New SBAND President Zack Pelham : Continuing to foster Association involvement and interaction
Can you tell me about your background and family ?
I have a very supportive wife of nearly 17 years who I can thank for introducing me to North Dakota . I grew up in Michigan , and we met at college in Indiana . We made the right decision to move to Grand Forks where we both received graduate degrees from the University of North Dakota – mine in law , hers in public administration . From there we moved to Bismarck , her hometown . I began my legal career clerking for the judges of the South Central Judicial District Court and then working for the North Dakota Office of Attorney General ’ s Civil Litigation Division . I ’ m thankful to be at my current firm , Pearce Durick , where I have been since 2007 . We have four wonderful kids who keep us on our toes . ( Okay , any parent of young kids knows it is basically controlled chaos – no different for us .)
What inspired you to pursue a career in law ?
Reality and my love for researching and writing . I graduated with a double major in history and international studies and was all set to serve in Haiti with the Peace Corps . Instead , I filled in as a substitute teacher for a year as I completed law school applications , got married , and went off to law school . The beauty of the law is the ability to mold the facts that we are dealt into cohesive and coherent argument . I trace my advocacy skills to my New Jersey born mother and my common sense to my Michigan born father . It ’ s a combo that has served me well .
The Pelham Family
What type of law do you practice ?
I ’ m a litigator , mostly civil and mostly defense , but that doesn ’ t define my practice . My practice is focused on reaching solutions for my clients who are many times going through difficult situations they usually have no desire to be involved in . Communication forms the most important tool for a practitioner . Too many problems are created through poor communication . Most problems are solved by effective communication . Often , the near forgotten art of listening is the most important component for effective communication . Am I perfect ? Of course not , but I often realize the missing link for a solution is found in communication . That ’ s the type of law I try to practice .
What has drawn you to your involvement in SBAND ? How have you stayed active in SBAND ?
I started my practice as an out-of-state unknown at a time when the drum in North Dakota was all the “ young people ” were leaving . I became involved in many different legal and non-legal local and state organizations , including SBAND . I served on annual meeting planning committees , the information services committee , the ethics committee , and the board of governors . I also serve on the Court ’ s joint procedure committee .
SBAND is a great networking opportunity . There is opportunity within SBAND at many levels . If you aren ’ t selected for a committee you apply for , apply again ( I did ). Advancing your career through service with SBAND is attainable for any member . Getting to know other attorneys in other parts of the state is beneficial from a professional and personal standpoint . SBAND ’ s mission is to promote justice and to serve the lawyers and citizens of North Dakota . Our committees and sections do just that . SBAND allows each of us to play a small part in an overall goal of achieving SBAND ’ s important mission .
What are your goals as SBAND president this year ?
I want to continue to “ show the flag ” of SBAND . SBAND is bigger than its president , but I believe it is up to the president to push involvement and interaction to help influence making the association better . There are numerous committees and sections available for involvement . Getting a broad array of experienced and less experienced attorneys involved will foster continued relevance for our association and allow for individual attorneys to better their skillset through engagement .
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