An exciting competition that tests high school teams' knowledge of history, government and the law, We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution seeks attorneys to volunteer as judges and timers. No experience necessary; training will be provided.

For more information, contact Robin Knippers.

State Finals 9 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 Snow Date: Jan. 12 Legislative Office Building Concord, NH (Awards to follow last session)

A number of amendments to the Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure and official bankruptcy forms became effective Dec. 1. The changes to the Federal Rules follow recommendations by the Judicial Conference of the United States, review by the Supreme Court, and consideration by Congress. The amendments affect the appellate, civil, criminal, bankruptcy and evidence rules.

The Federal Rules of Practice and Procedure govern the conduct of trials, appeals, and cases under Title 11 of the United States Code. In the Rulemaking process, it usually takes two to three years for a proposal to be enacted as a rule.

The solo/small firm discussion group will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Certified public accountants from Nathan Wechsler & Company will be joining the group to share and discuss good accounting practices and tips to help solo and small firm attorneys get ready for tax season. To help facilitate the discussion, please send any burning questions to Rosemarie Atwood at before the meeting.

Established on the occasion of Judge Hollman's retirement from the Superior Court bench in 2003, this award is designed to honor his efforts as a stalwart advocate for gender equality in the legal system.

A Hollman award recipient is someone who:

• promotes respect and fair treatment toward all members of the judicial system
• promotes gender equality through leadership and educating others on such issues, and
• takes initiative in matters of gender equality and is a role model in this area.

A nominee may be a Bar member, an employee of a law firm or a New Hampshire court, or an employee of a state department or agency that is part of the legal system. The award will be presented at the Gender Equality Breakfast during the 2015 Midyear Meeting, Feb. 27, 2015.

Please send nominations by Monday, Dec. 15, to Rosemarie Atwood, NHBA Gender Equality Committee liaison. Please include a brief description of the nominee's qualifications for the award.

A brown bag lunch meeting for defense attorneys and prosecutors who practice in Belknap and Carroll counties will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Belknap County Superior Court. For more information, contact Abigail Albee, clerk of court.

The public is unaware of how much time lawyers spend providing free legal advice to low-income people. We have created The Justice for All Challenge to help us tell that story. Using a simple online entry form, lawyers can report on the good work they do during calendar year 2014 (30 hours per attorney is the minimum). You can report your commitment individually or as a firm, by name or anonymously.

You do it. We know you do it. Help us spread the word! Sign up now for the Justice for All Challenge.

Hundreds of members are already entering Supreme Court Rule 53- NHMCLE activity information using the new NHMCLE online reporting tool, known as ART. Now is the time to enter NHMCLE credits (except for NHBA-sponsored programs, which are automatically entered) or to check on your current balance.

For an update on the new self-determination, self-reporting approach to compliance with Supreme Court Rule 53, visit the updated website. The website has links to three brief instructional videos to walk you through the process of creating a log-in, what your record contains, and how to make a new entry of credit.

(Only use ART to enter programs or activities not sponsored by NHBA. NHBA CLEs and other NHBA sponsored programs will be automatically entered.)

It's time to recognize your colleagues and the good work they do for the legal profession, their communities and the public. The NH Bar Association is seeking nominations for the 2015 annual Vickie M. Bunnell Award for Community Service, the Distinguished Service to the Public Award and the Outstanding Service in the Public Sector/Public Interest Law Award.

Visit the bar's website for more information about the awards, eligibility requirements and the nomination form for the public sector award.

Nominations must be in the form of a written narrative. Previous nomination submissions may be considered upon written request, with the submission of updated information.

Save the Date: These awards will be presented at the Midyear Meeting on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

There's a lot of change happening in New Hampshire's criminal justice system, and we need practitioners to write about it. Defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges: please get in touch with Managing Editor Kristen Senz by Monday, Dec. 8, with your ideas for informative or opinion pieces. Deadline for article drafts is Dec. 22.

The NH State Police has made available this list of current contact information for regional prosecutors and their coverage areas.

The NH Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services is holding a series of stakeholder input sessions across the state this month related to phase two of the state's transition to Medicaid managed care.

Law School - A Buyers' Market
The New York Times reported earlier this week on tuition reductions and heightened competition among law schools. Read more.

Sendak's Estate: Debating Where the Things Go
The New York Times reports on the ongoing battle. Read more.

The Limits of Jurisdiction
For the past six years, Karen has lived in Missouri with her adoptive parents. But a Guatemalan couple are convinced the child is their kidnapped daughter, Anyelí. Read more.

Some of these news sites may limit access to subscribers or registered users. (Many sites allow free trial access limited to the number of pages viewed.) Also, the Bar Association does not endorse the sites providing these links; these are provided for your information only.

Martin, Lord & Osman
Alternative Dispute Resolution - Mediation, Arbitration, Neutral Evaluation. David S. Osman, (603) 527-9154.

McLane Law Firm
The McLane Law Firm combines legal excellence with creative thinking and superior client service to construct innovative and winning legal strategies. email address: LAW@mclane.com, phone: (603) 625-6464.

BerryDunn
Gain control. Put the experience of our Valuation & Forensic Services Group of Northern New England's largest CPA firm to work for your clients. Find the advantage of our expertise in analyses of economic damages, lost profits, and business valuations. Visit our website to learn more.

In the event of inclement weather, closings or delayed openings at the Bar Center will be communicated via the Bar's website at www.nhbar.org and on our voicemail greeting at the Bar Center.

If the Bar Center is experiencing a delayed opening, we will be open as soon as is reasonably possible for staff to safely get in to the office. If you are in doubt about the status of any meeting, please call the Bar Center ay 603-224-6942 before you head out.