2022 Judicial Service Award: Master Thomas Cooper
In the 30 years since two New Hampshire judges took a chance on a program that promised advocacy for children by highly trained volunteers, CASA of New Hampshire has advocated for more than 10,000 children. At the heart of every one of those cases has been a judge with a life-altering decision to make. CASA of New Hampshire would not be where it is today without the support of judges all around the state who believe in the work our volunteers do and who continue to support our mission. CASA of New Hampshire’s Judge of the Year award is given annually to a judge whose outstanding contributions exemplify CASA’s mission to protect the best interest of the child and whose support helps to promote the success of the CASA/GAL volunteer program.
2022 Honoree: Master Thomas Cooper
Considerate, engaged, respectful, fair, measured — these are some of the words that come to mind when thinking about Master Thomas Cooper. He is all these things to all parties who appear before him in his courtroom. Above all, though, he always keeps the perspective of the child front and center. His decisions reflect what he believes to be best for the child after weighing the interests of all involved. Master Cooper encourages parents who might be struggling, respectfully holds parties accountable when necessary, and asks questions to better understand the challenges. Master Cooper is relatable and patient with our youth who appear before him. He easily engages with youth and puts them at ease when he meets with them. Master Cooper has always been very respectful of CASA and truly values CASA’s role in the cases before him.
— Tessa Dyer, IT Specialist and Lisa Cioffi, Program Manager
In 2021, Master Cooper was awarded the Justice William Grimes Award for Judicial Professionalism by the New Hampshire Bar Association. He has served as a Marital Master for the State of NH Judicial Branch since 2008.