New Hampshire Public Defender
Paige Pihl Buckley, Esq. is a dedicated legal professional with a robust background in public defense and client advocacy. Currently serving as a Staff Attorney at the New Hampshire Public Defender since August 2019, Paige focuses on representing indigent clients in criminal and delinquency cases while also contributing to the Hillsborough County North Drug Court Team. Previous experiences include legal internships at the Defender Association of Philadelphia and the Juvenile Law Center, where critical support was provided in mental health and juvenile justice matters. With a Doctor of Law degree from Villanova University and a Bachelor's degree in Print Journalism and African Studies from Boston University, Paige's extensive skills are complemented by previous roles in case management and community service, highlighting a commitment to underserved populations.
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.