Plans Underway to Launch
Military Assistance State Network
As missions and priorities evolve, so do the
needs of our military. The challenges that
servicemembers and veterans face today
are different than those faced 10 years ago.
Today, they are confronted with challenges
of reintegration into civilian communities.
They are seeking employment in a very
competitive job market. Some face mental
health challenges that extend far beyond
the battlefield, and others have legal issues
unique to the lifestyle and changing family
dynamics.
North Dakota has a great responsibility in
serving the military population. More than
9,000 active duty servicemembers and 53,000
veterans and their families call North Dakota
home, ultimately totaling one quarter of the
state’s population. Coupled with this data,
according to the Department of Defense
Manpower Data Center (DMDC), more
than 10,000 have deployed from September
11, 2001, to May 31, 2015.
as understanding and explaining their
federally-protected housing and employment
rights can make a huge difference in
helping these men and women readjust to
life back home,” said Wenzel Cummings,
Army OneSource state community support
coordinator and attorney.
Many of these servicemembers return home
from deployment to face difficult changes,
stressful family conditions, and in some cases,
legal issues such as child custody, financial
fraud, identity theft, foreclosure, divorce,
and even veterans benefits. These men and
women may turn to local sources for help
with legal challenges unique to military
life. Through the aid and advice of a trusted
attorney, they can receive much-needed legal
advice and the counseling they so richly
deserve.
As a legal professional in North Dakota,
you have a tremendous opportunity to serve
those who have served. In fact, you can join
thousands of others – attorneys, paralegals,
and law students – who are providing legal
assistance to the military population across
the country.
“The need for these services among our
servicemembers and veterans is astounding,
and the willingness to share legal expertise
can have such a significant impact on them
and their families. Even something as simple
So, how can you help?
• Educate yourself on military culture and
the unique needs of our military families
• Sign up for continuing legal education
MEDIATION & ARBITRATION
SERVICES
PEARSON CHRISTENSEN, PLLP
PATRICK J. WARD
• 1979 UND Law Grad
(35 years in civil litigation practice)
THE LEGAL ADVANTAGE
• Experienced in civil litigation,
employment law, insurance and
personal injury
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY WANTED
The law firm of Pearson Christensen, PLLP has an
opening for an associate attorney. This position
is open to attorneys that have 0-5 years of
experience. Pearson Christensen, PLLP, provides
a broad array of services, including civil litigation,
defense of political subdivisions, commercial and
business transactions, estate planning, family law
and criminal defense.
Competitive salary based upon experience.
Interested individuals can send a cover letter,
resume, references, writing sample and transcript
to Daniel L. Gaustad, 24 North 4th Street, PO Box
5758, Grand Forks, ND 58206-5758 or by e-mail to
[email protected].
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THE GAVEL
• Qualified Civil Mediation Neutral
listed on North Dakota ADR Roster
Zuger Kirmis & Smith
316 North Fifth Street
P.O. Box 1695
Bismarck, ND
58502-1695
701-223-2711
[email protected]
• UND Conflict Resolution Center
Trained
• Licensed in North Dakota, Montana,
Illinois and U.S. Supreme Court
• Diplomate of National Institute of
Trial Advocacy
• Providing conference rooms in
Bismarck or will travel at reduced
rate to your office
“I promise to serve you, your client, and your
adversary with fairness, common sense, respect,
knowledge of the law and complete impartiality.”