Governor Lynch to Nominate Justice Linda Dalianis as Chief Justice

Press Release

Governor John Lynch today announced he will nominate Senior Associate Supreme Court Justice Linda Dalianis to become the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at tomorrow's Governor and Council meeting. If confirmed by the Council, Dalianis would become the first woman in New Hampshire history to be named Chief Justice.

"Justice Dalianis has distinguished herself in her 30 years in the judicial system. She has a strong reputation as a thoughtful jurist, with a sharp intellect and a deep commitment to justice," Governor Lynch said. "I am confident Justice Dalianis will lead the court system effectively into the future, ensuring fairness and justice for our people."

Dalianis, of Nashua, was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2000, having served in the Superior Court system since 1980. She was the first woman appointed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Dalianis graduated from Northeastern University in 1970 and received her law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in 1974, entering private practice upon graduation.

Governor Lynch also announced that tomorrow he will nominate current Superior Court Chief Justice Robert Lynn for the vacant Associate Justice position on the Supreme Court.

"Judge Lynn has proven himself an outstanding and highly regarded judge with the ability to thoughtfully handle the most complex and challenging cases. That is why I believe he will be a strong addition to our state's highest court," Governor Lynch said.

Lynn, of Windham, has served as Chief Justice of the Superior Court since 2004, and has been a Superior Court judge since 1992. He graduated from the University of New Haven in 1971, and received his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Before being named to the New Hampshire Superior Court, Lynn served as a federal prosecutor.

The Governor tomorrow will also bring forward two nominees -- Kristin Spath, a state prosecutor and Belknap County Attorney James Carroll -- to serve in the District Courts.

Spath, of Concord, will be nominated as a judge in the Concord District Court. She is currently an Associate Attorney General and serves as the Chief of Staff in the Department of Justice. Spath graduated from the University of Maine in 1977 and received a master's degree in public administration in 1979. She received her law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1985. Prior to becoming a prosecutor at the Department of Justice, Spath was a New Hampshire and federal public defender.

Carroll, of Laconia, is currently the Belknap County Attorney, and will be nominated to the Laconia District Court. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1969, and received his law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1987. After graduation from law school, Carroll entered private practice before serving as the Laconia city prosecutor from 1992 to 2002. In 2006, Carroll was elected county attorney, and was re-elected in 2008 and 2010. Carroll has volunteered for a number of Laconia organizations over the years and has received many awards in recognition of his service to the community.

"I am pleased to nominate Kristin Spath and James Carroll for these important district court positions. They have each demonstrated a commitment to our system of justice and to the people of the state of New Hampshire," Governor Lynch said. "They have years of legal experience and will contribute to a strong judicial system here in New Hampshire."

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