For Immediate Release

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that he will nominate two current special justices to serve as associate justices of the Nashua and Manchester district courts at tomorrow's Governor and Council meeting. The Executive Council must confirm the nominations.

Gov. Lynch will nominate Michael Ryan of Goffstown as associate justice of the Nashua District Court and John Emery of Bedford as associate justice of the Manchester District Court. The Judicial Selection Commission recommended both candidates.

"Michael Ryan and John Emery will provide an in-depth knowledge of the law and bring years of experience to the district courts. In their roles as special justices, both have demonstrated a commitment to justice and to their communities, qualities that are essential to the district courts," Gov. Lynch said.

Ryan has served as a special justice in the Goffstown District Court since 1999 and has presided in the Family Division of the Derry District Court since September 2007. He has also sat in several other district courts, including the Nashua District Court. Ryan began his career in private practice in the Goffstown area. He also served briefly as a part-time prosecutor for the Weare and New Boston police departments before becoming a special justice. Ryan has a long record of community involvement in Goffstown. He served as president of the Goffstown Rotary Club and helped found Crispin's House, which assists youth and their families.

Ryan received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts and his law degree from Drake University Law School.

Emery currently serves full-time as a special justice in the Manchester District Court. Since being appointed to special justice in 2001, Emery has sat as acting justice in the Milford, Merrimack and Goffstown district courts. Prior to his appointment, he worked in private practice in Manchester. He has had an active role in the Kiwanis club and other community and youth sports organizations in Bedford.

Emery received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University, and his law degree from Suffolk University Law School.

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