it impacts our decision-making. We have
already produced a video on implicit bias for
judges that is apparently being used widely
already. In the video, we have three experts
talking about implicit bias and the impacts
of it. We also have three judges who talk on
the video about implicit bias. We give the
same training to prosecutors and to public
defenders. We are looking at and creating
written materials for them, as well.
We should not just look at people who are
already in law school, and who are already
in the profession. We are also looking at
the pipeline – from kindergarten through
12th grade – because, in my opinion, it is
never too young to try to start building the
pipeline. We want to make sure that we drop
any barriers that keep our children from
succeeding and moving forward to college
and then, ultimately, to law school. We are
also looking internally at the ABA. What
can we do to make sure that we are the gold
standard that everyone wants to emulate
in terms of their diversity and inclusion
methods. Another thing about the pipeline
is that you can also look into the military
MEDIATION
BY RETIRED
JUDGES
Resolve cases by
mediation more
effectively and
efficiently than
through litigation
and trial.
28
THE GAVEL
forces because that is one of the most diverse
organizations that exist. So, we would like
them to consider law school and be members
of the profession. Looking at it from an
economic standpoint, we want to make sure
that members of diverse groups, women,
racial and ethnic, members of the LGBT
groups, can all be empowered economically
to do well.
Q: What advice have you been given or
would you give to inspire practicing
attorneys?
President Brown: The advice I like to give
to young lawyers and to aspiring lawyers is
that only you can control your destiny and
that we live in a real global society. Don’t
buy into the notion that you should not be
a lawyer because there are too many lawyers
and there are no jobs. Take North Dakota for
example, we need lawyers in rural areas. My
feeling is that even if you don’t do it forever,
give it a chance. If you can spend three hard
years in law school, it really goes fast. In this
country, in particular, you can work for a
short period of time, gain some experience,
gain valuable knowledge, and then you can
move on with it being a good experience. It
will then probably be easier for you to find a
position in another place. The main thing is
that we live in a global society, so don’t ever
be afraid to reinvent yourself, if you have to,
and explore all options.
Q: We are excited, Paulette, that you are
coming to North Dakota this summer
for our state bar convention. What
should we know about you before you
come?
President Brown: I will be looking for
someone to walk with me. If we have time in
the morning, I love to walk. I really just like
meeting people and finding out what is of
interest to them. I like listening. Sometimes
I don’t talk at all; I just prefer to listen.
People should not take this as a sign that I
am not engaging, but I am just interested in
listening. I am really excited about coming
to North Dakota. I have never been there
before. I am looking forward to meeting
people.
Karen K. Klein
US Magistrate Judge, Retired
30 years of judicial experience
Successfully mediated thousands of cases
Teaches mediation skills to federal judges
[email protected]
701-715-4629
Mary Muehlen Maring
ND Supreme Court Justice, Retired
20 years of litigation experience
Almost 18 years judicial experience
Mediation training: National Judicial College
[email protected]
701-425-6340
www.kleinmaringmediation.com