New SBAND President Debra Hoffarth:
Promoting the legal profession and expanding rural access
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND FAMILY?
I was raised on a family farm just outside Niagara, North Dakota, where hard work and stubborn grain trucks taught me more than a few early lessons in perseverance. I graduated from Unity High School in Petersburg, then went on to earn a B. A. in business management from the University of North Dakota( UND).
I continued at the UND School of Law and earned my law degree in 2000. During law school, I had the opportunity to work at Legal Aid, be a member of the Women’ s Law Caucus, and write for Law Review. After graduation, I joined Pringle & Herigstad in Minot, where I’ ve been fortunate to grow my practice and serve the community ever since.
My husband, Brad, is an educator who is a graduate of both Minot State University and North Dakota State University. He currently works for North Dakota Career and Technical Education. We’ re blessed with three amazing kids, each with wonderful spouses, six energetic grandkids, and five granddogs. Rounding out the household is Bear, our Aussie-Lab.
WHAT TYPE( S) OF LAW DO YOU PRACTICE? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE THESE AREAS OF LAW?
I have a general litigation practice that includes cooperative law, personal injury, guardianships, and adoptions, along with providing legal services to some small municipalities. I’ ve always valued the variety that comes with a broad practice, and I’ m fortunate to work with law partners who support that diversity. No two days are the same, and each case brings something new and meaningful.
Litigation often means helping people navigate emotional and significant life events. Whether it’ s advocating for someone seriously injured, guiding a family through guardianship, or celebrating the joy of an adoption, those moments stay with you. My work with cooperatives and municipalities also allows me to serve the needs of rural communities.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A LAWYER AND MEMBER OF THE BAR?
My goal is simple: to make my community better and to help where I can. We can strengthen our profession and our communities when we commit to intentionally supporting rural legal services, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, and volunteering our time and talents to local charities.
WHAT HAS DRAWN YOU TO YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN SBAND? HOW HAVE YOU STAYED ACTIVE IN SBAND?
Hoffarth and her husband, Brad, enjoy many travel adventures.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW?
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was in junior high. I’ ve always loved history, particularly the history of the Constitution. I also enjoy problem-solving and digging into complex issues to find practical solutions.
I first became involved in local bar leadership through the Ward County Bar Association. At the urging of friends and with the support of my colleagues in the North Central Judicial District, I took the next step by joining the SBAND Board of Governors. I also currently serve on the CLE Commission. I wanted to become more involved in the legal profession at a statewide level, and it’ s been an incredibly rewarding experience.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LAWYERS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN SBAND?
My involvement with SBAND has reinforced how vital it is to stay connected with fellow lawyers. There is real value in the camaraderie across the legal profession. It’ s one of the few spaces where private practitioners, government attorneys, and members of the judiciary
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