NHWBA's Food Drive a Success

For the fourth consecutive year, the NHWBA has held a food drive to help stock the New Hampshire Food Bank for the summer months.  Thanks to all the attorneys and their staff from around the state who donated food items or made monetary donations.  As a result of their generosity, 655 pounds of food was collected and $2300 was donated to the New Hampshire Food Bank.  The staff at the New Hampshire Food Bank was very appreciative because community needs tend to increase during the summer months when families are not able to rely on school lunch programs to provide meals to their children.  The NHWBA wishes to recognize the following firms and individuals for their generous donations:

NHWBA's Paws Walk Team Raises Awareness and Funds for New Hampshire SPCA

On June 10, 2012, several NHWBA members took their dogs for a walk to help raise awareness of the many beneficial services the New Hampshire SPCA provides. NHWBA's team also raised $975 to support the SPCA. Thanks to all those who participated and walked their dogs in honor of this great organization.

Spotlight on our Member, Jennifer Parent

Congratulations to founding member and past president of the NHWBA, Jennifer Parent, on completing her term as President of the New Hampshire Bar Association.  Jennifer is a Director in the Litigation Department of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton and serves as the Chair of its Employment Law Practice Group.  She is also a member of the firm's Management Committee.  On July 17, 2012, NHWBA Executive Director, Gretchen Pyles, sat down with Jennifer to discuss her many accomplishments as President of the NHBA and NHWBA.

Congratulations on recently finishing your term as President of the NHBA.  What are some of the achievements during your term that you are most proud of?

It was a busy and exciting year.  It was a privilege and honor to represent all the lawyers in this state.  There were a lot of exciting things happening last year.  Of note, our Civics in Action program successfully presented adult civics education to over 2500 Rotarians.  Civic knowledge is essential to the protection of our constitutional democracy and our judicial system.

Having been the second president of the NHWBA, what are some of the achievements during your presidency of the NHWBA that you are most proud of?

Three events come to mind during my Presidency from 2000 to 2002.  First, the NHWBA presented the first Marilla M. Ricker Achievement Award at the Fall Reception in 2000.  What a great way to recognize some of the incredible women lawyers we have in New Hampshire. Second, the NHWBA launched its first website in early 2002.  It was the beginning of a key tool of communication with members.  And third, we held the First 100 Women Lawyers celebration on May 2, 2002.  That night, we honored the first 100 women admitted to practice law in New Hampshire.  It was a year of dedication by a hard working committee. Over 300 people were in attendance to celebrate these pioneering women.

As a founding mother of the NHWBA, what are some of your memories of its creation almost 15 years ago?

I remember the February 1998 meeting we had entitled "Should New Hampshire have a statewide Women's Bar Association?"  We had Ellen Kearns, the President of the Massachusetts Women's Bar Association, come up and present to a room of women lawyers from around the state. It was exciting and energizing.  Three months later, we incorporated the New Hampshire Women's Bar Association.

I also remember typing the first newsletter on my computer at home the night before one of our meetings.  I went to the office early the next morning and made copies just before the meeting.  Maureen Manning was the President at the time and she asked me what I was passing out and I told her it was our first newsletter!

What are some of the milestones of the NHWBA that you think are important?

Being on the cusp of 15 years for the Women's Bar is a great accomplishment.  A strong, steady membership is critical.  So many things have occurred during that time to move the mission of the NHWBA.  I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

What are some of the most important issues facing women attorneys that the NHWBA has addressed over the years?

The Women's Bar does a great job of addressing women's issues.  Of particular note is networking and the judiciary.  The networking of women lawyers in the state is a tremendous asset.  It has allowed women lawyers to enhance their professional experience and have fun while doing it.  The seminars on the judicial selection process have also helped educate women on the process.

Who are some of the women attorneys who have been an inspiration to you or paved the way for you as a practicing attorney?

Instead of singling out any one person, there have been many inspiring women lawyers that have encouraged and supported me in my career. And included in this are male colleagues who are strong supporters of the Women's Bar and all that we are doing.  It is important to have people who have faith in you and who inspire you to keep moving forward.

What are some of your hopes for the future of the NHWBA?

The NHWBA has made a difference to me and other women lawyers in this state.  It should continue its mission.

As a past president of the NHBA and NHWBA, what is the next chapter for you?

As for my next chapter, I always keep the door open to new opportunities. It is exciting to see what is out there.  Of course, I will remain active in New Hampshire as well as at the national level of the ABA.

Network with Marilla M. Ricker Award Recipients 

as they Campaign for Legal Services

Save the Date:  September 13, 2012

Tables for Eight Returns with Judge Kristin Spath

When:    Thursday, September 13, 2012

Save the Date:  September 27, 2012

15th Annual Fall Reception 

When:    Thursday, September 27, 2012

Time:      5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Where:    The Concord Country Club

              Country Club Lane

              Concord, NH

Please save the date and plan to join us at our 15th Annual Fall Reception at the Concord Country Club.  At the reception, we will present the 2012 Marilla M. Ricker Achievement Award to a woman lawyer who has achieved professional excellence, paved the way to success for other women lawyers, advanced opportunities for women in the profession or performed exemplary public service on behalf of women.  We will also announce the 2012 recipient of the Winnie McLaughlin Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a second year student at the UNH School of Law. Cocktails and refreshments will be provided.