Spring 2023 Gavel | Page 9

while remaining fiscally responsible in its requests . “ We had a robust package request , but we were transparent and identified and illuminated significant needs in the office .”
These included funding for the state crime lab to support additional lab technicians and scientists and to address a significant backlog of evidence and lack of appropriate resources . “ We also want to close the gap around tribal lands ,” he notes . “ Our task forces fill the gap the Feds can ’ t cover , and we want to provide law enforcement help to all of North Dakota .”
He notes the office is also working to address the hiring of special assistant attorneys general that are not state employees . “ We want to start hiring attorneys internally ,” says Wrigley . “ We know this will be a several sessions progression as we show how these steps will save the state money .” `
Wrigley has also worked to establish the importance of transparency in the attorney general ’ s office . “ We are accessible ,” he notes . “ We talk about things in an open fashion .”
And he says he doesn ’ t shy away from disagreeing with decisions made by the legislature or Supreme Court , having issued public opinions on decisions handed down by the Court or laws introduced in the legislature . “ I do hope the people know when we engage in those matters , we do it with respect ,” Wrigley says . “ Every day I am here , the administration of this office will be engaged with our work and do it in a transparent and open way and be accountable for the decisions we make here .”
attorneys in North Dakota ,” says Wrigley . “ Our state should be proud of our bar .”
“ We live in the greatest state in the finest nation ,” he continues . “ I am fortunate to live in this state and grow up here and raise my kids here , and that is not lost on me . I watch people work very hard to make things even better .”
Wrigley says he sees his position as North Dakota Attorney General as both a privilege and responsibility . “ The voters have given me the privilege to serve as attorney general for the next four years ,” he notes . “ Time goes by fast . I ’ m number 30 , someday there will be 30 more , but none will be more aware of the privilege of serving with the people I serve with here .”

Alternate Dispute Resolution Services in person or by zoom

JACK G . MARCIL ROGER J . MINCH
TIMOTHY G . RICHARD jmarcil @ serklandlaw . com rminch @ serklandlaw . com trichard @ serklandlaw . com
701-232-8957 serklandlaw . com
Fax : 701-237-4049 10 Roberts St . N .
PO Box 6017 Fargo ND 58108-6017
NEUTRAL MEDIATORS
Mediation is an effective and cost efficient method to resolve disputes . We are experienced to provide mediation in the following areas :
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Alternate dispute resolution can also include Arbitration , Early Neutral Evaluation , Mediation / Med . Arbitration .
THE FUTURE
Wrigley says he enjoys connecting with the state ’ s future lawyers at the UND School of Law and sharing advice with those pursuing a career in law . “ Be engaged , your future is precious thing . We all have gifts , and we need to find them and apply them in a meaningful way ,” he says . “ Find what you love and do what you love , and you can make a living at it .”
He says lawyers in North Dakota are some of the best in the nation . “ We have a very strong and good bar in North Dakota – ethical , hardworking , and conscientious
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