Born on September 1, 1960, to Marvin Leadbetter and Joy Leadbetter (now known as Joy Venzke) at the Union Hospital in Mayville, North Dakota.
Parents were residents of rural Finley, North Dakota, residing in the Pickert, North Dakota, area. The second of four sons born to this union. Parents divorced in the summer of 1972.
Family resided on the maternal family farmstead, living with my maternal grandmother, Mildred Om.
Attended the Finley-Sharon Public School in Finley, North Dakota, and graduated in 1978 as the valedictorian.
Growing up, assisted in the farming, helping out where and when needed.
Education
In August of 1978, enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 1982, received a degree from the University of North Dakota as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While pursuing Political Science degree, extensively took courses in accounting.
Attended law school at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1985, and was admitted to the bar September 23, 1985.
Regularly attends continuing education courses to maintain a current understanding of the law and to hear and learn new ideas and methods.
Professional experience
On August 11, 1985, moved to Lisbon and began practice of law with Don B. Eppler.
Partner in the law firm of Eppler and Leadbetter.
Since 1985, has practiced in Lisbon, North Dakota, as a general practitioner, serving the people of area. Chose to practice in a rural area because it is a need in North Dakota and desired to serve people, their families, children, and grandchildren.
During thirteen years of practice, focus as an attorney has developed towards real estate matters, estate planning, probate, individual income tax, and contract.
Also has been involved in domestic relations cases, as well as a guardian for minor children.
A conflicts attorney on the Southeast Judicial District indigent defense contract for Ransom, Sargent, and Richland Counties, accepting court appointments for criminal cases primarily in Ransom County and occasionally in Sargent County. In this regard, has had an opportunity as defense counsel for misdemeanor and felony charged clients.
City Attorney for the City of Gwinner and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lisbon, acting as prosecutor in enforcing and upholding city ordinances, as well as assisting the City in development plans for improvements to infrastructure and the business climate in each city. As counsel for the City of Gwinner, was actively involved in the controversy which originally surrounded the Whitestone Hill Township landfill as it relates to Big Dipper Enterprises' use of the landfill, territory of the landfill, and the public opinion and perceptions surrounding landfill operations.
Represents senior citizens who are confused about a document, need a will or help to wind up the affairs of a loved one who has died, or need the right documents to lease their farmland or sell their house.
Represents the young and not so young who are buying their first house or moving into a bigger house as their family has grown, who are starting a business, or having personal or business problems.
One goal as an attorney has been to serve and be of assistance to clients, meeting their needs, always remembering the need for more than just bare legal services, remembering also the emotional support that comes with knowing a person and family.
Civic involvement
Lisbon Kiwanis - past Board of Directors member.
Sheyenne Valley Masonic Lodge #12 - past Worshipful Master.
Lisbon Eagles Club.
Trinity Lutheran Church - Trust fund development committee member.
North Dakota Municipal Attorneys Association - Board of Directors, President-Elect.
State Bar Association of North Dakota.
Lisbon Civic and Commerce Association.
North Dakota Land Title Association.
Family
On May 30,1992, married Edna Van Heukelom in Hull, North Dakota. Wife is a nurse working at Parkside Lutheran Nursing Home.
Two daughters: Alyssa, born January 5,1995; and Linsey, born April 7, 1998.
Reside at 706 Ash Street in Lisbon, North Dakota.
Members, regularly attend Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisbon, North Dakota.
Enjoy reading, gardening, projects around the house, and spending time as a family.
Strengths you would bring to the Court
I believe in the law and its ability to protect and help people. This is not to say that I am naive enough to believe that the law cannot do harm or even that people would not use the law to do harm. As a profession, and especially the individuals who serve on the courts of this state, attorneys must maintain equal access to the benefits, rights, and privileges of an effective and efficient court system for all people in fulfillment of these ideas.
I believe that one of my strengths is the variety of cases I have handled as an attorney and the rural nature of where I practice law.
I have been in touch with the people that I represent, and it is not unusual to be stopped wherever I may be in town and be asked a question. People are comfortable enough with me to ask, believing that I can be approached, and that I am genuinely interested in what someone has to say.
I listen.
I would bring to the court an understanding of real estate, probate, and contract law.
I understand what income and estate tax ramifications can occur when an agreement is reached or the court has entered a discussion.
I believe that I can be fair and impartial, and render an opinion that may not be the most popular position, but an opinion that is supported by the law.
Background