New Supreme Court Justice Douglas Bahr
By Kylie Blanchard , Clearwater Communications
When newly appointed North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Douglas Bahr was contemplating applying for a position on the state ’ s highest court , he says it was a difficult decision . “ Not because I didn ’ t want to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court , but because I loved being a district court judge and knew I would miss serving in that role if I was fortunate enough to be appointed ,” he notes .
Justice Douglas Bahr
But as he reflected on his past appellate work and discussions with current and former Supreme Court justices , he knew he would be fond of serving on the state ’ s highest court as well . Bahr ’ s appointment to the bench was effective Feb . 1 , to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Gerald VandeWalle , who served 44 years on the Court , including 27 years as chief justice .
“ I am honored to serve on the North Dakota Supreme Court ,” says Bahr . “ I appreciate Governor Burgum ’ s trust and confidence in giving me this opportunity .”
A Well-Rounded Career
Growing up , Bahr ’ s father was in the United States Air Force , so the family moved often . “ I believe growing up on or near Air Force bases and living in many different places helped me to appreciate and accept different cultures and attitudes ,” he notes .
He attended Brigham Young University ( BYU ) and graduated with a bachelor of science in family science . He then attended law school at the University of South Dakota . “ My initial education and career goal was to obtain a master ’ s or doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy and become a therapist ,” Bahr says . “ However , during my junior year of college , I took courses in family law and American government . I found the study of law , particularly constitutional law , so interesting that I decided to go to law school instead of becoming a therapist . I did so more out of academic interest than an understanding of what it means to practice law .”
Following law school , Bahr clerked for Justice Jerry L . Larson of the Iowa Supreme Court and then took a position with the North Dakota Office of Attorney General , where he remained for more than 25 years , serving as an assistant attorney general and the North Dakota Solicitor General and director of the Civil Litigation Division . “ During my state government practice , I had the opportunity to handle a wide variety of cases . I also testified before legislative committees , drafted and reviewed legislation and administrative rules , and drafted and reviewed attorney general opinions ,” he says .
He then went into private practice in which his practice areas included commercial litigation , construction law , insurance coverage , tort and personal injury , employment law , and professional licensure . “ After being in private practice for 21 months , Governor Doug Burgum appointed me as a judge in the South Central Judicial District ,” says Bahr . “ I served as a district judge from September 2018 until February 2023 when Governor Burgum appointed me as a justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court .”
Justice Bahr speaking at his investiture held in the North Dakota House Chamber at the North Dakota State Capitol on Feb . 27 .
State of North Dakota / Poppy Mills
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