The New Hampshire Women's Bar Association (NHWBA), New Hampshire's first statewide women's bar association, was incorporated in May of 1998 by Maureen Raiche Manning, Jennifer L. Parent, Joy V. Riddell, Claudia C. Damon, and Julie Introcaso. Incorporation followed closely on the heels of the Hillsborough County Women's Bar Association program entitled "Why Have a Statewide Women's Bar Association in New Hampshire?," which was presented by Ellen Kearns of the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts in February of 1998. Women attorneys throughout New Hampshire were invited to voice their opinions on whether the women county bar groups should join to establish a statewide women's bar association. The consensus was overwhelming and piloted what is now NHWBA.

On October 1, 1998, NHWBA held its Inaugural Fall Reception in Concord, New Hampshire, inviting attorneys throughout the state to an open house. An Annual Fall Reception has been held in Concord every October thereafter. During its first year, NHWBA signed over 200 members.

In 2000, NHWBA created the Marilla M. Ricker Achievement Award. The Award is presented at the Annual Fall Reception to women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence, or paved the way to success for other women lawyers, or advanced opportunities for women in the legal profession, or performed exemplary public service on behalf of women.

On June 17, 2000, NHWBA held its first Board retreat at Christine Windler's lake house near Mount Sunapee. Using results from the membership survey conducted just the previous year, the Board established future and immediate goals for our association. Additionally, the Board considered and amended the mission statement to reflect the direction of NHWBA. NHWBA's Mission Statement reads as follows: "Our purpose is to promote and support the advancement and interests of women in the legal community through leadership, professional interaction, education and the exchange of ideas between our members and the community."

The NHWBA holds an annual Developments in Family Law CLE in early December. Knowledgeable presenters discuss changes in statutory and case law and offer helpful suggestions on practice issues. Attendees brought books to be donated to the New Hampshire women's prison at one of the seminars. If you would like to buy the materials for past years (2002 through 2004) please send an email to us.

In 2002, we hosted author and researcher Hilary Mantis whose work concerns alternative careers for lawyers. Two of her publications are available to borrow from our lending library.

Two other authors have addressed the organization in recent years. In November 2003, Professor Mona Harrington of the MIT Workplace Center, Sloan School of Management, discussed her book, Care and Equality: A New Family Politics. Attendees brought items to donate to Dress for Success, a national organization whose local chapters assist women entering the workforce for the first time, or after a long hiatus, in dressing for important interviews.

Holly English and a panel of New Hampshire lawyers and judges held a panel discussion on gender issues in June, 2004. Ms. English is the author of Gender on Trial: Sexual Stereotypes and Work/Life Balance in the Legal Workplace. The panel discussed subtle gender problems and their subtle solutions.

In January, 2005 the NHWBA hosted Attorney Wayne N. Outten of Outten & Golden, LLP in New York. Mr. Outten represented Allison Schieffelin, lead plaintiff in a gender discrimination class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley. Schieffelin was a Wall Street bond seller who was fired from her position when she complained that she was unlawfully denied a promotion. The case was settled for $54 million.

In 2005-2006, in addition to our traditional offerings and networking opportunities, the NHWBA held a series of events focusing on a issue of paramount importance to the working professional: work/life balance. On October 26, 2005, Dr. Ellen Ostrow launched the “Work/Life Balance Initiative” with an afternoon program entitled "Strategically Planning Your Career to Achieve Work/Life Balance." Dr. Ostrow is a nationally renowned attorney work-life balance expert, and publishes a popular electronic newsletter called “Beyond the Billable Hour.” In addition to her presentation, Dr. Ostrow conducted a series of six "virtual coaching sessions," which were offered free of charge to our members. The coaching sessions were held via conference call, and each session had a different topic.

In March 2006, the NHWBA provided funding for three members to attend the ABA’s Women in Law Leadership Academy (“WILL Academy”) in Chicago. NHWBA was the only women’s bar association to send a group to the conference.

NHWBA has been holding informal networking events around the state. The members have gathered for breakfast, lunch or after work hours to share each other's company and discuss concerns, problems, and business opportunities. Those interested should contact their county representatives.

Members have volunteered at pro bono marathons, calling attorneys throughout the state to assist with the backlog of cases. The organization has also sponsored a golf tournament to raise money for the New Hampshire Bar Association Pro Bono Program. We have supported an annual silent auction in connection with the Pierce Law Center to provide funds for law students to work at public interest law jobs during the summer.

NHWBA has partnered with Pierce Law in an effort to endow a scholarship to afford a woman law student at the school $5,000 for each year in law school. The goal is to attract talented women to the state's only law school in the hope that they practice in New Hampshire and become involved in the NHWBA. Recipients must meet high academic standards, demonstrate community service work aimed at improving the lives of women, and demonstrate financial need.

The first recipient, Barbara Bedard, was awarded the scholarship in academic year 2003 – 2004.  The Winnie McLaughlin Scholarship is named for the first woman to be admitted to practice law in New Hampshire. Contributions can be made on the Pierce Law website, http://www.piercelaw.edu or can be sent to the NHWBA at P.O. Box 915 Manchester, NH 03105-0915. So far, the $100,000 goal is more than 50% satisfied.

A newly created Past Presidents' Council will advise the NHWBA Board of Directors on matters of history, long range planning, and other topics as assigned by the Board.

Presidents of NHWBA

Katherine L. Brown
President 2006-Present

Heather E. Krans
President 2004-2006

Joni E. Esperian
President 2002-2004

Jennifer L. Parent
President 2000-2002

Maureen Raiche Manning
President 1998-2000

To find out more about our organization, click the links above.

You can contact us at:

NHWBA
P0 Box 915
Manchester, NH
03105-0915

Or e-mail us at: info@nhwba.org