Suzanne Woodland presented the 2024 Frank Rowe Kenison Award to Robert Sullivan. (Photo by Rob Zielinski)
Nearly 140 lawyers, judges, and legal professionals attended the New Hampshire Bar Foundation’s (NHBF) 2024 Annual Dinner on September 26 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford. The evening began with opening remarks from NHBF Director Mary Tenn.
“I am beyond pleased to tell you that this year, the Bar Foundation awarded the largest amount of IOLTA grants in its history: a record-breaking $1,780,000,” Tenn shared, adding that an additional $90,000 in justice grants had also been awarded.
Tenn went on to highlight several new initiatives aimed at promoting civic education and engagement, including the launch of an annual civics essay competition for high school students, a training program for legislators on the role of lawyers, judges, and the judicial branch, and a town hall-style program focused on government and civics – all designed to create a more informed citizenry.
Tenn then announced that for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation has inducted six new Fellows. The new inductees are New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice James Bassett and attorneys Sara Crisp, Sarah Freeman, Katherine Hedges, Lyndsay Robinson, and James Scully, Jr.
She also mentioned how the Foundation funds Rudman Center fellowships and recognized two of its Fellows in attendance: Enmanual Fernández and Daniel Devisate Lopes.
NHBF Treasurer Jack Crisp then took the podium to reflect on the recent revitalization of the Bar Foundation.
“In the last few years, the board of the Foundation has been significantly reinvigorated,” Crisp said, acknowledging the contributions of Jack Middleton, James Tenn, and Scott Harris. “They have worked hard to negotiate higher interest rates with banks, brought in more Fellows, and made the Foundation a much more vital organization.”
The program also featured a video produced by the New Hampshire Bar Association, highlighting the critical advocacy work done by organizations supported by the Foundation.
Later, the Robert E. Kirby Award was presented by Jack White to Israel Piedra.
Upon receiving the award, Piedra reflected on the legacy of Robert Kirby. Piedra said he recently read a Bar News article about Kirby that was published 28 years ago, just weeks after his passing. The article characterized Kirby as intelligent, compassionate, considerate, principled, and possessing unwavering integrity and good humor.
“What stuck out to me most, however, is how Bob’s law partner described him as completely without pretense,” Piedra said. “He praised Bob as one of the most regular people he had ever known. To me, that is the ultimate compliment and an important reminder that our legacy is not being built by being the best at our jobs, winning the most, or making the most money.”
Piedra continued: “Sometimes, I think in this profession, we get so caught up with being lawyers that we forget to be human beings. Bob’s memory is a reminder that we are defined by how we treat others, not just our friends, coworkers, and clients, but also our adversaries, critics, and strangers. Although I may often falter, I have and will strive to follow the example Bob Kirby set. I am so incredibly honored to receive this award.”
Suzanne Woodland was then welcomed to the stage to present the Frank Rowe Kenison Award to Robert Sullivan.
Sullivan began his remarks with a tribute to his close friend and former NHBF Chair Charles DeGrandpre.
“Charlie is not here in body but given his love of the Foundation and his friendship with me, I am absolutely certain he is here with us tonight,” he said.
Sullivan also shared a story of meeting Justice Kenison after being admitted to the Bar in 1977.
“You meet thousands of people in your life, most of whom you would immediately forget,” Sullivan said. “However, every now and then you meet one that just pulls the cord, rings the bell, someone who strikes you as special in a way that you never forget. Frank Kenison was such a person, and I remember him now 50 years later… he showed great respect to me and great kindness.”
Sullivan closed his remarks by praising the attendees for their work.
“I would like to toast each and every lawyer in this room for all the good things you’ve done in your career and the good things that you will continue to do as your career continues,” he said.
The 2024 Annual Dinner was an evening of reflection on the important work of the NHBF and the organizations it supports. The Bar Foundation thanks the attendees, sponsors, and donors, whose support enables it to continue its mission of strengthening justice for all.
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