YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
The Young Lawyers Section ( YLS ) continues to host social events across the state , providing great networking opportunities for young lawyers . If you are interested in hosting or attending an event , please contact the Young Lawyers Section at younglawyersnd @ gmail . com . In addition , YLS will be hosting webinars on a variety of topics . All lawyers are encouraged to participate in these webinars to earn continuing legal education credits .
If you would like to recommend young lawyers to be featured in future showcases or if you would like to get involved in YLS , please contact younglawyersnd @ gmail . com .
HANNAH WEGNER BRINK
Hannah Wegner Brink is an associate attorney at Maring Williams Law Office . She grew up in Beach , a small town on the west side of the state . After high school , Wegner Brink moved east to attend college at North Dakota State University , where she majored in mathematics . After completing her undergraduate degree , she attended the University of North Dakota School of Law . During law school , Wegner Brink served as a teaching assistant for a legal writing course , was elected captain of the flag football team , and competed as a member of the law school ’ s trial team . She graduated magna cum laude and was elected to the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers in recognition of her achievements .
Following law school , Wegner Brink served as a term law clerk to the Honorable Judge Hastings , chief judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota . She then clerked for the Honorable Judge Welte , chief judge of the District Court for the District of North Dakota . In these positions , she learned invaluable lessons from these judges and their distinguished staff regarding professionalism , excellence , and empathy .
When not working , Wegner Brink enjoys fishing , reading , and spending time with family . She , her husband , and their daughter live in Wheaton , Minn ., where her husband farms corn and soybeans .
BROOKE CHILLA
Brooke Chilla is a defense attorney in Bismarck serving as a public defender for The North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in the South Central Judicial District of North Dakota . Before becoming a public defender , she was the assistant to the North Dakota House Majority Leader during the 2023 Legislative Session .
Chilla is a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont , Texas , near her hometown of Houston . She earned her juris doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2021 and is a member in good standing with SBAND . She was awarded the “ Arena Award ” in May by the North Dakota Indigent Defense Commission . The Arena Award recognizes the advocate who strives valiantly , comes up short again and again ; but who does actually strive to do the deeds ; who knows great enthusiasms , the great devotions ; and who spends herself in the worthy cause of public defense .
In addition to her role as a public defender , Chilla contributes to the South Central Judicial District ' s adult drug court team . She is also an active participant in the legal community , volunteer judge for SBAND ’ s Virtual High School Mock Trial Competition , and an engaged member of the North Dakota Chapter of the Catholic Bar Association . Chilla was recently elected as president-elect for the Young Lawyer ’ s Section and is excited for the upcoming year . In her free time , you can find her enjoying time with friends and family and getting ready for her wedding in November .
YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
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