Lawyers in the State Legislature
In 2015, a total of 10 lawyers and one law student served in the
State Legislature. While the names and number of lawyers in the
Legislature may change following this year’s election, some of the
lawyers who served in the last session offer a unique perspective on
how the law profession benefits their understanding of the legislative
process and creating state statutes.
*Denotes Legislators up for re-election on Nov. 8.
Senator Kelly Armstrong – District 36*
Serving since 2013
University of North Dakota Law School – 2003
“Being a lawyer, you know how to argue on
an issue and, win, lose, or draw, you know how
to move onto the next issue. Whenever you
write or create law, or deal with a new policy,
you can expect challenges. Having lawyers on both sides of the
aisle sometimes takes the politics out of the issues that need to be
addressed.”
Senator Jon Casper – District 27
Serving since 2015
Creighton University School of Law – 2009
“We meet every other year for four months
and things are happening fast, and that’s when
mistakes can be made. It helps having another
set of trained eyes to iron out issues with bills.
I encourage other attorneys who are practicing, when they come
across changes to the law that could benefit the state, community or
profession, to reach out to us.”
Senator David Hogue – District 38*
Serving since 2009
University of North Dakota Law School – 1987
“All the bills we deal with are amending or
creating new statutes. A law background allows
us to be able to evaluate the legislation and how
it is working. Lawyers and judges are typically
interpreting and enforcing statutes and are the first to recognize if
the statute is or is not functioning the way the Legislature intended.”
Senator Mac Schneider – District 42*
Serving since 2009
Georgetown University Law Center – 2008
“It is a real honor to participate in the process of
making important policy decisions on behalf of
the state. As lawyers, we aggressively debate the
meaning of a sentence or a word. It is gratifying to
be able to make positive changes to the law that you would otherwise
be stuck arguing about in the courtroom.”
Senator Connie Triplett – District 18*
Serving since 2003
University of Minnesota School of Law – 1980
“As an attorney, I was familiar with the North
Dakota Century Code and with the state
administrative code prior to becoming a legislator.
This knowledge has given me a perspective on the
appropriate level of detail to put into statute versus the high level of
detail to leave for state agency rule-making. It is my opinion that the
presence of lawyers in the Legislature improves the efficiency of the
process, as well as the quality of the product.”
Representative Mary Johnson – District 45
University of North Dakota School of Law - 1994
“As lawyers, we know when proposed legislation is
too vague and ambiguous or when it is too specific.
We can visualize having to defend it in court. We
are often very influential in changing proposed
legislation so it serves the general public.”
Continued...
CMC is a unique law firm founded
by Patricia R. Monson who has
over 37 years of experience as
a trial lawyer and legal advisor
to clients in North Dakota and
Minnesota. The Center was developed to provide
legal advice to clients, large and small, who face legal
challenges related to Ms. Monson’s areas of experience.
Along with providing advice and counsel, the Center
offers alternative dispute resolution services including
mediation and arbitration to parties who seek to avoid
the costs and risks associated with litigation.
Areas of practice include: Alternative Dispute Resolution,
Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Commercial Litigation,
Construction, Employment, Health Care, Personal Injury
& Wrongful Death, Railroad, and Workers’ Compensation
& OSHA.
Center for Mediation & Consultation, PLLC
701.361.5976 - Office 701.238.8794 - Cell
417 Main Avenue Fargo, ND 58103
[email protected] • www.cmcpllc.com
FALL 2016
7