Firm History

Edward (Ed) Van Dorn, the firm’s founding member began his legal career in New Jersey in 1976. Ed fell in love with New Hampshire while on vacation and decided to move to Grafton County in 1987. He started a solo practice in Woodsville in 1988 and eventually partnered with David Cullenberg to form Van Dorn & Cullenberg in 1990. The firm grew to include attorneys Arend Tensen and Robin (Rob) Curtiss in the late 1990s. In 2001, Ed and Rob started their own venture – Van Dorn and Curtiss – located in Orford, New Hampshire. In 2004, Ed and Rob hired Cristina Rousseau, who joined in the partnership in 2018. In 2006, Kristin Ross joined the firm and became a partner in 2020.

Edward Van Dorn

Ed retired from the practice of law in 2015. He is happily engaged to Sally Batton and they live in Hebron, New Hampshire overlooking Newfound Lake. Ed is an avid hiker who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and has completed the trek to Everest Base Camp. He also enjoys swimming, biking, golfing, kayaking, canoeing, and has competed I several triathlons. Ed is passionate about oil painting and his work can be found on display in several local galleries. Ed is a naturalist and enjoys practicing Buddhism and running a local meditation group. Ed currently serves as the President of the Board for Bridge House, an organization supporting homeless veterans. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Second Wind Foundation and is dedicated to advancing addiction recovery. Lastly, Ed serves on the board of the Red Arch Cultural Heritage Law & Police Research organization, which seeks to protect cultural heritage endangered by antiquities trafficking, archaeological site looting, war, theft, and vandalism. In his own words, he is currently enjoying “the best days of his life.”

Robin Curtiss

Robin (Rob) Curtiss has been practicing law for over 33 years and is transitioning into retirement. Rob and his wife, Suzanne, have recently relocated to beautiful York, Maine and enjoy spending time with their extended family including many adoring nieces and nephews. Rob is a competitive long-distance runner and kayaker who competes in races all over New England. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys supporting the Red Sox and Celtics. Rob He is also a published author of short stories. Rob is a strong believer in the importance of faith and community service. He has served as a Lector, volunteers to bring communion to home-bound elderly church members, organizes community dinners through local community outreach organizations, and has also volunteered as a firefighter, Sunday school teacher, and youth baseball coach.