Upton & Hatfield Attorney Marilyn Billings McNamara recently received the first Bruce E. Friedman Pro Bono Award from the UNH School of Law and the Law School’s Social Justice Institute. The award was presented at a reception sponsored by the New Hampshire Bar Association and the UNH School of Law. The award honors the memory of Professor Bruce E. Friedman, a New Hampshire Legal Assistance attorney who then joined the faculty of the School of law and went on to develop the law school’s civil practice clinic. During his tenure, he became a legendary figure as a teacher and social justice advocate. The Friedman award recognizes the accomplishments of a UNH School of Law alumni who exemplifies the commitment to justice, fair play, and public service.
With thirty-five years’ experience in the practice of law, McNamara is a Past President of the New Hampshire Bar Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation, the Board of Bar Governors of the New Hampshire Bar Association, and the governing board of the New England Bar Association. She served as the executive director of the Concord-based Legal Advice and Referral Center poverty law program for eight years, and is a recipient of the L. Jonathan Ross Award for outstanding commitment to legal services for the poor.
The reception marked the first of three events in the school’s Justice, Leadership and Public Policy Speaker Series over the coming weeks. Focusing on the theme of Accessing Justice: Celebrating Pro Bono, NH Supreme Court Chief Justice Linda Stewart Dalianis will be presenting the inaugural award, and will address the role and importance of Pro Bono in New Hampshire.