By Tom Jarvis
Nearly 240 lawyers, judges, and family members gathered at the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett for the 2024 NHBA Annual Meeting from June 7-9. Titled “Elevating Connections and Fostering Family Fun,” this event truly lived up to its name.
It was one of the most well-attended annual meetings in the past decade, second only to the 2019 Annual Meeting with 255 attendees.
“Thanks to the efforts of Paul Chant and the entire Bar staff, the 2024 Annual Meeting was a huge success,” says new NHBA President Kathleen Mahan. “We had incredible turnout, with more than 50 people attending for the first time. The Bar organized great, fun-filled activities – it was a great time to connect with colleagues away from the office.”
NHBA Executive Director Sarah Blodgett shared similar sentiments.
“This was my first annual meeting and I had not appreciated just how special this event is. There was something for everyone,” says Blodgett. “Paul has led the Bar Association through an interesting and challenging year. The Annual Meeting was the perfect culmination of his term as president. And of course, members heard from our new president, Kate Mahan. It will be great to have her at the helm.”
The weekend began with the Board of Governors meeting and the Annual Business Meeting. Attendees started arriving around 5 pm for a lively reception followed by an honors banquet.
After dinner, then-NHBA President Paul Chant acknowledged each of the new and retiring judges from the past year. New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice James Bassett then commended individuals and firms who provided the most pro bono services to low-income people for the year, resulting in a prolonged standing ovation for the volunteers.
Justice Bassett then invited Mongolia Supreme Court Justice Tsogt Tsend to the stage. Justice Tsend, a pioneer in administrative litigation and judicial review in East Asia, spoke about the challenges of establishing a democracy and an independent judiciary in Mongolia.
“The remarks by Justice Tsend were quite moving, serving as an important reminder of just how fragile democracy is and the critical role our courts play in supporting and promoting our freedom,” says NHBA Hillsborough South County Governor Tony Naro. “[The Annual Meeting as a whole] was a truly revitalizing experience – with much credit to the Bar’s amazing staff. The positive atmosphere was palpable, and it was wonderful to see so many colleagues engaging in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities.”
The banquet concluded with a heartfelt NHBA Leadership Academy graduation ceremony, celebrating the hard work of the 2024 graduates: Kirsten Allen, James Armillay, Devon Ayer, Afra Danai, Amanda Dupuis, Kathrine Hedges, Lynnette Legra, Jessica Morrissey-Jeffery, Jesse O’Neill, and Danielle Pomeroy.
Saturday focused on family-friendly activities. In addition to various local attractions, NHBA members and their families enjoyed a variety of NHBA-sponsored activities. These included a Mount Washington Summit shuttle tour, a guided hike, a local brewery bus tour, and a wine tasting.
Participants of the Mount Washington excursion were treated to a guided bus ride up to the summit of the highest mountain in the Northeastern United States. At 6,288 feet above sea level, they enjoyed hot cocoa and visited the observatory and museum.
“It was a terrific group,” says NHBA Professional Development Director Vincent O’Brien. “We had fun on the shuttle and the van, and experienced the extreme weather Mount Washington is known for. I don’t think any of us who were up there will forget experiencing those conditions and the contrast with the weather below.”
On the journey back to the hotel, the mountain voyagers were delighted to see a moose on the side of the road.
Other attendees embarked on a guided hike up the Mount Stanton trail – a 2.9-mile-out-and-back moderate trek that includes two sections of climbing – led by attorney Chris Meier.
“It was a wonderful day for a hike and a great trail for novice and experienced hikers alike, with excellent views of the Southern Presidential Range,” says NHBA Associate Executive Director Paula Lewis. “Along the trail were large boulders left by glaciers, Lady Slippers, and small wildlife. At the summit, the 18 hikers enjoyed the views and each other’s company.”
The sold-out brew bus tour was a major highlight for the nearly 40 people who partook. Dreamt up by Chant, the tour consisted of two buses and three stops: Ledge Brewing Company, Saco River Brewing, and Tuckerman Brewing.
“Paul Chant organized a fantastic brew tour,” says Blodgett. “It was wonderful to see first-time attendees enjoying a beer with members who had stories from annual meetings in the 1980s.”
At each establishment, people imbibed a beer or two, but arguably the real fun was had on the bus.
Between stops, NHBA ABA Association Delegate Michael Iacopino – referred to as DJ Mike for the duration of the tour – cranked classic rock tunes over the loudspeakers of the bus. At each approach, Chant put on his tour-guide hat and provided everyone with background details and popular menu options for each establishment.
With each trip – and consequently each beer – bussers began swaying to the music more and more, culminating in an all-out singalong during the final ride. It began with a few people singing “take a load off, Fanny” to The Band’s “The Weight,” and then erupted into just about everyone belting out “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King.
When the bus pulled into Attitash, Chant must have sensed that no one wanted the magical experience to end and told the bus driver to take a lap around the lot while the last song, Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns, and Money,” rang out.
As the bus approached the hotel, Chant added a cherry on top of the sweet ride by calling for three cheers for the bus driver – to which everyone happily (and loudly) obliged.
In the evening, the high-spirited president’s banquet began with Chant bestowing three prestigious President’s Awards.
Former NHBA President Richard Guerriero received the Distinguished Service to the Legal Profession Award.
“There are so many lawyers who do so much that is not recognized, and I am very flattered to get this award,” Guerriero said. He then recounted a story about how following an extremely challenging and highly publicized trial he had experienced, a prosecutor whom he had only a slight acquaintance with called him to inquire about his well-being. “One of the things I love about practicing in New Hampshire is that we have a supportive bar. We have the kind of bar that opposing counsel would call you after a really horrible and difficult trial and ask, ‘how are you?’”
The E. Donald Dufresne Award for Outstanding Professionalism was given to Bruce Felmly, who is a former NHBA president. Before presenting the award, Chant asked attendees to stand up if Felmly has mentored them in any way. More than a dozen people stood up.
“I’m standing, too,” Chant said.
“This is a remarkable honor,” Felmly said, sharing some personal stories about Don Dufresne and their close friendship. “As I sit here today, getting this award, I’m thinking, ‘this is named for the guy who taught me a lot about professionalism.’ I can’t tell you how much it means to me…New Hampshire lost one of its finest professionals [when Dufresne died] and I’m honored to be recognized by you in his name.”
Circuit Court Administrative Judge David King was bestowed the Justice William A. Grimes Award for Judicial Professionalism.
“I am certainly honored to receive an award named after Justice William Grimes, who was an icon of the New Hampshire Bench and Bar…and I am humbled to follow the list of prior recipients, many of whom are friends and colleagues of mine.” Judge King said. Toward the end of his remarks, he shared a metaphorical reflection, likening the Circuit Court to a giant rowboat, where everyone on board – the 400 non-judicial staff and the 60 judges – wields an oar. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, explaining how everyone must row together in unison to steer in the same direction. “This award – which I will cherish – has my name on it but I am accepting on behalf of my entire rowing team, without whom I wouldn’t be standing up here tonight.”
After the awards program, Chant recognized each current and outgoing Board of Governors member. He then took a few moments to acknowledge the accomplishments of Immediate Past President Jonathan Eck and to praise the incoming President Kathleen Mahan before passing the gavel and stepping down as president.
Mahan, the NHBA’s 125th president, closed out the evening by thanking Chant for his leadership and lauding his achievements as president, such as the creation of the AI and Wellness Committees. She spoke about how he lives what he preaches and that, despite his busy schedule as a bar president and litigator, he always took the time to check in on people.
She then outlined her presidential goals, which encompass enhancing member benefits, expanding professional development opportunities, boosting resources for lawyer well-being, and establishing new ways to engage and serve our communities.
“I am honored to be the 2024-2025 president of this association and to continue its good work,” Mahan says. “Working with the Bar staff and the Board, we plan to use this year as one of reflection and building, assessing where we need to grow and adapt to ensure the Bar is prepared to confront the evolving challenges that we face as lawyers, that is ready to seize new opportunities, and that remains an invaluable resource for members for years to come.”
As the Annual Meeting drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie, professional growth, and family fun lingered in the air, leaving attendees with lasting memories and renewed connections. The event not only celebrated the achievements and dedication of the legal community but also set the stage for a promising year ahead under Mahan’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 21. For more 2024 Annual Meeting pictures, visit nhbar.org/2024-annual-meeting-photos.
