Edwards Joins Leadership Of New Hampshire Access To Justice Commission

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Superior Court Associate Justice Anne Edwards has been named co-chairwoman of the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission, taking on a statewide role focused on improving access to civil justice.

Edwards will serve alongside co-chair Mark Rouvalis.

Edwards joined the Superior Court in 2023. Before taking the bench, she spent nearly 27 years with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, where she handled civil and criminal matters and served in leadership positions, according to the announcement.

The New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission was created by the state Supreme Court. Its work centers on improving access to the court system for Granite Staters. Members of the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts have long served on the commission, along with representatives of the legal community and other partners.

The commission's efforts include assessing civil legal needs, identifying obstacles to getting legal help, and developing initiatives to make the justice system more accessible. The appointment puts Edwards in a leadership role in an existing statewide effort closely tied to the courts and the legal community.

“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,” she 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.”

Justice Melissa Countway, who previously served as co-chairwoman, will remain a member of the commission.

“Judge Edwards brings energy, focus, and great skill to all she does,” she said. “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.”

You can learn more about the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission and its work by visiting the commission's website.