Alum and Trustee Carol Ann Conboy Sworn In to New Hampshire Supreme Court
When Pierce Law alumna and trustee Carol Ann Conboy was sworn in to the New Hampshire Supreme Court July 8, she became the state's 105th Supreme Court Justice, its second woman to sit on the bench, and the first Franklin Pierce Law Center alum to hold the honor.
Associate Justice Conboy, widely recognized as a fair and humane jurist, received the Executive Council's unanimous confirmation of her appointment a swift 16 days after her nomination.
At the swearing-in, Chief Justice John T. Broderick noted that the overflowing courtroom "demonstrates two things: Justice Conboy is beloved and respected, and we need more parking." His remarks and jovial attitude were reflected by the three standing ovations, lasting from 30 seconds to over a minute, given Justice Conboy during the ceremony.
Prior to administering the oath of office, Governor John Lynch reiterated the day's theme saying Justice Conboy "reflects all that is good about the judiciary branch and all that is good in the state of New Hampshire. She is able to connect the law to people."
Dean John D. Hutson spoke for the entire Pierce Law community stating, "She displays sublime blends of humility and self-confidence, humor and seriousness, and respect for both progress and tradition. These characteristics will serve her and this state very, very well in the toughest and most important cases to come before this court...We are blessed here in New Hampshire with a superb court and Justice Conboy will continue that legacy and add to it with every question she asks, every vote she makes, and every opinion she writes. Good for her and good for all of us. We are in very capable hands."
Jack Middleton, a former colleague at McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton, shared that lawyers who had appeared before Justice Conboy in her previous appointments were unanimous in their opinion that she demonstrates "great wisdom, grace and a wonderful judicial temperament."
Governor Lynch looks on as Justice Dalianis assists Justice Conboy with her new judicial robe.
Photo: Ken Williams/Concord Monitor
Members of the legal community at large join in the accolades. "She is the epitome of what a judge should be. She is accessible, smart, and decisive, in addition to being incredibly hardworking. As a consummate professional, she treats advocates and litigants alike, with dignity and respect. She is a great credit to the judiciary and to the legal community in her service to the profession and to the citizens of New Hampshire," says Jacalyn Colburn, New Hampshire Public Defender and fellow alum (JD '96).
For her own part, Justice Conboy demonstrated her legendary grace by simply recognizing those who have supported her throughout her career, "I owe a debt of gratitude to the Governor and the Executive Council, colleagues on the bench, members of the New Hampshire Bar, my sons, their families, my wonderful friends and," her voice trembling with emotion, "my dear husband of 38 years who is surely sharing this day." Justice Conboy's husband, Bernard, passed away just months ago.
Justice Conboy is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Connecticut who served as an officer in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. She received her law degree in 1978 from Franklin Pierce Law Center, after which she clerked for Judge Shane Devine, the former Chief Judge of the New Hampshire Federal District Court. She was a partner in the New Hampshire law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton and practiced as a trial lawyer with a concentration in employment law. She was appointed to the bench in 1992 and currently serves as Supervisory Justice of the Merrimack County Superior Court. She has served as Chair of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, and Chair of the New Hampshire Superior Court Sentence Review Board.
In addition, Conboy is a trustee on the Board of Pierce Law.
Read more >> 33 Franklin Pierce Law Center alumni in the judiciary