The NH Bar Association seeks nominations for the following awards, which will be presented at the NHBA Midyear Meeting on Friday, March 7, 2014:

Vickie M. Bunnell Award for Community Service
Presented to an attorney from a small firm (four or fewer attorneys), who has exhibited dedication and devotion to community by giving of their time and talents - legal or otherwise.

Distinguished Service to the Public Award
Presented to the nominee who best exhibits service to the public on behalf of the administration of justice.

Outstanding Service in Public Sector/Public Interest Law Award
Presented to a member of the New Hampshire Bar, or an organization employing eligible members, who, at the time of the nomination, has at least five years of service, up to and including the time of the nomination, in government service, military service, law enforcement, public interest law services (including prosecution, public defense, legal advocacy in low-income communities, or for individuals with disabilities at a nonprofit organization), or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Qualified individuals/organizations may be nominated more than once.

Nomination forms for the public sector award are available on the NHBA website.

To nominate someone for the Bunnell or Distinguished Service awards, write to the Bar Center at NHBA MYM Award, 2 Pillsbury St., Suite 300, Concord, NH 03301-3502. Or email the award nomination information to Denice DeStefano.

Deadline for all nominations is Dec. 20.

Volunteers needed to act as judges and timers for the initial round of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution District on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Legislative Office Building in Concord. Time commitment is 9 a.m. - noon.

Judges and timers will also be needed for the state finals on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Volunteers can join us for the day or choose a morning or afternoon slot. State finals are held at the LOB.

Please sign up now or contact Robin E. Knippers.

Find out more about We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.

Do you have a stand-up or treadmill desk? Bar News would like to hear from attorneys who are making changes to their work environments to be more ergonomically correct. If that's you, please email news@nhbar.org and let us know what changes you've made.

A retirement party for US District Court Clerk Jim Starr, celebrating his 35 years of service to the state and federal judiciaries, takes place starting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2014, at the Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave., Concord.

There will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. To RSVP, please send a check of $25 per person (payable to: "Jim Starr Retirement") to US District Court; 55 Pleasant St., Room 110, Concord, NH 03301. Attn: Debbie Eastman-Proulx. Deadline is Dec. 30.

You can read Bar News online. Find out about a new approach to court management in New Hampshire, involuntary commitments at the state hospital, a new moot court program for appellate attorneys, and a variety of family law topics in our annual family law special section.

Do you have a comment or opinion on one of these articles? Is there a story you think Bar News should be covering? Send letters to the editor and content suggestions to news@nhbar.org.

As the Family Division Court prepares to expand into Cheshire County, Tori Schrivner, previously the marital department supervisor in Keene, has been named Circuit Court case manager for the family divisions in Keene and Jaffrey that are scheduled to open Dec. 16. She will handle scheduling for first appearances and mediation in both courts.

The Keene courthouse will close on Dec. 6 and will remain closed through Dec. 13 for the move to the new building. The clerk's office will have limited hours during that week, according to court staff. Referee David Forrest will serve as judicial officer in both Keene and Jaffrey. First appearances are scheduled to begin at the Keene court Dec. 18, and mediations will start up by January.

A brown bag discussion about the transition is scheduled for noon on Monday, Dec. 2, at the Keene courthouse.

Getting past your social (media) anxiety
This infographic from The Rainmaker Institute is a quick guide to getting over your fear of social media and shows how having a presence could help you market your practice.

SCOTUS: Due Process and Diplomacy, Revenge and Poison
Los Angeles Times editorial untangles and then opines on a recent argument at the US Supreme Court in a case that pits due process in a criminal matter against complying with a foreign treaty. Read more.

Is Passive Management Good for Your Firm?
ALPS411 risk management blog.

Galway Mediation Service
Mediation and Arbitration, Seasoned Practical Experience Resolving Conflicts, Richard Galway, 603-488-5399.

Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C.
Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Slips and Falls, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Termination, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Discrimination, Divorces, Family Law, Criminal Law and DUI. We can help. Call us today at 1-800-240-1988, or visit our website.

Arthur G. Greene Consulting
Arthur G. Greene works with your small or mid-sized firm to help make it the best it can be, whether that means planning for succession or merger, advising on management issues or evaluating profitability, the future of your firm can depend on us." Visit our website or call 603-471-0606.