Amanda Fischer
Where do you work and what is your practice area?
I work as a paralegal at Schweigert Klemin and McBride, P.C. (SKM) in Bismarck, North Dakota.
What is your educational background?
I attended Bismarck State College and graduated in 2012 with my associate’s degree in general studies. I also took the online paralegal program through University of North Dakota and graduated in 2016.
How long have you been in the legal field?
I started working at SKM as the receptionist in April 2014. In the fall of 2014 I started assisting other paralegals in the office by summarizing medical records, drafting and sending letters, and other various tasks.
Why did you decide to join the legal field?
I joined the legal field because I felt it was a way to help people.
How have you benefited from WDALA?
So far I have benefited from WDALA by feeling more involved in the legal community.
What prior jobs did you have before you entered the legal field?
I worked on the farm with my dad prior to working in the legal field.
What is the best advice you have received?
Don’t be scared of failure. Failure is part of life to help you evolve.
What have been your biggest accomplishments in life?
Some of my biggest accomplishments in life are purchasing my first home and starting my own business as a livestock auction clerk.
What is your favorite movie and/or book?
One of my favorite movies is The Shawshank Redemption. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve watched it or how I am not sick of it, but cannot seem to change the channel if it is on.
Tell us about your family.
My dad, Ernie Fischer, lives here in North Dakota and is a farmer/rancher. My mom, Carol McIlvaine, lives in Virginia and lives with my grandmother due to medical issues. I have one brother, Tyler Fischer, who lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with his two children.
What are your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies are going out to dinner to try new food, watch movies with my friends, take my dog, Lotso, for walks, and go kayaking at Harmon Lake.
Tell us one thing about yourself that people might be surprised to find out.
I have a pet cow named Sindy. My dad is not a fan of her because she is the worst fence crawler. When my dad gripes that Sindy got out again, I just tell him that she is showing