New Hampshire Bar News: Get Involved, Stay Connected—Volunteer Opportunities with the NHBA

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the Bar is the opportunity to meet with lawyers from across our state. I was pleased to engage with so many members at our Midyear Meeting and several other recent Bar-sponsored events. These gatherings provide opportunities to network, share ideas, and enjoy some refreshments in good company. I especially appreciate receiving your feedback on how we as a bar association can continue to improve and grow.

In fact, our recent Breakfast with the Board event came about as a direct result of such conversations – it became clear that members wanted to better understand how to become involved within the NHBA and how they could engage with Bar leadership. At the breakfast, board members discussed their work on the Board of Governors, shared their personal experiences, explained how they became involved, and answered questions. It was a great event!

Even outside of special events, I hope all members know they can reach out to Board members at any time with any Bar-related questions – that is what we are here for!

One of the best ways to become involved is to join one of the Bar’s many committees. You will have direct involvement in shaping the future of the Bar, additional opportunities for networking with your peers, and access to information in real time. It will also help you to grow professionally.

Our committees are integral to the Bar’s operations:

• The Committee on Cooperation with the Courts facilitates communication between the Bench and Bar to enhance cooperation.
• The Continuing Legal Education Committee plans and advises on programs that help members stay up to date on developments in the law. The NHBA is known for its stellar, low-cost CLE courses – by New Hampshire lawyers, for New Hampshire lawyers – made possible through this committee’s work.
• The Dispute Resolution Committee provides a free service to resolve disputes between attorneys and clients on matters that do not rise to the level of an ethical violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• The Ethics Committee provides guidance on interpreting the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct and recommends amendments as needed.
• The Finance Committee prepares annual budgets and oversees audits to ensure the Bar’s financial stability.

We also have committees dedicated to ensuring gender equality, developing and managing sponsored lawyer referral programs, promoting civics education, supporting new lawyers, promoting lawyer wellness, and exploring emerging issues such as Artificial Intelligence. For a full list of committees, visit nhbar.org/nhba-committees/.

Each year in late May, the Bar publicizes a call for volunteers to serve on committees, typically in the E-Bulletin and the Bar News. In the following months, the NHBA reviews committee membership and seeks input from committee chairs. We always attempt to strike a balance between those with experience on a particular committee and adding new members to bring fresh perspectives. While committee membership is typically established over the summer months, do not hesitate to reach out throughout the year if there is a committee you are interested in working on.

Stay tuned for more information and consider this a personal invitation to join one of these committees. I encourage you to get involved – this is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of the New Hampshire Bar Association and enhance your professional growth.

I am grateful to each of you for your continued dedication and involvement.

New Hampshire Bar News, April Issue  |  President’s Perspective