gave me insight into human capacity .”
Mom would certainly also thank Governor George Sinner . She spoke eloquently at her investiture about the significance of Governor Sinner ’ s appointment of her : “ In so doing , I honestly , and immodestly perhaps , believe that he has enriched the dimension of the Court and the judicial process . For although all of us share in the human experience , the human dimension is not limited to a male perspective .” As she often did in our conversations , Mom would also express her gratitude to the state of North Dakota and the opportunities the state provided to her . I share that gratitude , which is one of the reasons I proudly maintain my North Dakota law license .
About the Beryl Levine Achievement Award , Mom would express her gratitude that the award is named for her , but not because her name is on it . In fact , she actually may have been a bit embarrassed by that , as it would not convey that her accomplishments were a team effort . No , her gratitude for the award being named for her – and for the inaugural award being presented to her – would be about the fact that , although the work is not yet complete , the advancements that have been made to further fairness and equality under the law are significant and worthy of recognition . That is one of the reasons she was so proud to be the first woman on the North Dakota Supreme Court – not because it soothed her ego , but because it represented progress . She spoke often about her excitement that when young girls and boys visited the Supreme Court , her presence on the Court meant that those children ’ s experience would be that it was normal to see both men and at least one woman on the Court . And Mom would be so very proud that thanks to the hard work of Justices McEvers , Maring , and Kapsner , whose dedication to the legal profession led to their own appointments to the Court following Mom ’ s , there has been at least one woman on the North Dakota Supreme Court every year since Mom sat for her first case as a Justice back in 1985 – a streak of 39 years … and counting .
Mom would also emphasize that candidates for the award will be considered each year , not just this inaugural year . This would be most
Justice Beryl J . Levine ' s family
important to Mom , because it would be a recognition that her work , about which she was so passionate , will be continued , and thanks to the Women Lawyers Section , that hard and critical work that will be furthered by current and future practicing attorneys and members of the judiciary will be recognized , applauded , and encouraged . And that those currently involved in those efforts would be joined and supported by others , just as she was .
Finally , a personal note : If Mom were here , I believe that she would not have mentioned anything about her legacy . That wasn ’ t a focus for her . But it has become not just a focus for me , but a passion , so for me , in addition to the reasons Mom would have offered for being grateful for the award , I add my personal gratitude to the Women Lawyers Section and to its executive committee for honoring my mom and preserving her legacy . I am eternally grateful . Thank you .
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