Daniel Will Joins New Hampshire Supreme Court

Daniel Will has been confirmed as the newest justice on the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The Executive Council approved his nomination in a 4-1 vote on Wednesday.

Lucy Lange was also confirmed to lead the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of former commissioner Taylor Caswell.

Daniel Will’s Confirmation

Daniel Will, a resident of Loudon, has served as a Superior Court justice since 2021. Prior to that role, he held the position of New Hampshire’s first solicitor general, representing the state’s legal interests in both state and U.S. Supreme Courts. Governor Kelly Ayotte nominated Will last month to succeed Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, who is retiring due to reaching the state’s mandatory judicial retirement age of 70.

Confirmation Process and Concerns

During the confirmation process, Will addressed questions regarding his constitutional interpretation and his previous work as solicitor general. Councilor David Wheeler of Milford cast the sole dissenting vote. Wheeler previously expressed concerns about Will’s defense of former Governor Chris Sununu’s use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding restrictions on large gatherings.

Will’s Response

At a public hearing last week, Will stated that his arguments in the aforementioned case did not reflect his personal opinions. He affirmed that his decisions as a Supreme Court justice would be based on the law, rather than personal beliefs.

Councilor Support

Four Executive Council members voiced their support for Will, citing his commitment to fairness and respect for the judiciary. Councilor Karen Liot Hill of Lebanon, the sole Democrat on the Council, emphasized Will’s understanding of judicial limitations and his responsibility to make impartial decisions grounded in the law. She stated that public trust is essential to the judiciary and is strengthened by judges who approach their work with seriousness, independence, and respect for those affected by their rulings.