The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE V Nancy J. Morris President, SBAND the 2013 Vogel Lecture on Ethics and Professionalism presented by John Berry, joined by our own Dave Maring and Judge McLees, left many of us thinking about the benefits of practicing law in North Dakota. The social events continue to foster the collegial atmosphere among North Dakota lawyers we enjoy. If you were not able to make it this year, I encourage you to mark your calendar for the SBAND Annual Meeting in June 2014 in Fargo. I also want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank another exceptional volunteer for her tremendous service this past year. President Gail Hagerty’s skillful blending of the Bench and Bar, and the programs she advanced, are nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to recognizing the legal challenges facing the rapidly expanding oil boom counties, Judge Hagerty championed a Rural Justice Program to encourage law students to consider practice in rural communities. Judge Hagerty’s skillful garnering of support of the Law School Building Project further demonstrated the association’s role as an advocate for the legal profession. Thank you for your leadership Judge Hagerty. As bar members we are fortunate to have an exceptional staff working to promote and protect our profession. As you know, our trusted leader Bill Neumann “Just Bill” recently retired. He will be missed. Bill served our profession well in so many roles, working diligently to protect the reputation of lawyers, educating whenever the opportunity presented itself, and adeptly “herding cats” otherwise known as the many volunteers serving on committees in furtherance of the business of our state bar association. Thank you, Bill. Your guiding hand has made the hours of service worthwhile. I look forward to working with Executive Director Tony Weiler during this time of change, and will try my best to facilitate a smooth transition as we embark on this journey of service together. A common theme for the many thanks and praise I offer here is to recognize the countless volunteer hours of service from so many dedicated members of this association. I recently read a statement about volunteering used rela- tive to the Fargo flood fight: “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” This statement really struck a chord with me. How is it possible to find time as busy lawyers to serve our profession, and in our communities? How is possible to do more? More importantly, why do more? My hope for this year is to encourage each and every one of us to do more. Volunteering has many benefits. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a common goal. Serving on an SBAND committee or Task Force provides that connection. Volunteering is good for your mind and body. It provides a boost to your self-esteem and life satisfaction. You help yourself by helping others. Volunteers are an indispensable part of the solution for the growing legal needs of individuals and non-profits on the front lines of improving the lives of the lawyers and people of North Dakota. Volunteers are necessary to serve our mission. One of my goals for this year is to make your volunteer time worthwhile. The benefits of volunteering cannot be achieved without active and thoughtful participation. To this end I plan to review the purpose and mission of existing committees, and devise a path forward. I intend to follow through on the initiatives in place to address the needs of rural communities and resource needs in the oil boom counties. I will continue to work toward the goal of the Pro Bono Working Group to increase financial means and the necessary “horsepower” to provide legal services to those in need. We have some good things going. There is more to be done! We welcome your thoughts and ideas. Please email me at: [email protected]. I would love to hear from you! I have heard it said that getting people involved is “all in the ask.” I am asking. And I will continue to ask. I hope that you will consider volunteering your valuable time to the profession, law related educational opportunities, and the growing need for legal services in our communities. The rewards are priceless. Praise and Rewards for Volunteers I have read several President’s Messages and a handful of “Guides to Writing President’s Messages” in anticipation of writing this first message, hoping to “ring the bell.” What I have discovered is that there is no magic formula, and that there are as many different messages as there are presidents. And each president has to find his or her own way. As I often times tell my daughters, I may not always get it right, but I will always try my best. I want to assure you that rings true for my term as President of our North Dakota State Bar Association. Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to try my best to further the stated mission of SBAND: “To serve the lawyers and the people of North Dakota, to improve professional competence, promote the administration of justice, uphold the honor of the profession of law, and encourage cordial relations among members of the State Bar.” I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Brenda Blazer, Chair, Sophie Young Morgan, Thomas M. Jackson, Zachary E. Pelham, Rebecca Lynn Binstock, Amy Marie Oster, James M. Cailao, and Judge Cynthia M. Feland. This group of hard-working, dedicated volunteers brought together lawyers from the far reaches of the state for an educational, entertaining, and enjoyable experience. The Constitutional Law Symposium ?\?[?Y?H??H?\?]H?\?????8?'H[HHX[?8?$??YY??[?[???X\??&\???\??^H???\?X?K8?'H?[?Y\??X??[?[YH?^\?Y[??HH??Y??H??YY??[?[???X\??\??X\?????\?X?H[?H??\[[??[H^\?H??[?H[H?\?B??