New Hampshire Public Defender
Kathleen Clark has a diverse professional background with a focus on law and customer service. Currently serving as a Paralegal at New Hampshire Public Defender since October 2021, Clark previously held the role of Milford Program Coordinator at Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Services, Inc., from January to September 2021. Academic experience includes a Graduate Assistant position at the University of New Hampshire and various roles within the university, including Front Desk Staff and Community Assistant. Additionally, Clark has worked as a Customer Service Representative at Hannaford Supermarkets and as a Hostess at Young's Restaurant & Coffee Shop. Participation in civic engagement was demonstrated through a Fellowship at NextGen Climate, aimed at mobilizing student voters in New Hampshire for the 2016 elections. Educational credentials include a Doctor of Law (JD) from New England Law | Boston, a Master's Degree in Political Science and Government from the University of New Hampshire, and a Bachelor's Degree from the same institution.
New Hampshire Public Defender
The New Hampshire Public Defender was established in 1972 as a pilot project of New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and has existed as a stand-alone institution since 1985. Its sole purpose is to provide indigent defense services to citizens charged with crimes. The Program began with a single office in Concord. Over time, the Program opened satellite offices in other counties, and established administrative offices in its Merrimack County office, located in Concord, the state capital. In 1981, the Public Defender, in collaboration with the Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law), started the Appellate Defender Program, which provides indigent defense services to defendants who appeal their convictions to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Today, the Public Defender is an independent, non-profit, corporation with offices in every county. The Program works diligently to provide quality representation in a cost-effective manner to indigent defendants accused of crimes in all state courts. In addition to its attorneys, the Public Defender employs legal assistants, investigators, support staff, and information technology specialists, all of whom are dedicated to its core mission of serving indigent citizens accused of crimes.