CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch said today that he will nominate Edward Burke of Keene, the former Cheshire County Attorney, to serve as presiding justice of the Keene District Court at Wednesday's Governor and Council meeting. The Council will vote on the nomination after holding a public hearing.

Burke is currently in private practice with the law firm of Bragdon and Berkson in Keene. He served as Cheshire County Attorney from 1997 to 2001.

"Edward Burke has extensive knowledge and experience in the different issues likely to come before the Keene District Court - from criminal law to family law to civil litigation. He has a deep knowledge of the Keene area, and is well suited to meet the challenges facing the Keene District Court," Gov. Lynch said. "With his knowledge of the law and his commitment to the people of New Hampshire, Edward Burke will serve the state well as presiding justice of the Keene District Court."

Gov. Lynch selected Edward Burke from candidates nominated by the Judicial Selection Commission. Gov. Lynch created the Judicial Selection Commission to ensure the most comprehensive searches possible for potential judicial candidates.

"Mr. Burke is enthusiastic, thoughtful, energetic and well spoken. He is well respected by both members of the bar and the bench. His professional experience, including his dedication to his local community, compassion and deep roots in the Keene area make Mr. Burke a highly qualified candidate for the Keene District Court," Jill Blackmer and Philip Waystack, the chairs of the Commission wrote to Gov. Lynch in recommending Burke.

Mr. Burke has practiced law in the City of Keene since 1979. He initially served as an Assistant County Attorney in Cheshire Country from 1979 to 1980 and then moved into private practice where he worked as an associate attorney with two firms, Bragdon, Berkson, Mangones and Arthur Olson. He began his own firm in 1985, and worked as a solo practitioner for 11 years. He served as Cheshire County Attorney from 1997 to 2001. Since 2001, he has been in private practice with Bragdon & Berkson.

Mr. Burke is deeply involved in community activities including currently serving as a member of the board of Rise ... For Baby and Family, an early intervention program for children under 3. He has also served on the board of directors of the Woodward Home in Keene, on the board of the Monadnock United Way, on the board of Monadnock Family Services, and on the board of Cheshire Homes. He has served as the moderator for the Keene school district since 1999, and previously served on the Keene School Board and Keene Zoning Board of Adjustment.

He received his bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1974 and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1978.