wanted to be a lawyer. I have always enjoyed being an advocate and
found myself advocating for my friends at an early age, so it seemed
a natural fit. As I got older, I always knew I had what it took to be
a college graduate, but I wasn't sure if I had what it would take to
get through law school and be successful. Lack of confidence led me
to pursue alternate career paths. After undergrad, I spent one year
as a manager for a large retail chain, but I had not given up my law
school dream. I arranged to take the LSAT and when it came time to
relocate from North Dakota, I knew I had to decide to fully commit
to retail management or pursue my dream of law school. I shared
my renewed law school dream with my family when I received my
acceptance letter to the University of North Dakota School of Law.
n What type of law do you practice?
I spent the first six years of my career with Legal Services of North
Dakota, where I learned a little about a lot of areas of law. I was able
to focus much of my time on Indian Law and domestic violence.
Since 2008, I have been in private practice in Minot focusing on
family law. In addition to my family law cases, I mediate private
family law matters as well as those assigned under the Supreme
Court's Family Mediation program. I also serve as a guardian ad
litem in adoption, guardianship, and parenting time matters.
n What has drawn you to be involved in SBAND?
How have you stayed active in SBAND?
As a new attorney, I was mentored by attorneys who believed it was
important to be actively involved in the community and our local
bar associations. It became clear early on in my practice that we all
have something we can contribute and give back to our profession.
I have previously held leadership roles with the Ward County Bar
Association, and when the opportunity arose to fulfill an unexpired
term with the Board of Governors, it was an easy decision. I love the
camaraderie, the opportunity to meet and work with lawyers from all
walks of the profession, and the feeling that we do sometimes make
a difference.
firsthand the benefit of knowing and working collectively with a
community of lawyers and judges beyond my private practice. I
would like to see other members benefit from the opportunities
available to them through this organization.
n What are the challenges you see in the legal
profession in general and in North Dakota?
I believe the biggest challenge we face as a community of lawyers
is in finding the right work-life balance. As our work and personal
priorities change, what this balance looks like will also change. There
are challenges faced by attorneys at varying stages in our careers.
Many new lawyers are saddled with substantial debt, employment
challenges, and may not have the practical skills necessary to serve
clients competently without mentoring. I suspect veteran lawyers may
lack familiarity with the technology that could assist in their practice.
n How have you been involved in community service
outside of your legal career?
Through the years, I have been quite active in my church teaching
church school, serving on the church council, being a confirmation
guide, and most recently, a confirmation mentor. I served eight years
as a Minot Commission on Aging board member, only resigning to
commit the necessary time to my position with SBAND, and I have
served one term on the Sawyer School Board.
n What do you do for fun?
Throughout the year, we can be found at any number of sporting
events for our children. During the summer months, we spend as
much time as possible at the lake with family. Any additional time is
spent doing yard work or gardening. Of course, I do intend to spend
as much time as possible with our new grandson.
n What are your
goals as SBAND
president this year?
Bar associations perform
vital functions for its
members. It is my hope,
as an organization, we can
continue our work to provide
programs that benefit
the community and serve
members better. Although
we are a mandatory bar, as
an organization, we need
to ensure we continue to be
relevant to our members.
I would like for all our
members to find purpose
in belonging to SBAND.
Through involvement
with SBAND, I have seen
Francis enjoying time with her children, Allison
and Coltan, at a Minnesota Twins Game.
Francis with her and her brother's family at a Cowboys vs. Packers
football game in Dallas, Tex. Back row, from left to right, Craig and
Renee Schwarz, Francis, and Doug. Front row, from left to right, Coltan,
Savannah Schwarz, and Allison.
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