SBAND
2021
122ND ANNUAL MEETING WRAP-UP
By Tony Weiler SBAND Executive Director
Back Together Again !
The State Bar Association of North Dakota ( SBAND ) recently held its annual meeting in Grand Forks on June 16-18 . Members were able to attend the event in person and join SBAND leadership , staff , and many volunteers who helped host a great event . In maintaining the most recent course of action to hold the CLE seminars at one location , attendees gathered at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks . The Annual Bar Foundation fundraiser was the only event held off-site at the beautiful Ralph Engelstad Arena on Thursday , June 17 . More than 225 attendees and guests enjoyed being back together to socialize and attend fantastic CLE programs .
The meeting ’ s opening plenary session was a program by Dean Savoca , which focused on “ Increasing Influence ” by talking about the attributes of successful leaders . The program helped lawyers see leadership comes in many forms and can be applied to success in all practice areas .
Once again , the format featured several different tracks , with the opportunity to hear a speaker at different times during the day . The speakers also covered a wide range of topics . Former UND School of Law Professor and now Creighton Law School Dean Joshua Fershee discussed “ Law , Regulation , and the Evolving Energy Law Landscape .” University of Illinois College of Law Dean Vikram David Amar provided two seminars on the United States Supreme Court , including one on cases already decided and another on future cases and potential decisions . Paul Unger provided a “ 26- Week Action Plan for Time Management and Digital Detox ,” while Michael Kahn discussed “ Bias and Practical Strategies for Recognizing and Reducing Implicit Bias in the Practice of Law .” To wrap up the first day , Levi Andrist , Chris Friesz , and Brady Pelton discussed “ Energy : Today and Tomorrow .”
Dr . Roger Hall , who focused on “ Staying Happy , Being Productive .” The energy and information from all our speakers were through the roof !
Social Gatherings
Attendees at this year ’ s annual meeting were treated to an opening night social at the Canad Inns , where lawyers and guests had a chance to see old friends and meet new ones . Many attendees then took in the hospitality room hosted by President-Elect candidate Jennifer Albaugh and Secretary / Treasurer candidate Rob Manly .
The North Dakota Bar Foundation social was held in the entrance to the Ralph Engelstad Arena . Attendees were able to bid on a cooler , enjoy time together , and get a tour of the fantastic arena .
New SBAND Officers Elected
Judge Doug Bahr became SBAND President at the end of the 2021 General Assembly on June 18 . Carrie Francis is now the immediate past-president and will continue to serve on the Board of Governors until June 2022 . Jennifer Albaugh was elected as president-elect and will assume duties as president in June 2022 , while Rob Manly was elected to a two-year term as secretary / treasurer . As a result of Albaugh becoming president-elect , an opening was created in the East Central Judicial District on the Board of Governors . Katie Bertsch was elected to the position by members of that district , and she will finish Albaugh ’ s term .
SBAND continued to hold its general assembly and business meeting at the Friday breakfast . This included hearing from Chief Justice Jon Jensen and new SBAND President Judge Doug Bahr . An executive director ’ s report detailed the work done at SBAND during a trying pandemic-related year .
Attendees then heard a message from ABA President Trish Refo , who talked about the value of being a lawyer in America and what it means to continue to fight for the rule of law . The first Friday morning plenary focused on Legal Ethics . Lucian Pera talked about “ Cyber Security : Very Specific Things to Do Today to Be Safer Tomorrow .” The final plenary of the annual meeting was provided by
2020 SBAND President Carrie Francis , center , with 2021 President Hon . Doug Bahr , left , and SBAND Executive Director Tony Weiler , right .
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