The State Bar Association of North Dakota Fall 2015 Gavel Magazine | Page 7

State Bar Gains New Members
The North Dakota Bar has 36 new lawyers
admitted to practice law, following a
ceremony admitting them on September 25.
Justice Dale Sandstrom administered the
oath, and they were welcomed by other
speakers, including State Board of Law
Examiners President Lawrence King, Lt.
Governor Drew Wrigley, Attorney General
Wayne Stenehjem, University of North
Dakota School of Law Professor Kirsten
Dauphinais, and State Bar Association of
North Dakota President Joseph Wetch.
The afternoon ceremony in the House
Chambers of the State Capitol followed
an Ethics and Professionalism CLE and a
welcome luncheon.

The House Chambers at the North Dakota State Capitol is where their families, Supreme
Court justices and members of the legal community join new lawyers every year when
they are administered the oath of their profession.

are and I hope you will use us to help you get
through your difficult first days. “

involved in the many committees of the State
Bar Association of North Dakota.

Wrigley encouraged them to keep in mind
the words of the oath of office throughout
the weeks, months and years in the practice
of law. “Measure your work against this
oath,” he said.

Dauphinais spoke on behalf of the UND
School of law faculty and staff, noting this
day as another one in their experience in law
of both beginnings and endings. “You have
now learned that everything worth having is
hard. I encourage you to consider what your
life and legacy will now be.”

“You will experience long days and short
nights and time away from family,” Wetch
said. “But I encourage you to recognize that
taking time for yourself is an important part
of your life.”

“You are about to embark on the opportunity
of a lifetime,” said Stenehjem. “North
Dakota lawyers are small in number and we
know each other. We have all been where you

Wetch called the practice of law a noble
one. “It has as a principle service to others,
and there are many ways this service can be
given. He encouraged the new lawyers to be

In his remarks to the new lawyers, King told
them that practicing law is a privilege. “It is
indeed an honor,” he added. “What you do
with it is now up to you.”

Janes Dynes, a member of the State Board of Law Examiners,
requests admission of the candidates.

In closing remarks, Chief Justice Gerald
VandeWalle said the practice of law
encourages service to others. “Doing so will
give you great satisfaction.”

Continued on page 8

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem encourages the new lawyers to
find balance in their life.

Photos from North Dakota S