YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
KATIE CARPENTER
Katie Carpenter is an associate attorney at Vogel Law Firm ’ s Bismarck office . She practices general civil litigation and employment law , while also serving as the municipal prosecutor for the city of Lincoln . She has recently been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Great Plains “ Rising Star ” and serves as president of the SBAND Young Lawyers Section . She is also a member of the Big Muddy Bar Association and Bruce Van Sickle Inns of Court .
Carpenter graduated magna cum laude from the University of Jamestown in 2015 , where she received her bachelor of arts , majoring in history , political science , and Spanish . Following her undergraduate studies , she had a brief career as a 911 operator in Stutsman County before deciding to attend law school . She graduated cum laude from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2019 , where she was honored as a member of Order of the Coif and the Order of Barristers . Throughout law school , she was actively involved in Moot Court , trial team , the International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi , and the North Dakota Law Review .
Following graduation from law school , Carpenter served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Justice Lisa Fair McEvers of the North Dakota Supreme Court . She then served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Daniel Traynor , U . S . District Court for the District of North Dakota .
In her free time , she enjoys spending time with friends and family , volunteering with several philanthropic organizations , and participating in the local community choir .
CHRISTOPHER SKJERVEN
Christopher Skjerven is an assistant state ’ s attorney in the Grand Forks County State ’ s Attorney Office . He is on the property crime team , prosecuting cases involving controlled substances , burglary , and theft .
Skjerven grew up in Grand Forks , where he received his bachelor ’ s degree in biology from the University of North Dakota . He went on to attend law school at Mitchell Hamline
School of Law in St . Paul , Minn ., graduating summa cum laude in December 2022 . During law school , he worked as a law clerk for a firm practicing in criminal and family law .
Skjerven is excited to have the opportunity to serve his hometown in his role with the state ’ s attorney ’ s office . Outside of work , he enjoys playing volleyball , traveling , and spending time with friends and family , especially his two nephews .
Matthew J . Bunkers , Ph . D . | 605.390.7243
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