CONCORD, NH - New Hampshire Superior Court Associate Justice Anne Edwards has been named co-chair of the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission, joining co-chair Mark Rouvalis in leading statewide efforts to improve access to civil justice.
Judge Edwards, who joined the Superior Court in 2023, brings more than three decades of legal experience and public service to the role. Before joining the bench, she spent nearly 27 years with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, where she handled a broad range of complex civil and criminal matters and served in leadership positions.
“I’m very excited about working with the Commission on the vital work it is doing to make our court system more accessible, particularly for the many New Hampshire citizens who find themselves trying to navigate the often confusing court process,” Judge Edwards said. “I became an attorney because of the struggles I saw my parents’ friends face when trying to deal with legal issues when they could not afford to retain attorneys. I will work diligently with the Commission to assist people who are in our court system.”
Created by the New Hampshire Supreme Court, the Access to Justice Commission works to improve access to the court system for New Hampshire residents. Members of the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts have long participated in the Commission’s work alongside representatives of the legal community and other partners. The Commission’s efforts include assessing civil legal needs, identifying obstacles to obtaining legal help, and developing initiatives aimed at making the justice system more accessible.
“Judge Edwards brings energy, focus, and great skill to all she does. She is deeply committed to the cause of access to justice and has devoted a great deal of her professional career to making our state a better place,” said Justice Melissa Countway.
Justice Countway, who previously served as co-chair, will remain a member of the Commission.
To learn more about the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission and its work, visit the Commission’s website.
