MAC SCHNEIDER : U . S . Attorney for North Dakota
On Dec . 6 , 2022 , Mac Schneider was unanimously approved by the United States Senate to become the U . S . Attorney for North Dakota , a job he says he is grateful to have the opportunity to hold . “ Having the privilege of performing this job is the highest professional honor I can imagine , and it would not have been possible on my own . I am grateful for the guidance I received from my predecessors , as well as the support and consent of North Dakota ’ s current and former members of the U . S . House and Senate ,” he notes . “ Broad-based support like that is both humbling and a recognition of the independence and impartiality of the office .”
FAMILY LAW TRADITION
Schneider ’ s career in law was inspired by his family . “ Some of my earliest memories are going to my mom ’ s office when she worked for Legal Assistance of North Dakota in Fargo . That office was located right across from the federal courthouse , so I pass by it every day on my way to work .”
His father and uncle , who had a law practice together for decades , were also significant influences on his career choice . “ Seeing my mom , dad , and uncle , Steve Schneider , advocate for civil rights and people who otherwise would not have access to attorneys and being around my uncle , John Schneider , when he was U . S . Attorney in the 1990s showed me being a lawyer is rewarding because you can help people .”
SERVING NORTH DAKOTA
“ The mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of the law , keep our country safe , and protect civil Mac Schneider rights , and the U . S . Attorney ’ s Office is committed to carrying out that mission in the District of North Dakota ,” says Schneider .
“ A hallmark of the office is our work in Indian country where we cooperate with tribal , state , and local law enforcement to promote public safety in tribal communities ,” he continues , noting the office also partners in efforts to protect and defend national security , combat dangerous drugs , and deter and prosecute child exploitation . “ Our Civil Division is active in enforcing laws that protect North Dakotans ’ civil rights and defending the United States when it is sued . It is a significant workload of diverse cases , but the office is up to the challenge .”
Schneider says stepping into the role of North Dakota U . S . Attorney , he is focused on ensuring the office continues to be a strong federal partner in preserving public safety and protecting civil rights in North Dakota . “ It ’ s a privilege and honor to serve as U . S . Attorney , but it is also a tremendous responsibility .”
VALUABLE EXPERIENCE
After receiving his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2008 , Schneider practiced law alongside his father , Mark , uncle , Steve , and cousin , Jasper , at Schneider Law Firm in Fargo and Grand Forks . “ Whether it was representing victims of discrimination , employees who were hurt on the job , or individuals with disabilities , I was very proud of our unique practice and the firm ’ s history of taking on challenging cases ,” he notes .
From 2009 to 2016 , Schneider also served in the North Dakota State Legislature . “ Serving in the legislature was a great lesson in North Dakota history , law , and public policy ,” he says . “ I had the privilege of working with tribal leadership , the North Dakota Attorney General , and law enforcement leaders on a wide range of issues . Those experiences taught me a lot , and many of the relationships I made as a legislator are with people who the U . S . Attorney ’ s office works with on a regular basis .”
For those up and coming in the law field , Schneider urges young lawyers to consider a career in public service or use their training to benefit their community , state , or country . “ Lawyers are in a unique position to help people and helping people can make for very rewarding personal and professional experiences for lawyers as well .”
SCOTT D . JENSEN
MEDIATION SERVICES All Civil Litigation Domestic Relations Matters
Your location , our offices , or by Zoom
401 DeMers Ave . Suite 500 • P . O . Box 5849 Grand Forks , ND 58206-5849 Phone ( 701 ) 775-5595 • Fax ( 701 ) 772-3743 sjensen @ camrudlaw . com • www . camrudlaw . com
8 THE GAVEL