State of North Dakota / Poppy Mills
State of North Dakota / Poppy Mills
Justice Bahr was sworn in by Chief Justice Jon J . Jensen .
Serving as a Judge
Bahr says serving as a district court judge was one of the highlights of his legal career . “ I enjoyed the wide variety of issues and types of trials and hearings at the district court and the fast pace of the district court . But most of all , I enjoyed the daily interaction with members of the public and attorneys .”
He notes his experience in the district court has carried over to his service in the Supreme Court . “ Not only did serving as a district court judge help me become familiar with many areas of the law I never practiced , it helped me come to understand how trial courts actually operate ,” Bahr notes . “ I am in a better position to review district court judges ’ decisions having been in their position .”
Involvement in the Bar
“ I believe involvement and service in the local bar and state bar are very important and rewarding ,” says Bahr . “ In addition to strengthening the profession , participating and serving in local and state bars provide opportunities for professional growth and to make professional connections .”
Bahr ’ s initial involvement in SBAND was as a member of the Advisory Council to the Office of Administrative Hearings and then as a member of the Ethics Committee . “ I then served as president of the Ethics Committee , was elected to represent the South Central Judicial District on the board of governors , and later , as president of SBAND ,” he says . “ Prior to being on the SBAND Board of Governors , I served as a member and president of the Association of the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit .”
He says his service in SBAND helped him to become a better lawyer . “ I learned new aspects of law and about different practice areas ,” Bahr says . “ I also made many professional connections I would not have made except by serving on SBAND committees and the board of governors . I consider some of the attorneys I became associated with while serving in SBAND as my closest and most respected colleagues . Some of them were instrumental in helping me progress professionally .”
Volunteer service beyond the legal profession , including civic and
Justice Bahr served as a district court judge for more than four years before his appointment to the Supreme Court .
service clubs , community organizations , church congregations , or other groups or societies , is also important , says Bahr . “ We are all at different stages in our lives and careers , and have different interests , talents , and knowledge to offer . What I think is important is that we regularly look for opportunities to contribute to our communities and profession ,” he adds . “ Based on my personal experience , observation , and studies , I believe people have greater personal and professional happiness and satisfaction when they serve others . SBAND and other local , state , and national organizations provide us a great opportunity to do so .”
Advice to Young Lawyers
“ My first piece of advice to law students and young lawyers is to find balance in your life ,” says Bahr . “ As important , enjoyable , and rewarding as it can be , the practice of law is only one part of our lives . Finding the appropriate balance can be essential to both our personal health and satisfaction and our professional success .”
He says another point he stresses to those up and coming in the field is that law is a vocation of service . “ I believe we find greater satisfaction in our employment when we view our means of making a living through the lens of serving others .”
Next , he emphasizes the importance of civility in the profession . “ In my opinion , we better serve our clients , increase public trust and respect for the judicial system , and find greater professional satisfaction and emotional and physical health when we practice our profession with respect , civility , and cooperation .”
Finally , he asks young lawyers to look to the future of their careers . “ Decide today what your professional reputation will be in 30 to 40 years , and then work diligently and patiently – one client , one case , and one day at a time – to forge that desired reputation .”
The Future
Bahr says he looks forward to continuing to grow professionally as a justice on the Supreme Court and serving the people of North Dakota for many years to come . “ Although I have only been on the Court a short time , it has been enjoyable and rewarding ,” he notes . “ I look forward to many years of serving our citizens and state in this capacity .”
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