profession is headed and how to steer it there.
“The Annual Meeting was a great reminder of what makes this Bar so special – the professionalism, the camaraderie, and the genuine support members show one another,” says new NHBA President Derek Lick. “I’m thankful for the warm welcome and for the chance to connect with colleagues from across the state. I was also moved by the very thoughtful comments from retiring Justice Bassett and Judge Temple, who both eloquently charged us to continue our efforts to vigilantly protect and defend the rule of law.”
NHBA Executive Director Sarah Blodgett also emphasizes the sense of connection and purpose that defined the day.
“This year’s Annual Meeting was a fantastic opportunity to bring our members together in one of New Hampshire’s most historic settings,” she says. “From meaningful discussions around access to justice to the outstanding engagement in our CLE and awards programs, the energy of the meeting was inspiring. The powerful speeches from Justice Bassett, Judge Temple, and Mary Tenn were a reminder of the critical role attorneys play in our democracy. I was also proud to see Kate Mahan recognized for her wise and steady leadership, and to welcome Derek Lick as he begins his presidency. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make it a success, and I’m excited to see how we continue to chart a course for justice in the year ahead.”
Programming for the day began with a mix of history and storytelling before shifting into more formal sessions. What was originally planned as a haunted walking tour through Portsmouth’s historic streets was relocated indoors to the amphitheater due to heavy rain. There, attendees were instead treated to an engaging presentation by Roxie Zwicker, founder of New England Curiosities.
A seasoned storyteller and author of several books on New England’s haunted history, Zwicker has been captivating audiences with tales of the region’s folklore and ghostly lore since 1993.
During the session, Zwicker recounted a series of chilling local legends, including the fatal plunge of Engine 3666 into the Piscataqua River and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of naval hero John Paul Jones. Her storytelling offered a captivating glimpse into the strange and storied past of Portsmouth and the broader New England region.
Afterward, 603 Legal Aid presented a free CLE on criminal annulments. This 60-minute session provided attendees with practical guidance on assisting clients seeking to annul their criminal records. Led by 603 Legal Aid Deputy Director Emma Sisti, the presentation covered the legal framework for annulments in New Hampshire, eligibility criteria, barriers to annulment, and the petition process. It also addressed the broader implications of criminal records on individuals’ access to housing, employment, and education – emphasizing the importance of annulments in mitigating these challenges.
The educational programming then gave way to a lively reception in the picturesque Harbor’s Edge Room, followed by a high-spirited President’s Awards Banquet in the Grand Ballroom.
Just before dinner, then-NHBA President Kate Mahan called the 2025 Annual Business Meeting to order. New Hampshire Supreme Court Justices James Bassett and Melissa Countway then took the podium to commend individuals and firms who provided the most pro bono and reduced-fee services to low-income people over the past year.
Mahan then took a moment to recognize newly appointed and retiring judges before bestowing the three prestigious NHBA President’s Awards.
Mary Tenn, a past NHBA president, received the E. Donald Dufresne Award for Outstanding Professionalism.
“In today’s polarized world, all too often anger and accusation masquerade for advocacy,” Tenn said in her remarks. “Yet professionalism in our Bar is cultivated and celebrated and the absence of it is quickly recognized and rarely forgotten…As I looked at the list of the past recipients of this award, I see leaders in our Bar, who like Don Dufresne, are known for their excellence as practitioners and are fierce advocates with integrity to the core…These leaders, like Don Dufresne, know that arrogance is not advocacy, retribution is not recovery, and that success is measured by excellence – not by sharp practice or by keeping your foot on the throat of your opponent.”
The Justice William A. Grimes Award for Judicial Professionalism was presented to Superior Court Judge Charles Temple.
“In these unprecedented times, where the arrows of deceit, deception, hatred, and division are trying to attack the very system that we represent. I say: stand upright and be strong,” Judge Temple told attendees after quoting Forever Young by Bob Dylan. “Stand on the Constitution. Stand for the rule of law. And uphold the justice that is truly in your hands.”
The final award, the Distinguished Service to the Legal Profession Award, was given to New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice James Bassett. Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald presented the award, offering warm remarks before inviting Justice Bassett to the podium.
“Impartial and independent judges can do their jobs only if there are zealous, independent, and unintimidated advocates for the disfavored as well as the favored,” Justice Bassett said. “Efforts to threaten and intimidate judges or the independence of the private bar are unacceptable and must not succeed. In short, we judges can’t do our jobs unless you, the members of the Bar, can do your jobs without fear of reprisal and retribution. Only by working together can we protect and preserve the Rule of Law. To paraphrase Daniel Webster: we who love liberty must guard and defend it. The time is now. We have a lot of work to do – let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it.”
After the awards, Mahan recognized each current and outgoing Board of Governors member. She then gave special recognition to Immediate Past President Paul Chant.
In her final remarks as president, Mahan reflected on a year focused on member engagement, wellness, and strengthening the Bar’s infrastructure. She highlighted the addition of 65 new committee members, expanded wellness programming, and the launch of a new ad hoc committee to support public sector and public interest attorneys. Mahan also emphasized the Bar’s renewed commitment to community-building and law school outreach. She praised Blodgett’s leadership and closed by welcoming incoming NHBA President Derek Lick, expressing full confidence in his vision for the year ahead.
After accepting the gavel, Lick closed out the evening by thanking Mahan for her leadership and lauding her achievements as president.
Looking ahead, Lick outlined his presidential goals, which encompass enhancing civic engagement and recognizing the many ways attorneys serve their communities outside the courtroom.
“Lawyers have a unique ability to serve – not just in the courtroom, but in our communities,” Lick said. “Whether it’s through civics education, public service, or simply showing up as a reasoned voice in the room, we have an opportunity – and I’d argue, a responsibility – to help strengthen the fabric of our democracy. This year, I want to make it easier for our members to do exactly that.”
As the Annual Meeting came to a close, a sense of connection and shared purpose remained, underscoring the strength and resilience of New Hampshire’s legal community. Through thoughtful conversations, recognition of service, and a clear-eyed look at the challenges ahead, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to charting a course for justice – together. The day’s events set a confident tone for the year ahead under Lick’s leadership.
The NHBA extends its sincerest thanks to the sponsors, advertisers, and attendees who made this event possible and looks forward to seeing you at the Midyear Meeting in Manchester on February 20, 2026.
