Michelle Christie
Where do you work and what is your practice area?
I work at Redmann Law, P.C. in Bismarck. My practice area is Criminal Defense and Family Law.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
How long have you been in the legal field?
I have been in the legal field for 10.5 years.
Why did you decide to join the legal field?
The legal field always interested me as a child. I never had experience with it, nor did I know anyone who worked in the legal field growing up; it was just something that was intriguing to me. I am a triplet, so when my two sisters pursued the medical field my parents never discouraged me from pursuing the legal field.
How have you benefited from WDALA?
I recently became a member of WDALA, but I look forward to the benefits WDALA has to offer.
What prior jobs did you have before you entered the legal field?
Throughout high school and college I worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant in nursing homes. After college and beginning my career, I took a temporary job at the Federal Courthouse in Fargo in the Clerk’s office while one of their Clerk’s was on maternity leave. I worked as a Paralegal for 1.5 years at a personal injury firm in Montana, and found that type of work did not suit me. After that I obtained a job as a Legal Assistant for the Public Defender’s Office in Bismarck doing criminal defense- I discovered criminal law was my niche. I worked there for 6.5 years, and left there to help a State employee establish her own private law firm doing criminal defense and family law for 1.5 years. After this, I started doing Freelance Paralegal work for a local attorney in Bismarck doing criminal defense. I currently work at Redmann Law, P.C. and still do the Freelance Paralegal work on the side.
What is the best advice you have received?
Learn as much as you can, and the different styles, from those around you. Take in as much feedback as you can get from those you work with. These two things can determine how fast you will learn your area of practice, and how strong your skillset will be.
What have been your biggest accomplishments in life?
My biggest accomplishment in life has been building a successful career doing something that I love, while raising a family. I feel like I have given my two daughters something to strive for in life.
Tell us about your family.
My husband and I have been married for 11 years, and we have two daughters ages 10 and 5. My husband works at AVS in Beulah. My 10 year old likes to help cook, play in band, loves animals, and going swimming. My 5 year old likes to ice skate, ride her bike, loves animals, and going swimming.
What are your hobbies?
I like to go hunting and fishing. Whenever I find time I like to read something other than caselaw!
Tell us one thing about yourself that people might be surprised to find out.
I am a triplet. Some people have known me for years before they find out. My 2 sisters and I were the first multiples in our family, and no fertility meds were used. Back then they didn’t use ultrasound so 4 weeks before we were born they told my parents they were having twins; 2 weeks before they did an x-ray and “discovered” what they believe may be a 3rd baby! Yikes.