of 50 , which we believe will lead to better outcomes . Our faculty are essential in this effort , and Elizabeth Behrens , director of Academic Success and Bar Prep , and Melanie Schindler , academic advisor , will play key roles as well .
Third , we are adding clinical focus areas to aid in students ’ practical skills development . Next year , we will be offering clinical practicum courses in family law , housing discrimination , criminal law , and business law . We are exploring additional options through partnerships in tax , veterans ’ affairs , pro se assistance , juvenile law , immigration , and tribal lay advocacy . Our faculty are examining our entire curriculum for how we can be prepared for a new bar exam , which will include a greater focus on practical application and integration of topics .
Fourth , we are developing a tour for our students to experience more of North Dakota . Many of our students have only traveled west of I-29 to go to the airport ,
and I believe more students will stay when they experience our great state and build relationships . As a part of this effort , we are working hard to provide the financial resources that will keep our best potential students in state . Thanks to the Larson and State Bar of North Dakota Foundation , we provided 29 grants of $ 8,000- $ 12,000 for students to work this summer in rural parts of our state . We award roughly $ 200,000 in scholarships each year and waive approximately 11 % of our tuition as incentives for high performing applicants . Our competitors provide greater scholarship dollars and higher waiver amounts , and we must do more .
Thanks to former UND Law Dean Jerry Davis ’ gift of $ 100,000 , we are creating the Deans Scholarship Endowment in an effort to endow $ 1 million for scholarships . Thanks to Dean Davis and to our Director of Development Greg Breitbach for their hard work in making this happen . My office is matching the
$ 100,000 from the Dean ’ s priority needs fund , but we need your help . The state provides a terrific tax credit incentive for endowment gifts . For a minimum $ 5,000 gift up to a maximum $ 25,000 gift , the state will provide a 40 % tax credit . With an additional federal tax deduction , a $ 5,000 gift may cost $ 2,500 and a $ 25,000 gift may cost $ 12,500 . And , the $ 25,000 gift can be given over five years .
Of course , it takes more than money to attract students , and we need your help to visit high schools and local colleges to talk about careers in law . Less than 100 people take the LSAT every year in North Dakota , and we need to reach young people in our state and encourage them to imagine themselves as future lawyers .
SBAND and its director , Tony Weiler , have been essential to our efforts . We could not do what we do without you . Please reach out to me at 701-777-2104 if you have any ideas , suggestions , or concerns , and thank you for your support of UND Law .
Over 30 years of litigation experience practicing in the following areas :
• Civil Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Insurance Law
• Professional Malpractice Defense
• Professional Disciplinary Defense
• Workers Compensation – Employer Representation
• Indian Law and Tribal Jurisdiction
Licensed in North Dakota , Minnesota , South Dakota , Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians , Three Affiliated Tribes and Standing Rock Sioux .
101 Slate Dr ., Ste . 4 • Bismarck , ND 58503 • 701-712-2676
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