The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2013 Gavel Magazine | Page 5

“ Bar involvement has always been an important part of my professional life.  ” What has drawn you to your involvement in SBAND? Bar involvement has always been an important part of my professional life. When I started practicing at the Conmy law firm, Charlie Feste took me to the annual meeting in Minot. I was hooked! I went to the Women’s Lawyer’s Section meeting, and the next thing I knew I was writing a newsletter! I served on the CLE committee, and was chair of the Gavel Editorial Board. I served on the Annual Meeting Planning Committee. My girls participated in the Kids’ activities for years. I was appointed to the Board of Governors to fill an unexpired term as representative of the East Central Judicial District, and was then elected to a full term. Before the end of that term, I ran for Secretary/Treasurer and served in that position one year, before being elected President-Elect.   What are some of the issues that are most important to you in SBAND? Relevancy, inclusiveness, education, and service.   What are your goals as SBAND President this year? I want to enhance the spirit of volunteerism in the bar, service to enrich the lives of the lawyer members and the communities in which we live and work.   What are the challenges you see in the legal profession in general and in North Dakota? Our practices have changed with the advancement of technology. We can work from just about anywhere there is a connection to the internet. The flexibility and mobility certainly enhance our lives. Unfortunately it also dilutes the personal connections we make with opposing counsel, and even our clients. Which results in a breakdown of the collegiality we enjoy as members of the bar in North Dakota.  Nancy’s daughters: Ellen and Grace And inbox overload and the inability to disconnect blurs the line between personal and professional life. Finding that balance is an ever-present challenge.   What do you do for fun? I love to read, enjoy travel and time at the lake, and cherish any opportunity to spend time with family and friends The Gavel Summer 2013 3