In the State of New Hampshire, many people are injured because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of an individual or company. These people have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a lawyer in their state. Unfortunately, not all people that call themselves lawyers are reputable or able to properly launch a lawsuit. Membership in the New Hampshire Bar Association is the reassurance needed to insure that an individual is qualified to present a court case in front of New Hampshire courts.
The New Hampshire Bar Association (NHBA) is a non-profit, court-mandated organization. As a unified bar, all attorneys licensed to practice in the state, and all New Hampshire judges must belong to the NHBA and pay annual dues. As of July 2004, the New Hampshire Bar association was comprised of 5,548 legal professionals in the state of New Hampshire. The association works to improve the administration of justice, foster legal ethics, provide a forum for legal discussions, continue quality legal education, and embrace cordial relations between members of the bar. At least two bar association meetings are held each year to create connections between all members.
Admission into the bar is very selective. Every potential lawyer must complete a series of rigorous tests to prove that they are competent to practice law in the state of New Hampshire. This admissions process includes a passing score on the state bar exam, completing legal education, and proving that an applicant has the professional aptitude to practice law. In special cases, an applicant can be admitted without taking the exam if they have passed the Vermont State Bar Exam or the Maine State Bar Exam. Regardless, all professionals that are admitted into the bar are reputable and competent.