SBAND PRESIDENT
SBAND PRESIDENT
GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS SBAND PRESIDENT
TAYLOR OLSON SBAND President
As my tenure as president of the State Bar Association of North Dakota draws to a close , I am filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude , pride , and a touch of nostalgia . Serving in this position has been a privilege and an honor , and I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and passionate community of legal professionals .
Before I touch on the close of my year as president , I want to highlight one thing I have learned in the last year . In order to dedicate the proper amount of time to this position , I had to make a few changes in my work-life balance . The number one thing people have asked me during the past year hasn ’ t had a thing to do with my position ! I was ready for all of the discussions people would want to have about the issues in the legal profession , yet here I sat answering the same question , over and over . People always asked me : how in the world do you manage it all ? And my answer was always the same : I don ’ t ! I am just really good at looking like I do !
I have learned in the last year to really prioritize my life . Work-life balance is so important to having a happier , healthier , and more fulfilling life . In the past year , I have really learned how to prioritize being a mom , a wife , a professional , and the bar president . If there is anything I have taken away from this year , it is how to effectively manage my time and commitments and how to achieve a good work-life balance , thus leading to a happier and more effective mom , wife , and attorney . Here is my unsolicited advice – it is always a struggle to find the right balance as the scales of worklife balance constantly shift . The obstacles and conflicts between work and private life change constantly . There is no perfect answer to a great work-life balance , but I believe making an effort , being flexible , and having the understanding that sometimes you just can ’ t do it all are qualities that help you get close to achieving a great work-life balance . I promise that even though you probably don ’ t feel like you are properly managing it all , you are !
One of the highlights of my presidency has been the emphasis on promoting rural practice within our legal community and seeking a solution to the lawyer shortage in North Dakota . I had the privilege to speak to many of the bar associations in my tour of North Dakota . I was able to attend many investitures ( not sure anyone has had more judges placed in their year of presidency ) and was able to meet bar leaders from across the county . I am being very honest when I say I have enjoyed every minute of it !
Furthermore , we have been steadfast in our commitment to promoting justice and serving all of the lawyers in North Dakota . Recognizing the profound impact legal representation can have on people ’ s lives , we have worked to support pro bono services ( ND Free Legal Answers ), enhance legal aid programs in conjunction with ND Legal Services , and examine alternative pathways to practice . We have remained keen on being apprised of up-and-coming issues in the practice of law and to be on the forefront of providing the best possible service to our members .
As I look forward to the future , I am confident SBAND will continue to thrive and evolve under new leadership . I look forward to being involved in the strategic planning that Executive Director Tony Weiler and our board will participate in this coming fall .
Our profession is ever-changing , and it is incumbent upon us to adapt to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities for growth and innovation . I have every confidence the dedicated board members of our association will carry forward these ideals with integrity , vision , and a steadfast commitment to excellence .
In closing , I want to express my deepest gratitude to the members of SBAND for their support and dedication throughout the past year . I have had the great honor of naming individuals to committees within the state bar and many dedicated attorneys have reached out to us wanting to be involved . It has been a privilege to serve alongside you , and I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished together . Thank you for the opportunity to lead and may SBAND continue to thrive for generations to come .
Hope to see you all at the annual meeting !
4 THE GAVEL