CONCORD – Gov. Chris Sununu today announced that he will nominate John Formella to serve as the next Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire.  The nomination will be made at the March 3rd Governor and Council meeting.
 
“John has been a key member of my team since the day I took office, and his incredible legal skill and exceptional work ethic have helped me guide the State through the historic challenges we have faced during the past four years,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “John has built excellent relationships with State leaders that will enable him to transition smoothly into the role of Attorney General, and his experience in both the public and private sectors will prove invaluable in helping lead the Department of Justice for the next four years. I am proud today to announce his nomination and I am confident that, if confirmed, John will carry on the great legacy that we have established at our Department of Justice and will serve our State well.”
 
John Formella currently serves as Governor Sununu’s Legal Counsel, a position he has held since Governor Sununu first took office on January 5, 2017. In that role, he has advised the Governor and coordinated with the Department of Justice and Executive Branch officials on all significant legal issues and litigation affecting the State. In addition, he has worked with the administration to address numerous and significant challenges, including the negotiation of a revised seven year MET/DSH settlement agreement that brought stability to our healthcare system, the establishment of a new Doorway Program that has greatly enhanced the State’s response to the Opioid Crisis, historic criminal justice reform initiatives that have secured the support of law enforcement and community stakeholders, and the multi-faceted efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.  Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, John worked in private practice at Pierce Atwood LLP, one of the largest law firms in Northern New England. At Pierce Atwood, John practiced actively in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine and was a member of the Firm’s Business and Environmental Law practice groups.  
 
“I am honored and humbled by this nomination and by the confidence the Governor has placed in me,” Formella said. “The responsibilities of the Department of Justice are broad, and the Attorney General has an immense obligation to work for the best interests of the State, protect the public, and maintain the independence of this important Constitutional Office. I thank the Governor for putting my name forward and, if confirmed, I pledge to work as hard as I can to provide the best service possible for our State.”
 
A Phi Betta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida State University, John went on to attend George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the George Washington University International Law Review. He has been active in the community, currently serving as a member of the Portsmouth, NH Zoning Board of Adjustment and recently serving as a board member of McGregor Memorial EMS in Durham, NH and as a board member Rosie Riveters, an organization dedicated to encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM. For these and other efforts, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Union Leader as one of New Hampshire’s “40 under 40” in 2019, and by the Seacoast Media Group and Catapult Seacoast as one of the “10 to watch” young professionals in the New Hampshire Seacoast region in 2019.
 
Former New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Lynn said of the announcement, “In my opinion, Governor Sununu has hit another home run with his nomination of John Formella to be the next Attorney General of New Hampshire.  I have had occasion to work closely with John in his role as counsel to the Governor both during the time I was on the Supreme Court and since my retirement from the Court and election as a State Representative.  He is obviously extremely bright, articulate and thoughtful, and he is held in high regard among members of the Bar.  He is open-minded and has a deep commitment to our system of justice and the rule of law, and there is no question that he has the skills and judgment necessary to lead our Department of Justice.”
 
“John Formella is a well-respected lawyer with broad legal experience, having worked at a prominent seacoast law firm and as Legal Counsel to the Governor providing essential advice during the largest public health crisis in the last century,” said Attorney Mary Tenn, a veteran Manchester trial lawyer and former President of the NH Bar Association.  “I have worked with John and am confident that he will bring focused energy, strong legal skills and strategic judgment to the job of Attorney General that will serve our State well.”
 
Following the nomination at the March 3rd Governor and Council meeting, a confirmation vote will likely take place at the March 24th Governor and Council meeting.