The State Bar Association of North Dakota Summer 2015 Gavel Magazine | Page 10

Awards honor Fitzsimmons, Pearson and Koppelman
Legal Services
of North Dakota
Board Member
Mary Kae Kelsch,
second from
left, stands with
Kylene, left,
and Carlyn and
her daughter
Cedar, the two
daughters and
granddaughter
of the late Jim
Fitzsimmons. He
was presented
posthumously
with the
Distinguished
Service Award.

Distinguished Service Award
The SBAND Distinguished Service Award
is the most prestigious award it bestows. It
honors a member of the profession who has
provided outstanding service to the state and

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THE GAVEL

legal community over an extended career.
The Distinguished Service Award plaque,
which hangs outside the courtroom of the
North Dakota Supreme Court, is intended
to permanently honor recipients and remind
lawyers and the public of their dedication
and work.

This year’s award was presented to the family
of the late Jim Fitzsimmons, the longtime
director of Legal Services North Dakota, who
passed away on March 30. In presenting the
Award, Mary Kae Kelsch, a board member for
LSND, said with Fitzsimmons’ passing, North
Dakota lost its strongest voice for justice. “He
worked tirelessly to bring justice to those in
need,” said Kelsch. “There is nobody more
deserving of this award.”
On hand to accept the award were
Fitzsimmons’ two daughters, Kylene and
Carlyn, and granddaughter Cedar. Also
present were staff members of Legal Services
North Dakota.

Liberty Bell Award
The Liberty Bell Award recognizes individuals
who promote understanding of our form of
government, who encourage greater respect
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