2008 Kenison Award

Hon. Francis J. Frasier

The Kenison Award will be presented to Judge Francis J. Frasier at the NH Bar Foundation’s Annual Dinner on May 8, 2008, at C.R. Sparks in Bedford, NH.

Nominated in 1980 by Governor Hugh Gallen, Frasier accepted the judgeship while on the leading edge of a successful career as an accomplished criminal lawyer and litigator. Since his graduation from Boston College Law School in 1965, he had been in private practice in Exeter with attorneys Henry Shute and David Engel.

“Whether you are a seasoned lawyer or pro se litigant, Judge Frasier has the ability and understanding to make you feel good about the process. Judge Frasier has dealt with thousands of people and their legal problems with dignity and compassion,” said attorney H. Alfred Casassa, former Hampton District Court judge.

Frank Rowe Kenison Award

The Kenison Award was established by the Bar Foundation to recognize an individual (or individuals) who makes substantial contributions to the betterment of New Hampshire citizens through the administration of justice, the legal profession, or the advancement of legal thought. The award is made annually, selected by vote of the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation. Recipients need not be members of the New Hampshire Bar Association, but are carefully chosen to honor individuals who meet the criteria for the award in its broadest sense.

Frank Rowe Kenison (1907-1980) was a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association for 48 years, and served as Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court from 1952 to 1977. He was an exquisite legal thinker who committed his life to the legal system, education about the law, and the promise of equal justice for all.

Nominations for the Frank Rowe Kenison Award are traditionally solicited in the winter.

Requests for nominations are published in NH Bar News and under Events.

Frank Rowe Kenison Award Nomination Form