DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award , created in 1980 by the board of governors , is the most prestigious award given by the association . The award recognizes the efforts of its most outstanding members and honors a member of the profession who has provided outstanding service to the state and legal community over an extended career . The Distinguished Service Award plaque , which hangs outside the courtroom of the North Dakota Supreme Court , is intended to permanently honor recipients . This year ’ s award was presented to Bruce D . Quick for his service in the law profession and state .
After graduating with distinction from the University of North Dakota ( UND ) School of Law in 1978 , Quick spent several years as a prosecutor with the Cass County State ’ s Attorney ’ s office , and as an assistant attorney general . During his time as a prosecutor , he gained a reputation for being a top-notch criminal trial lawyer , and published his own handbook , “ I Only Had Two Beers ,” for assisting criminal prosecutors with DUI trials . His handbook remains on the shelves
Bruce D . Quick , center , accepts his award from Tony Weiler , left , and past-president Jennifer Jensen .
of many attorneys throughout the state .
As he transitioned into private practice at the Vogel Law Firm in 1989 , Quick continued his active criminal law practice , while also routinely speaking at seminars and meetings for lawyers , law enforcement , and political subdivisions . He established the Criminal Defense Section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota . Today , he continues to teach at North Dakota State University and Concordia College , enlightening undergraduates as he had law students during his many years teaching criminal advocacy at the UND School of Law .
Throughout his career , Quick has been active in his community . He showcases his guitar skills at Hope Lutheran Church , was a board member for ShareHouse , Inc ., and is a former chairman of the North Dakota Horse Racing Commission .
In addition to his many contributions to his community and the bar , Quick has been an invaluable law partner at the Vogel Law Firm , where he served on the management committee for many years . He has acted as both a formal and informal mentor for attorneys in the firm , as well as lent an ear to many young attorneys throughout the state as they ’ ve entered legal practice . Considered the unofficial dean of North Dakota criminal defense lawyers , Quick has consistently displayed modesty , humility , and a sense of humor , and has been gracious with his time and his wisdom over his long and distinguished career .
“ It was obvious Wick had thoroughly reviewed the materials provided to him and was fully prepared for the mediation . The result was a successful conclusion in what I venture was record time .”
Craig Johnson , Fargo , ND
SUMMER 2023 9