The board developed a strategic plan two years ago to increase
member engagement, improve SBAND’s website, and promote
rural practice opportunities. SBAND has made great strides on
achieving these goals, and I plan to continue that progress. I’m
sure I’ll get a few suggestions from some of you!
What are the challenges you see in the legal
profession in general and in North Dakota?
Most attorneys are extremely civil to each other. Our bread
and butter is helping our clients resolve disputes. Most of us
understand we’re simply advocating for our clients. How do
most of us civil-minded attorneys best address lack of civility?
By being civil. It plays into the discourteous and unprofessional
nature of those few attorneys behaving badly if we, the majority
of attorneys who are courteous and respectful, lose our cool.
Everyone can lose their cool. It isn’t too hard in our line of work.
Remember, when typing that email, making that phone call,
or writing that letter: the golden rule still applies even to those
who may not deserve its application. Judge Bruce Bohlman, who
I clerked for while attending law school, put it best, “We don’t
need more bulldogs, we need more golden retrievers.” You know,
those loyal, compassionate, hard-working folks who don’t often
bark or bite but just get the job done well for their clients.
What do you do for fun?
We love to travel to visit family in fun places. Recent family vacations
have taken us to Orlando, South Carolina, Michigan, and Maine.
Traveling with kids is an adventure itself. The next time you see a family
flying – be sympathetic to the parents! I had to give up my subscriptions
to the Economist and National Geographic (as they just piled up), but I
enjoy the study of other cultures and international affairs.
Anything else you would like to add?
I often remind anyone who will listen that it is the simple things that we
too often forget. Those simple things are so often the most important.
A quick check of spelling and grammar before submitting that brief.
Using the phone to call opposing counsel on a thorny issue often pays
dividends. Compliments to others with nothing expected in return.
Finding the silver lining in difficult situations. We lose sight of what is
enjoyable in life far too often. We stress over that which we cannot even
begin to control – yet we think we can. We are too hard on ourselves.
I’m the first to fail as to my own advice. We attorneys are hard-driven
and stubborn – we want to get our way. But we’ve got to remember what
matters most to us. It is what we often take for granted that is the most
important to us. Getting back to the basics of life – those things we take
for granted – provides a counterbalance to the constant pressures we face.
Our jobs are difficult enough as they are. Responding in kind
to uncivil behavior plays into your opponent’s hand and cuts
against the position you are advocating for your client.
How have you been involved in community
service outside of your legal career?
As you can see from the cover, my wife and I are busy raising
four rambunctious kids. I’m a Rotarian and past-president of my
club. I value the motto of Rotary, “Service Above Self.” I think
that short statement sums up nicely how we are to interact with
our colleagues, neighbors, staff, and even folks who maybe aren’t
the easiest to be around. I also like the international aspect of
Rotary, having served as the past chair of the club’s international
committee and holding various local fundraisers for projects in
Africa, South America, and Asia.
The Pelham kids: Jack, Caroline, Fernanda, and Evan.
SUMMER 2018
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