Maher's interest in NH mediation services began in 2002 when, as an Administrative Judge, he was instrumental in the development of the NH Probate Court Mediation Program. The highly successful program has been used as a model for courts throughout the nation. It is believed to be the first probate court mediation program in the country where mediators were paid for their work by the court.

Maher completed the "Interactive Training in Mediation" program at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law in 2002 and recently completed a master's level "Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies" program at Woodbury College. He has also completed a number of continuing education programs in mediation, including the "Advanced Workplace Mediation Skills Training in 2006.

Maher became a Probate Judge in 1983 and served as the Family Division Judge in Rockingham County from 1996 to 2006 and was the Supervisory Judge from 2000 to 2002. Prior to serving on the bench, he maintained a private law practice in Portsmouth, NH from 1969 to 1990. He received his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University.

In 1996, Maher initiated the AARP Guardianship monitoring program throughout New Hampshire in which all guardians were supplied the latest information in the care of their wards and all wards were visited to ensure their safety and well being.

From 1990 to 2006, Maher served on the Administrative Council of the NH Court System, on the NH Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules, and on the NH Court Accreditation Commission. He served on the NH Judicial Council from 1994 to 2006.

Maher has been a member of the National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ) since 1983 and served as president of that organization in 2002. He has served as editor of NCPJ's The Journal since 2003. Maher also serves as liaison to the American Bar Association Commission on Law & Aging.

He received the Make-A-Difference Donor Award and was the 1993 recipient of the Governor's Volunteer Recognition Award. He has served as a Seacoast Hospice volunteer since 1991, enjoys ocean kayaking, and is an avid golfer and hiker.

Expertise and Judgment You Can Count On