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Find us on the web:
www.nhwba.org
"Like" us on facebook!
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Welcome New and Returning Members
Danette Wineberg
Adjunct Professor,
UNH School of Law
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NHWBA Officers and Directors
Executive Director:
Gretchen E. Pyles
President: Holly J. Barcroft
Nixon Peabody LLP
Immediate Past President:
Holly B. Haines Abramson, Brown & Dugan, PA
Vice President:
Karyl Roberts Martin Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA Secretary: Sabrina C. Beavens Iurillo Law Group, PA Treasurer: Christina A. Ferrari Bianco Professional Association
Public Relations Officer:
Christina A. Ferrari
Bianco Professional Association
Networking Director:
Talesha Caynon
Bernstein Shur
Programming Director:
Kathleen M. Mahan
Cook, Little, Rosenblatt & Manson, PLLC
Membership Secretary:
Kara M. Simard
NH Public Defender
Vice Membership Secretary:
Clara Dietel
Shaheen & Gordon, PA
Member at Large:
Heather A. Flanner
NH Attorney General's Office
Belknap:
Lynne Sabean
Boutin & Altieri, PLLC
Viktoriya Kovalenko
Hastings Law Office PA
Coos:
Sandra Cabrera
Waystack Frizzell
Hillsborough North:
Heidi A. Ames
Moore Devlin Law, PLLC
Hillsborough South:
Catherine E. Shanelaris
Shanelaris & Schirch, PLLC
Merrimack:
Marcia Brown
NH Public Utilities Commission
Rockingham:
Catherine P. McKay
Parnell & McKay, PLLC
Strafford:
Jeanine Kilgallen
Shaheen & Gordon, PA
Out of State Liaison:
Hannah Zaitlin
McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, PA
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News and Events:
February 2014
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Greetings!
Of all of the great films in the running to receive an Academy Award this Sunday night, I am pulling the hardest for Frozen, and not simply because the ice-covered landscape in the movie reminds me so much of present day Manchester.
I am not ashamed to admit that I asked my little sister through Big Brother Big Sisters if we could please go see Frozen in the theater, and I was so happy she was on board. Not only was the movie funny, with just enough jokes to go over the kids' heads and make the adults laugh, but I also loved to see a Disney film with strong female leads who were not looking to be rescued, but instead served as their own heroes.
There is a short video making the rounds on Youtube and Facebook starring actresses who play each of the well-known Disney princesses, from Sleeping Beauty, to Snow White, Cinderella, Princess Jasmine, Ariel the Little Mermaid, and Queen Elsa from Frozen. Elsa takes the lead, singing a reminder to all of the more traditional princesses who came before her that they do not need a prince to complete their lives, and nothing is holding them back from pursuing their dreams and being their own heroes.
An acquaintance of mine posted a link to the video on Facebook and commented that she wished someone had shared this message with her twenty years ago. It was a sobering reminder that I am very lucky to have always had people in my life who gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams on my own. One of my favorite things about the NHWBA is that our mission is directly in line with this important message.
Enjoy the Oscars on Sunday night!
Best regards,
Holly J. Barcroft, President New Hampshire Women's Bar Association |
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Spotlight on our Member
 Our spotlight this month is on our member, Heidi Ames. Heidi recently joined the firm of Moore Devlin Law, PLLC in Manchester. Heidi focuses her practice on domestic relations matters. She is a member and Vice-Chair of the Family Law Section of the New Hampshire Bar Association, as well as a member of the American Bar Association's Family Law Section. Heidi also serves on the Board of Directors of the University of New Hampshire Alumni Association. As a NHWBA board member, Heidi was instrumental in creating and leading our public service program "Overcoming Cancer's Legal Challenges" for the Breast Cancer Support Group, "Living Beyond Breast Cancer," at Elliot Regional Cancer Center.
Congratulations to Heidi on her move.
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Several NHWBA Members Attended
the Investiture Ceremony of
Landya Boyer McCafferty
as United States District Court Judge
Many NHWBA members were on hand to see Landya Boyer McCafferty sworn in as the next United States District Court Judge for the District of New Hampshire on February 21, 2014. Judge McCafferty was praised for her intellect, integrity and diligence by Senators Shaheen and Ayotte. Senator Shaheen said that Judge McCafferty was "born to be a judge." Senator Ayotte said that she "can't think of anyone more deserving."
Judge McCafferty is the first woman to ever be appointed to the state's federal bench. At the conclusion of her remarks, Judge McCafferty said, "I want to leave you with a simple phrase that I heard recently. Three words that sum up the mission of this court, and what should be the mission of every school, teacher, coach, mentor and every one of us." Quoting Justice Souter, she said, "Honor all people." "As the newest district judge on this court, I pledge to keep those three words in my head and in my heart at all times."
NHWBA members were pleased to attend this historic event. To view a video from the Investiture Ceremony that was produced by Cinematic Stories, click here.
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Join us for our Rainmaking Series:
Reserve Your Seat at the Table for Eight with Cathy Shanelaris to Discuss Developing and Nurturing Client Relationships
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
545 Hooksett Road
Manchester, NH
Cost: Dutch Treat
Join us for our Rainmaking Series of Tables for Eight. Our third Table for Eight in the series will feature Cathy Shanelaris of Shanelaris & Schirch. Attorney Shanelaris' practice focuses on family law. She is a member of the Family Law Section of the New Hampshire Bar Association, a lecturer on family law topics at continuing legal education programs and the author of several bar journal and legal articles relating to family law issues. In addition to being a board member of the NHWBA, she is also a member of the NH Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission, and a Board Member of the Pro Bono Governing Board. She is also a trained marital mediator. Prior to founding Shanelaris & Schrich, Attorney Shanelaris was the chief staff attorney for the New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services. She has also served as a county governor for the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association.
To register for this exciting Table for Eight with Attorney Shanelaris, click here.
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Last Chance to Join Us for Our
12th Annual Work Stress Relief Clinic
When: Friday, April 4, 2014 through Saturday, April 5, 2014 
Where: The Common Man Inn & Spa
231 Main Street
Plymouth, NH
Join us Friday, April 4, 2014 through Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Common Man Inn & Spa in Plymouth, NH. Prepare to pamper yourself while networking with fellow NHWBA members. The weekend includes a networking dinner on Friday evening, accommodations at the Inn, a discount on spa services, and an informative program on Saturday afternoon.
Agenda:
Friday, April 4, 2014
5:00 p.m. - Networking/Social hour
6:00 p.m. - Dinner in a private event room
Saturday, April 5, 2014
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Breakfast in a private event room
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. - Optional private yoga class
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Buffet lunch and program regarding work/life balance
Registration closes on Monday, March 3, 2014. To register, click here. For more information, contact NHWBA Executive Director, Gretchen Pyles.
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Other News and Upcoming Events
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Celebrate International Women's Day
on March 8th
International Women's Day is celebrated around the globe on March 8th. Started in 1911, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the past struggles of women and to celebrate their accomplishments. In 1975, the United Nations held its first official celebration of International Women's Day. This year, the United Nation's theme for International Women's Day is "Equality for women is progress for all." Join the women of the world in celebrating this important day.
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NAWL's Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms Reveals Not Much Change
The National Association of Women Lawyers and the NAWL Foundation released its annual Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms on February 25, 2014. The data this year revealed the same trend as in previous years: the greatest percentage of women (64 percent) occupy the lowest positions in firms (staff attorneys), and the highest positions in firms (equity partners) are occupied by the lowest percentage of women (17 percent). In comparison, the 2012 survey reported 15 percent equity partners were women and 70 percent of staff attorneys were women. These results suggest that we still have work to do. To read the entire report, click here.
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OnRamp Fellowship
Helps Women Lawyers who have Taken Time Off Transition Back into Practice
Do you know someone who took a couple years away from the office to stay home with young children? Or a sick parent? Or a spouse deployed abroad? The OnRamp Fellowship helps place experienced women lawyers, who have taken a break from practicing law for one reason or another, in a year-long, paid training fellowship in law firms.
Four major firms including Baker Botts, Cooley, Hogan Lovells, and Sidley Austin are offering fellowships in 15 cities across the U.S. as part of the pilot program this year.
The benefits to participating women lawyers include:
- A paid, one-year training contract with a top law firm to gain additional legal experience, skills, and contacts;
- Unlimited, free access to online continuing legal education (CLE) courses;
- Training by specialists in negotiations, leadership, oral advocacy, project management, and business development; and
- Coaching from experienced legal-career coaches.
Lawyers with three or more years of experience who have taken a hiatus of at least two years are eligible to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest in working for and advancing within a law firm environment.
Applications are due by March 7, 2014. To learn more or to apply, click here.
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NAWL Management Series Webinar: Management 101: What They Didn't Teach You in Law School (But You Wish They Had)
When: Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Regardless of where you are in your career (junior, mid-career or senior attorney) or where you are practicing (law firm, in-house, non-profit or government), managing others is likely a big part of your day, whether you are mainly managing "up" to those above you or "down" to those below you. Doing it well is critical to your success.
Law school doesn't teach this important skill; NAWL is here to help fill the gap!
Please join NAWL on March 12, 2014 for the second of a three-part webinar series focused on management skills. This program will explore a cross-section of management challenges and provide you with practical tips on solving them. It will also address the all-too-often-overlooked but essential "self-management" and "relationship" competencies that will make managing others even more productive and rewarding.
This program will be taught by two experienced practitioners including Lisa B. Horowitz, JD, MS, Founder and Principal Advisor of the Attorney Talent Strategy Group, and Susan Letterman White, JD, MS, a consultant, trainer, coach, and retreat facilitator for professional service providers.
To learn more or register for this webinar, click here.
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Save the Date: April 9, 2014
NHBA Gender Equality Committee Presents
Get Paid What You're Worth
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: NH Bar Center
2 Pillsbury Street, Seminar Room 2
Concord, NH
Cost: $25 - Law Students
$35 - Attorneys - Unemployed
$50 - All other Attorneys
Join the Gender Equality Committee for a seminar on negotiating pay, promotion and terms and conditions throughout your legal career. Led by national speaker Lauren Rikleen, this comprehensive workshop is designed for attorneys who want to:
- Be fairly compensated
- Negotiate a flexible work schedule
- Get the best work assignments
- Advocate for yourself if you are unfairly excluded from opportunities
- Get recognized for achievements
To register, click here.
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Save the Date: April 17, 2014
Campaign for Legal Services
Kick-off Breakfast
When: Thursday, April 17, 2014  Time: 7:30 a.m. - Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Breakfast & Program
Where: Grappone Conference Center 70 Constitution Avenue Concord, NH Cost: $50 per person; $400 for reserved table for 10 guests
Plan to attend the Campaign for Legal Services' Kick-off Breakfast on Friday, April 17, 2014. Jeffrey Toobin will be the keynote speaker at the event. Mr. Toobin is a staff writer for the New Yorker and a legal analyst for CNN.
Proceeds from this event benefit New Hampshire's three civil legal aid organizations: Legal Advice & Referral Center, New Hampshire Legal Assistance and New Hampshire Pro Bono Referral Program.
To purchase a ticket or for more information, e-mail Celina Hurley at churley@nhla.org or call 603-206-2228.
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YWCA New Hampshire Accepting Applications for 2014 Sloan Awards for
Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility
If your workplace uses flexible practices and believes that the  best business strategy is one that works for both the employer and employee, then you should apply for this award. Winners receive a number of benefits, including a benchmarking report with employee feedback and recognition at an event hosted by the YWCA New Hampshire!
Previous winners have included Fortune 500 companies and small startups from all across the country in every industry ranging from accounting to health care to retail to manufacturing.Be acknowledged as an employer of choice and gain that edge you need to recruit the best job candidates in our area. For more information and to apply, click here. The application deadline is April 11, 2014.
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NAWL 2014 Selma Moidel Smith
Law Student Writing Competition
NAWL established the annual Selma Moidel Smith Law Student Writing Competition to encourage and reward original law student writing on issues concerning women and the law. Entrants should submit a paper on an issue concerning women's rights or the status of women in the law. The most recent winning paper was "Prosecutorial Indiscretion: District Attorneys' Misuse of Alabama's Chemical Endangerment Law to Criminalize Pregnant Women's Substance Abuse" written by Amy Kokot, Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
The author of the winning essay will receive a cash prize of $500. NAWL will also publish the winning essay in NAWL's Women Lawyers Journal in Fall 2014.
Entries must be received by May 1, 2014. To learn more about the competition or to read last year's winning entry, click here.
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Save the Date: Friday, August 8, 2014
NCWBA's Leadership Summit
The 2014 Women's Bar Leadership Summit will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Suffolk University Law School, in the heart of downtown Boston. The Awards Luncheon will take place at the Boston College Club, a short walk away. More details will be available soon about the speakers and programming, but the Women's Bar Leadership Summit always provides lots of opportunities to be inspired, to network with women's bar leaders and colleagues from across North America and to get great ideas for ways to make women's bar associations better. Mark your calendars now to attend this exciting annual event.
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Recent Washington Post Blog Argues that Large Law Firms are Failing Women Lawyers
On February 18, 2014, Selena Rezvani, an author on women and the workplace, wrote that a 2012 survey suggested that "associate attorney" was the unhappiest job in America. She writes that she is "hard pressed to name an industry that simultaneously has more progressive policies and yet more of an old-school culture than the large law firm environment does." She argues that law firms need to rethink how work gets done and must engage the women who work there in order to become "future focused." To read the entire article, click here.
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