November 20, 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, I wish all our members a very happy holiday season. I hope you are able to spend time with family and friends, take a break, and recharge for the new year ahead.
While December marks the end of the calendar year, it also is the halfway point of my Bar presidency. It is a great time to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished so far – and preview the work ahead.
When I took on this role in June, my priority was to ensure the New Hampshire Bar Association was, to the greatest extent possible, meeting the needs of its members and readying itself for the future of the practice. To that end, we have begun a systemic review of the Bar’s operations and the benefits it offers to its members. By benefits, I mean not only the direct services that the Bar provides (low-cost CLEs, low-cost software and insurance opportunities, and other member advantages and services), but also the more indirect, but equally important benefits attained through the work of our ten standing committees, our special committees, and our support of the public and the judiciary.
We are actively implementing processes to ensure that the Bar and each of its committees are fully addressing the critical issues that affect our legal practices, our businesses, and our role in the community.
We have taken steps to strengthen the Six-Month Review Bar’s support of the mission of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation and our pro bono work, as well as our part in supporting law-related education.
We are also working to foster a more robust connection with our current and future colleagues at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet with members from all over the state to talk with new lawyers, rural lawyers, solos, and those in large firm and public sector practices. One thing I have learned is that people are looking for connectivity. Perhaps it is because so many of us find ourselves working remotely, away from colleagues. Or maybe it is coming through the pandemic and finding ways to reconnect after becoming comfortable with the “Zoom” option for every occasion.
Whatever the reason, this has been a theme in many of my conversations. Luckily, the Bar is not just an organization – it also is a community for all of us. We are leaning into that.
This year, more than ever, the Bar has moved with intention to create that sense of community, using our new Member Center as a gathering place and welcome respite. Whether it be a Breakfast at the Bar or an evening of networking among new lawyers, the Bar recognizes that more opportunities for lawyers to connect are a good thing and something the Bar can readily offer.
In addition, Bar committees welcomed 65 new attorneys this year, and several changes in leadership. Stay tuned for a special Breakfast with the Board event for anyone interested in becoming involved in Bar leadership or just learning more about the Bar’s governance.
I am incredibly grateful to Sarah Blodgett, Debbie Hawkins, Cindy Roberts, and the entire Bar staff for all that they do on behalf of the members. Under Sarah’s insightful leadership, we are seeing meaningful change that will long serve the Bar’s mission and its members.
As we approach the new year, we will keep our eyes on the future and continue our dedicated efforts to support you, our members, as we assess, adapt, and evolve.
Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and happy holiday season. I look forward to the opportunities and progress that await us in 2025.
New Hampshire Bar News, December Issue | President’s Perspective
