Governor Chris Sununu to Nominate Gordon MacDonald as Next Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu today announced that he will nominate Gordon MacDonald to serve as the next Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire. The nomination will be made at the March 22nd Executive Council meeting.

Throughout his distinguished legal career, Gordon has demonstrated exceptional legal talent with the highest levels of respect for the rule of law, said Governor Chris Sununu. Gordon is widely respected across New Hampshire's legal community and has earned a sterling reputation for his legal talents and commitment to public service. I am proud today to announce his nomination and I am confident that, upon confirmation, Gordon will ensure that the Department of Justice continues to provide the highest quality of representation for our state.

Gordon MacDonald is currently a Partner at Nixon Peabody LLP in Manchester, where he is a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell Law School, Gordon has earned recognition as one of the states top attorneys for commercial and health care litigation by Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation and has successfully handled a number of high-profile cases in both state and federal court.

I am humbled by this nomination, MacDonald said. As the states chief law enforcement and legal officer, the responsibilities of this office are great. I am honored to have my name put forward and by the potential to serve our wonderful state.

A widely recognized and well-respected leader in the legal community, Gordon currently serves as the Chair of the New Hampshire Board of Bar Examiners and the Chair of the New Hampshire Supreme Courts Commission on the New Hampshire Bar in the 21st Century. He was appointed to both positions by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. His commitment to public service is further demonstrated through his work as a volunteer attorney for the New Hampshire Bar Associations Domestic Violence Emergency Program and his service as the former chair of the Campaign for Legal Services Leadership Council, which raises funds for civil legal assistance in New Hampshire. Gordon received the New Hampshire Bar Associations Distinguished Service to the Public Award in 2014.

Former New Hampshire Congressman and Supreme Court Justice Chuck Douglas said of the announcement, The Governor has nominated a preeminent lawyer and legal mind in Gordon MacDonald. He has been involved in numerous multi-million dollar cases that reflect his skill and reputation in the courts. As editor of the Civil Procedure books in the New Hampshire Practice series and as head of a Senate staff in Washington, he brings a range of experience that will serve the State well as its lawyer.

Former New Hampshire Chief Justice John Broderick congratulated Governor Sununu on his nomination of MacDonald, saying further, He is a wonderful choice for a very demanding job. He is a highly respected lawyer, a very decent and compassionate person of the highest integrity, and a great listener blessed with very sound judgment. He is a superb choice as New Hampshire's chief law enforcement officer. If confirmed, Gordon will add his considerable skills and gravitas to upholding and enhancing the long-respected history and traditions of the Office of the Attorney General in our state.

In addition to his distinguished legal background, Gordon brings a wealth of experience in public policy, having served in various roles for New Hampshire's former U.S. Senator Gordon J. Humphrey, including as chief of staff, legislative director and press secretary. Prior to entering private practice, Gordon served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Norman H. Stahl of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Gordon has been a member of the New Hampshire Bar since 1995.

Following the nomination at the March 22nd Executive Council meeting, a confirmation vote will likely take place at the April 5th Executive Council meeting.