HOW HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE OUTSIDE OF YOUR LEGAL CAREER ?
WHAT HAS DRAWN YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN SBAND ?
HOW HAVE YOU STAYED ACTIVE IN SBAND ?
I like to be involved in many different organizations and I like making a difference both in my profession and in the community . I ended up on the board of governors when the previous representative for my district resigned and contacted me saying he thought I would be interested . I can honestly say I have really enjoyed my time on the board , and I look forward to many more years of involvement in committee work . I have been on The Gavel editorial board in the past and am currently a member of the Judicial Ethics Committee and the Joint Committee on Attorney Standards .
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS SBAND PRESIDENT OVER THE NEXT YEAR ?
I was part of the group that brought forward the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program in 2021 , and I would like to continue to make it a strong program , which focuses on both recruitment and retention in small communities . As a resident of Williston and a small business owner , I can attest to the fact it is extremely difficult to attract attorneys to rural areas .
I have been involved in many organizations . I am the vice president of the Williston State College Foundation , a board member of the Williston Coyote Foundation , and I have participated in education searches for the law school and for Williston State College . I was previously a member of the North Dakota State Board of Psychology Examiners , and I have been the chair of the Leadership Williston Ethics Day since 2012 . I am a current member of the Williston Regional Diversification Group and previously served as vice president of the Community Service North Dakota-Williston Region Board . I have participated in the Susan G . Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day walk and many other walks and runs . I volunteer at my kids ’ schools and as a speaker in many government classes . I am currently a member of the I Am ALS legislative team and the co-coordinator for Lou Gehrig ’ s Day . I have been the activities co-chair for three Babe Ruth World Series events in Williston !
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN ?
We are die-hard Minnesota Twins fans at our house , and we watch as many games as possible ( even now when they are embarrassing me ). We love to vacation in Big Sky , Mont ., spending our time skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer . We spend our extra time at our lake cabin , and I always have five to six books in my queue on my Kindle . I run two fantasy football leagues and do a March Madness bracket every year , but I never win !
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD ?
I am excited for my year as president and hope we can do great things for North Dakota !
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU SEE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN GENERAL AND IN NORTH DAKOTA ?
A few of the biggest challenges that jump out to me are the lack of attorneys in rural areas , the interplay between Artificial Intelligence and the profession , and the decline in in-person meetings / events / etc . Technology has been wonderful , but we all need to spend time together in-person as well . All of these issues are issues in North Dakota and across the county as well . I think that my mom ’ s old advice of “ everything in moderation ” comes to mind !
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