Hicks picked to replace Nadeau on top court

Superior Court Judge Gary Hicks of Manchester has been nominated by Gov. John Lunch to replace Justice Joseph Nadeau on the state Supreme Court. Nadeau announced his retirement earlier this year.

The governor said he would present Hicks’ name at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.

“As a Superior Court judge and throughout his career, Gary Hicks has more than proven his qualifications. He has shown an in-depth knowledge of the law and keen intellect, brought a fair and balanced approach and an abiding concern for protecting the rights of New Hampshire citizens to the courtroom, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of New Hampshire. It is a pleasure to nominate him to serve as an Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court,” Lynch said.

Lynch selected Hicks from candidates recommended by the Judicial Selection Commission.

Jill Blackmer and Philip Waystack, chairs of the commission, said that Hicks “possesses distinguished legal talents that will serve the people of the State of New Hampshire well. Because of his talents as both an arbitrator and mediator, Judge Hicks was in great demand by attorneys of all persuasions in contested cases. His well-known reputation as an impartial and fair-minded individual allowed him to resolve a large number of difficult and contested cases. He is highly intelligent and articulate and has an excellent understanding of the role of an appellate judge. He displays a deep and abiding respect for our New Hampshire Constitution,”

Hicks, 52, has served as a Superior Court judge since October 2001. He began his law career in 1978 at Wiggin & Nourie, after spending the summer of 1977 as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Frank Kenison. From 1996 to his confirmation to the Court, he served as a member of the New Hampshire Judicial Council. – NHBR STAFF