As both a legislator and a practicing attorney, I view the appointment of justices to our Supreme Court as one of the most consequential responsibilities of government. The court’s rulings shape not only the law, but the daily lives of Granite Staters. That is why I urge the Executive Council to confirm Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s nomination of attorney Bryan Gould to the Supreme Court of New Hampshire.
I do not make that recommendation lightly. I have taken the time to carefully review Gould’s writings, arguments, and professional record. What stands out above all else is his deep commitment to our constitutions, both state and federal, and his disciplined approach to applying the law as it is written. In an era when courts are often accused of straying into policymaking, Gould’s record provides confidence that he will faithfully uphold the law, not seek to legislate from the bench.
Gould’s qualifications are beyond dispute. With four decades of legal experience, he has represented clients across an extraordinary range of fields. He has also served as special counsel to both a governor and the Executive Council, giving him a unique understanding of the constitutional balance between branches of government. Few nominees to our court can match the breadth and depth of this experience.
Equally impressive is the esteem in which he is held by his peers. Gould has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer ratings for legal expertise, knowledge, judgment, and ethical standards, a distinction awarded by fellow attorneys and judges who know his work best. That is not merely a credential — it is clear evidence of a career built on integrity, fairness, and excellence.
I was struck, too, by the overwhelming support Gould received at his confirmation hearing. The majority of those who testified did so in his favor, and their words echoed what I had found in my own review: a lawyer of uncommon brilliance, humility, and dedication to the rule of law.
We must never forget that the Supreme Court does not exist to advance partisan outcomes or personal preferences. Its duty is to safeguard the rule of law and to ensure that every Granite Stater, no matter who they are, can rely on fair and impartial justice. Bryan Gould embodies that mission.
Confirming Gould will strengthen our court and preserve its integrity at a moment when public trust in institutions depends on fidelity to the law above all else. I urge the Executive Council to act without hesitation and confirm this exceptionally qualified nominee.
New Hampshire deserves a justice of Bryan Gould’s caliber. Let us make certain he has the opportunity to serve.
