Employed with Delta Upsilon International Fraternity from 1976 to 1978, first as a Leadership Consultant and, upon promotion, as the International Undergraduate Services Director. Visited over 100 college campuses, consulting with undergraduate office holders on chapter operations and alumni members on matters relating chiefly to housing corporation operation issues.
High school class president, participated in athletics and was an officer in several organizations.
Governor of North Dakota Boys State and represented North Dakota at Boys Nation.
As an undergraduate, UND Student Senator and a member and officer in a wide variety of organizations.
In law school, participated in Moot Court Competition, winning the school competition and representing UND at the regional competition at the University of Iowa. Team won the regional competition and advanced as one of two regional representatives at the National Moot Court Competition in New York City. Selected as one of school's top advocates upon graduation and named to the Order of Barristers.
Education
1972 - Bismarck High School.
1976 - University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.
1981 - University of North Dakota - Juris Doctor (Order of Barristers).
Professional experience
Clerked for Chief Justice Ralph Erickstad, North Dakota Supreme Court, 1981-1982.
Howe, Hardy, Galloway & Maus in Dickinson, North Dakota, 1982 - 1985.
Practicing law in Fargo-Moorhead since 1985 with the law firm of Gunhus, Grinnell, Klinger, Swenson and Guy.
Practice has included products liability, professional negligence, personal injury litigation for both the defense and the plaintiff, health care, real estate, franchise law, corporate organization and dissolution, domestic relations, criminal law, and employment law. In the past eleven years, has attempted to limit practice to litigation in state and federal courts in North Dakota and Minnesota. Has been an innovator in the use of courtroom technology. Has tried cases to successful jury verdicts, using computerized presentations for display of evidence as well as the presentation of opening statements and closing arguments. Cases have included wrongful death products liability cases, insurance fraud and bad faith actions, personal injury actions, minority shareholder's rights actions, professional negligence cases, and litigation of disputes between health care providers. Experienced in both trial and appellate work.
Has lectured at continuing legal education seminars on courtroom advocacy and the effective use of technology in the courtroom. Has lectured on mortgage foreclosures and insurance bad faith litigation.
Since 1995, has been selected each year to be named in Law and Leading Attorneys in Minnesota, a publication listing the top lawyers in Minnesota, as a result of a confidential and independent poll of lawyers in the state.
Civic involvement
Inns of Court, Program Chairman.
Fargo Kiwanis Club, Interclub Chairman, Chairman of Community Services Committee, Director.
Dickinson Kiwanis Club, Program Chairman, Membership Chairman, and President.
American Jurisprudence Society.
American Bar Association.
North Dakota Bar Association.
Minnesota Bar Association.
Cass County Bar Association.
Clay County Bar Association.
7thJudicial District Bar Association, Minnesota.
Minnesota Defense Lawyers.
North Dakota Defense Lawyers.
Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater - Board of Directors.
Faith United Methodist Church - Administrative Council, President, many ad hoc committees, Sunday School teacher.
Faith United Methodist Foundation - Treasurer.
Fargo Youth Hockey - Handbook Committee, ad hoc committee on restructure.
Youth coaching - soccer, baseball, and hockey.
Family
Married Deb in Logansport, Indiana, on May 19, 1979.
Three children: Emily (12), Adam (10) and Ann (6). Enjoys activities at the lake during the summer months, including swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, and golfing. Spends time during the winter months with school and athletic activities for the children. Both Emily and Adam play and enjoy numerous athletics, including soccer, hockey, baseball, and football. Ann enjoys movies and swimming. Has been active in children's school, church, and extracurricular activities.
Strengths you would bring to the Court
My principal strength is an ability to see the many facets of a problem and balance competing interests to accomplish goals. I believe I not only can be a fair and effective justice on the court, but can also have a positive impact on administrative issues relating to the court system.
I have extensive litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience, having limited my practice in the last 11 years to litigation. I have tried a wide variety of cases to the courts and juries in North Dakota and Minnesota. My experience includes state and federal district courts, tax court and appellate courts, as well as private mediation and arbitration. I have tried cases for plaintiffs and defendants, individuals, corporations, cooperatives, partnerships and associations. I have witnessed a wide variety of styles and personalities in lawyers, litigants, judges, and jurors.
I understand the difficulties inherent in the system. It is important for the court system to be accessible and affordable for litigants and lawyers, with the recognition that our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently and with results that are fair, decisive, consistent and reliable.
I believe I bring to the bench sound and caring judgment based in personal experience, as well as an understanding of lawyers and litigants gained from that personal experience.
I have a strong work ethic and a proven ability to persist in problem solving.
Background