Feature
University of New Hampshire School of Law’s New Dean and President, John T. Broderick, Jr. By Donna McGill If the name of who was just announced as UNC School of Law’s new dean and president sounds familiar, it could be because he is finishing up his time with the New Hampshire Supreme Court. That’s right, outgoing Chief Justice John T. Broderick, Jr. has accepted the position of Dean and President of the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
Chief Justice John T. Broderick of the New Hampshire Supreme Court will soon have a new title as both Dean and President of UNC School of Law. It’s an exciting time for Chief Justice Broderick as he looks forward to inspiring new students and as he says, ‘’take the university to the next level’’. It was a difficult decision, to be sure. He has served in his role as Chief Justice for more than fifteen years while also simultaneously teaching as an adjunct professor at Tuck School of Business. The nationwide search for a new dean and president began when current Dean John D. Hutson announced his retirement earlier this year. Dean Hutson has been in his position since 2000. Upon learning of his being chosen, Chief Justice Broderick released a statement that read, in part: ‘’I am genuinely honored to have been selected to lead the law school at this time of great opportunity and change. The affiliation with the University of New Hampshire will enhance and expand our reach and global influence.’’ Current UNH President Mark W. Huddleston described Broderick as, ‘’an extraordinarily thoughtful man, as well as a truly distinguished jurist’’.
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Broderick was appointed to the state’s Supreme Court by Governor Merrill in 1995. In less than ten years, he became the Chief Justice. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Virginia Law School, he practiced at Devine, Millimet, Stahl & Branch before opening his own firm for several years. He also has served as the president of the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association as well as the New Hampshire Bar Association. In 1993, Broderick was appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Legal Services Corporation. Chief Justice Broderick is responsible for establishing the ‘’Access to Justice Commission’’ which seeks to provide low cost legal services for those most in need in the state. His ideas have been hailed by many in the legal community, including Professor Laurence Tribe, who is a well respected Constitutional scholar and Harvard Law School Professor. Even as the judicial arm of the state is preparing to part professional ways with Justice Broderick, he and the school are eagerly anticipating his arrival, which will occur January 1, 2011. While it’s bittersweet, Dean Hutson is an admired and well respected dean, the law school is sure to soar under Broderick’s leadership. While he officially arrives January 1, 2011, he will become Dean and President on January 28, 2011. His resignation with the Supreme Court is effective November 30, 2010, which should allow several weeks of transition and ideally, a vacation.
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