NEW SBAND PRESIDENT Rob Manly: A Focus on Collaboration and Progress
By Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND FAMILY?
I grew up in New Rockford, went to law school at University of North Dakota( UND), and worked in Carrington and Grand Forks prior to moving to Fargo in 1999. I’ ve worked at Vogel Law Firm for 25 years, primarily in civil litigation. My wife, Julie, and I have three adult children.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW?
I’ m a fourth-generation attorney. My great-grandfather, James A. Manly, was licensed in North Dakota in 1898 and established his law practice in New Rockford and was followed by my grandfather and father. The law was always on my radar, but I didn’ t consider it seriously until I spent a 10-week break during my undergraduate years helping my dad around the office, observing his interactions with clients and day-to-day job duties. The mix of problem solving and community service appealed to me.
WHAT TYPE( S) OF LAW DO YOU PRACTICE? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE THESE AREAS OF LAW?
I am a trial attorney and practice in a number of areas, including personal injury, commercial litigation, and real estate litigation, with a specialty in estate litigation. I enjoy the challenge and competitive aspect of trial work, but I also take pride in helping my clients avoid the costs and stress of trial by reaching reasonable settlements.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A LAWYER AND MEMBER OF THE BAR?
My goal as a lawyer is to efficiently and effectively help my clients resolve their legal issues. My goal as a member of the bar is to be a positive influence and resource for newer attorneys, both in our law firm and those who I have the opportunity to work with in the course of my law practice and bar activities.
WHAT HAS DRAWN YOU TO YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN SBAND? HOW HAVE YOU STAYED ACTIVE IN SBAND?
As my kids became older and I was spending a bit less time running to their activities, I was looking for ways to increase my engagement in the legal community. I had been encouraged by my father, when I was a young attorney, to become more active in the bar association, and this seemed like a great time to raise my hand to volunteer.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LAWYERS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN SBAND?
The Manly Family
According to a recent American Bar Association survey, North Dakota has the fewest attorneys among all 50 states. We are a small, mandatory bar association, and it is important we each spend some time giving back to the profession. There is a significant number of essential committees required for discipline, governance, and administration; and volunteers are essential for the continued growth and effectiveness of our profession.
6 THE GAVEL