ADVANCING JUSTICE Through Education and Gratitude
Legal Services of North Dakota( LSND) was proud to present a successful CLE series during the 2025 State Bar Association of North Dakota Annual Meeting in Bismarck. The three-session lineup on June 11 drew strong attendance and positive feedback, reflecting LSND’ s commitment to high-quality legal education on issues that matter deeply to our communities.
The day began with Guardian ad Litem 101: Understanding the Distinctions Between Lay and Attorney GALs, presented by Diane Schull of Schull Law. Many attorneys and clients struggle to understand the key differences between lay and attorney guardians ad litem. This CLE clarified the legal authority, roles, and ethical responsibilities of each, and addressed common points of confusion. With real-world examples and guidance on best practices, attendees walked away better equipped to navigate GAL-involved cases.
Next, LSND partnered with the North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition( NDDSVC) for Navigating Domestic Violence Situations in Residential Responsibility Cases, presented by Heather Krumm of Revive Law Group. This 90-minute session addressed the realities of domestic violence beyond physical abuse and explored how it impacts children and parental rights. It included statutory references, key case law, and strategies for identifying abuse during intake. The session also addressed evidentiary challenges and the roles of parenting investigators and GALs, offering a practical and compassionate framework for attorneys working with survivors.
The final session, Profit Loss, Burnout, Attrition: All Symptoms of One Problem, was presented by LSND Executive Director Jen Lee. This session looked at the root causes of burnout and attrition in the legal profession, including outdated systems and resistance to innovation. Attendees explored how intentional changes in workflow, staffing, and technology can improve sustainability across legal organizations, from solo firms to public interest offices.
All sessions were approved for CLE credit in North Dakota and Minnesota and delivered timely, relevant content for legal practitioners. LSND thanks its presenters for their time and expertise and appreciates the partnership with NDDSVC in supporting this important programming.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 DONORS
As a nonprofit legal aid organization, LSND depends on the support of generous donors to serve low-income individuals, seniors, veterans, and survivors of abuse across North Dakota. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue this vital work.
We are grateful to recognize the following donors who contributed to LSND so far in 2025:
$ 1,000 and above
• Maring Williams Law Office PC
• Shawn A. Grinolds, PC
$ 500 –$ 999
• Braaten Law Firm
$ 100 –$ 499
• Julia Ernst *
• Marivern & Steve Easton
• Christopher Westby
• Tracy Laaveg
• Michaeal Wagner
• James Wang
• Wade Enget
• Penny Miller
• Scott Haider
• Ryan Hagarty
• Hallie Larsen
• Robin Stephens
$ 50 –$ 99
• Greg Lange
• Jay Buringrud
• Parrell Grossman
• Conroy Legal Services PLLC
• Rodney Pagel
• Cynthia Goulet
• John Van Grinsven
• Steve Dawson
• Jami Haynes
• Haylee Culver
Up to $ 49
• Olufemi Adisa
• Justin Borgen
• Cynthia Goulet( additional donation)
• Sarah Cannon
• Taylor Schmidt
Every donation supports LSND’ s mission to provide equal access to justice. Whether helping a senior draft a will, representing a tenant facing eviction, or providing legal support to survivors, your generosity matters.
To learn more about our work or to make a gift, visit www. lsnd. org. We also welcome attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities or future CLE collaborations.
* Denotes a sustaining member through our automated monthly donation program
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