want to be a positive part of helping people involved in the judicial system feel they have been heard and treated fairly .
n What has drawn you to be involved in SBAND ?
How have you stayed active in SBAND ? My initial involvement in SBAND was because I was asked to be a member of the Advisory Council to the Office of Administrative Hearings . Later , I was asked to serve as a member and then president of the Ethics Committee . I enjoyed working with others to strengthen SBAND and the legal profession .
After my children left home , I felt I had more time to volunteer so I ran for and was elected to represent the South Central Judicial District on the Board of Governors . While on the Board of Governors , I learned a lot more about SBAND , the many services it provides , and how it serves lawyers and the people of North Dakota . I ran for president because I want to help SBAND fulfill its vital functions to its members , particularly at a time when mandatory bars are under challenge .
n What are your goals as SBAND president over the next year ? SBAND provides vital functions for its members and helps promote justice in our communities and state . It is my goal to help SBAND continue to provide , and to improve and expand where possible , the programs , services , and benefits provided to its members , our communities , and the state . I want to promote SBAND ’ s programs , services , and benefits to its members so its members recognize and appreciate the benefits of being a member of SBAND and are members because they want to be , not because they have to be .
n What are the challenges you see in the legal profession in general and in North Dakota ? We have seen a significant decrease of civility in our country and in the legal profession specifically . For the most part , North Dakota attorneys have continued to be civil and respectful in their practices . We need to guard against the tide of incivility so the practice of law in North Dakota continues to be rewarding and enjoyable , and to help maintain public trust and respect for the North Dakota judicial system .
professional legal assistance . This would benefit them specifically and the judicial system generally .
n How have you been involved in community service outside of your legal career ? Most of my community service has been through my church . Over the years , I served as a youth leader , Scout master , bishop , and in various ecclesiastical leadership roles . I coached soccer when my children were young . I also regularly volunteered in their classrooms . My family and I participate in community service projects as opportunities permit .
n What do you do for fun ? My primary physical leisure activities are biking , walking , and exercising at the YMCA . Recently , my wife , Laura , asked me why I need four bikes . The answer seemed obvious to me . I need a mountain bike for mountain and dirt trails , a gravel bike for dirt and gravel roads , a road bike for paved roads , and a fat bike for snow and ice . Laura teasingly responded I should never ask her why she needs so many pairs of shoes .
I enjoy working in my yard , landscaping , and gardening .
My main non-physical leisure activity is reading , primarily books about history and religion . I particularly enjoy reading about the events and personalities that helped shape our country as we know it .
Another potential area of growth is to help members of the bar make connections and build relationships in their local communities , so they continue to make positive contributions in their communities .
There are many self-represented individuals involved in the judicial system . One particular area of concern is domestic relationships . The North Dakota Supreme Court website has an excellent Legal Self Help Center . However , a possible area of growth is finding ways to provide self-represented individuals some
SUMMER 2021 5