The Rising Bar: Cultivating the Next Generation of Oral Advocates

Join the New Hampshire Women's Bar Association for a panel discussion on cultivating the next generation of oral advocates in both state and federal courts. Our panelists will share their experiences building their advocacy careers, practical guidance on developing courtroom skills, and strategies for finding and creating argument opportunities. The discussion will also explore how we can better encourage the next generation to seek out these opportunities — and how the bench and bar can work together to create more of them.

This discussion topic was inspired by data gathered and trends observed by Retired Justice James Bassett during his 13+ years on the New Hampshire Supreme Court about the number and types of cases argued in front of the Court by women. Justice Bassett and our other panelists will speak about their personal experiences being mentored and mentoring in the courtroom as well as their ideas for creating more advocacy opportunities for the next generation.

Our panelists include:

• Judge Samantha Elliott, United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire
• Justice Daniel Will, New Hampshire Supreme Court
• Justice James Bassett, Attorney at Orr & Reno and Retired Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court
• Attorney Doreen Connor, Primmer, Piper, Eggleston & Cramer
• Attorney Elizabeth Velez, Orr & Reno, past clerk of both the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, and previous member of the Appeals Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office
• Attorney Heather Cherniske, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Employment Security

Whether you're a litigator looking for more opportunities to enhance your advocacy skills, or an experienced litigator committed to mentoring emerging talent, this program will offer strategies for strengthening the future of oral advocacy in New Hampshire and empowering the next generation of advocates.

*Refreshments will be served for everyone to enjoy.