The State Bar Association of North Dakota Spring 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 4

NEUMANN SAILED IN ‘SMOOTH WATERS’ AT SBAND
good living helping their friends and neighbors," says Neumann. "And, when I was a young lawyer, most any of us could do a divorce," he adds. "But that has changed. Today, it's very complicated and requires someone who has developed it as a specialty. While some small town solo practices or firms of two to three lawyers still tend to be generalists, the trend is certainly moving towards specialization." Neumann notes among the highlights of his years at SBAND expanding the involvement of state lawyers in providing pro bono legal services, and cosponsoring the statewide high school We the People Constitution competition. "When I went to school, what we were taught in American government class was terribly inadequate. But today it is even worse," says Neumann. "It's hard enough for lawyers to do their job when the general population understands our government and the role of adversarial proceedings. But it is almost impossible when they don't. Our profession can't survive without an informed intelligent citizenry, and the We The People program turns students into citizens." Neumann says his job at SBAND has been different from anything else he has done as a lawyer. "It's been rewarding to learn the ins and outs of being an executive director of a bar association. It has involved lobbying, working with the membership and coordinating programs with the North Dakota Supreme Court. SBAND and the Supreme Court are the two pillars of the self-regulating profession of law in North Dakota. That has made this a very special job." A 'tremendous peacemaker' Active members of SBAND during Neumann's years as executive director have praise for his leadership over the past eight years. "Coming from the Supreme Court, Bill imbued the position with a sense of importance," says Sherry Mills Moore, Bismarck, who was SBAND President when Neumann was hired. "But he never acted like he was entitled to deference. For example, h e told people to call him 'Mr. Bill' or 'just plain Bill' when they were confused about whether to call him 'Judge' or 'Justice.' He let us know he was open and available to listen and to help. No one had to ever feel estranged or 'less than' when with him." Mills Moore says he delivered a sense of calm to the association. "He could smooth the waters better than anyone I have known. Whether he was dealing with one of the frequent visitors to the association there to complain about the justice system and lawyers, or with an upset member, Bill found a way to make them feel heard and valid, yet not needing to push it further. He is a tremendous peacemaker and it showed. We had no challenges to the association's existence, no raids on the disciplinary system, no legislation attacking how we are structured. The result is that we have had smooth waters." She also notes the challenges of managing associations during the nation's recent economic upheaval and stress. "We are stable and financially sound, and Bill has been able to get us direct benefits - like Casemaker - so members see a practical reason to being a member." Because he had been both bench and bar, Mills Moore says Neumann "could bring his wisdom and experience to bear on most problems practitioners face. It is a credit to his style that he has quietly run a smooth organization without drama." The right person at the right time "When Bill Neumann agreed to become our executive director, SBAND had just come through a very tumultuous time," recalls Jim Hill, the state's longtime member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates. "There were problems. The Association needed a steady hand. Bill was the right person at the right time. From the first days he exercised a quiet but firm leadership. He was a steady hand at the rudder, if you will." Under Neumann's leadership, Hill says

SBAND Executive Director

William Neumann

When Bill Neumann retires as executive director of the State Bar Association of North Dakota the end of June, he will conclude the fourth position he has held in the legal profession in 44 years. Each of these has brought challenges and rewards, but Neumann says his past experiences prepared him well for his eight years with SBAND. Following his graduation from the Stanford Law School in 1968, Neumann began his legal career in private practice in Williston and Bottineau. This was followed by 13 years as a district judge chambered in Bottineau, and 12 years as a justice on the North Dakota Supreme Court. He has observed many changes in the legal profession, with one of the most significant since he took the helm at SBAND in March 2005 being increased opportunities for lawyers in the state. "There is a huge demand in North Dakota for legal services now," says Neumann. "Lawyers from others states are seeking admission to the Bar, and SBAND is growing. Eight years ago we had 1,800 members and were wondering how to survive as we predicted a decline to 1,500 or even 1,200." That has changed. At the end of last year Bar membership had grown to 2,500. "Much of this growth is driven by energy development," he says. "It's good as long as there is work for these lawyers in the state." Greater need for specialists Another trend he has observed is specialization. "Forty years ago, most North Dakota lawyers were small town gentlemen practicing law and making a reasonably

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The Gavel Spring 2013