William Robbins, Jr. 1938-2025

Retired attorney William A. Robbins, Jr. died on November 10, 2025.

Armstrong appoints Devils Lake attorney Ashley Samuelson to Northeast Judicial District judgeship

Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Devils Lake attorney Ashley Samuelson to an open judgeship in the Northeast Judicial District, effective Nov. 28.

Former Chief Justice VandeWalle receives inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from UND Law Review

Former Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of North Dakota Law Review

Job Announcement: Investigative Counsel - ND Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship

A job announcement for Investigative Counsel for the ND Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship located in Bismarck has been posted.

Judge Hurly elected to serve as the Unit 1 at-large representative on Administrative Council

Judge Michael Hurly has been elected to serve as the Unit 1 at-large representative on the Administrative Council. He will be finishing out the term previously held by Judge Anthony Swain Benson.

Justices Announce Candidacy for Chief Justice Position

Justice Lisa Fair McEvers and Justice Jerod Tufte have announced their candidacy for the position of chief Justice.

Hutton selected to serve as deputy state court administrator

Kelly Hutton has been selected to serve as the next deputy state court administrator, effective December 29, 2025.

Job Announcement: State's Attorney - Billings County

A job announcement for a State's Attorney in Billings County has been posted.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of District Court - Wahpeton

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of District Court in Wahpeton has been posted.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of District Court-Bismarck/Mandan

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of District Court in Bismarck/Mandan has been posted.

Job Announcement: Application Support Analyst I-Bismarck

A job announcement for an Application Support Analyst I in Bismarck has been posted.

North Dakota Courts Raises Awareness of Scams Targeting Potential Jurors

The North Dakota Court System Seeks to Raises Awareness of Recent Scams Targeting Potential Jurors

Job Announcement: Part-Time Juvenile Court Youth Coordinator-Dickinson

A job announcement for a part-time Juvenile Court Youth Coordinator in Dickinson has been posted.

North Dakota Appellate Case System Update

The North Dakota Appellate Case System public portal has been updated. Multi-factor authentication requests will now be delivered to the user’s registered email address rather than to a phone number.

Chief Justice Jensen will not seek re-election as Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Jon Jensen will not seek re-election as Chief Justice for the North Dakota Supreme Court.

UTTC Classes visit Burleigh County Courthouse

Students from United Tribes Technical College Criminal Evidence and Constitutional Law classes observe court on Nov. 5.

20 Complete Court Manager Program

Court staff completed the Court Manager Program in Bismarck on Nov. 6

An order regarding the vacancy in East Central Judicial District Judgeship No. 6 has been posted.

An order regarding the vacancy in East Central Judicial District Judgeship No. 6, with chambers in Fargo, has been posted.

New opinions: November 5, 2025

The Supreme Court has issued 11 new opinions.

Request for Proposals for Transcription Services

The North Dakota Court System has released a Request for Proposal for Transcription Services.

Deputy State Court Administrator Scott Johnson to Retire

Deputy State Court Administrator Scott Johnson will retire effective December 26, 2025.

Lawyers reminded to verify their contact information

Fully-licensed attorneys are encouraged to check your contact information listed in the Lawyers directory for accuracy.

Job Announcement: Admin Assistant-District Court in Bismarck

A job announcement for an Admin Assistant for District Court located in Bismarck has been posted.

New opinions: October 22, 2025

The Supreme Court has issued 16 new opinions.

Job Announcement - Director of Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

A job announcement for a Director of Medicaid Fraud Control Unit located in Bismarck has been posted.

Notice of Comment and Orders of Adoption

A notice of comment and orders of adoption has been issued by the Supreme Court

Harry Jonathan Pearce 1942-2025

Retired attorney Harry Jonathan Pearce died on October 14, 2025.

Benson elected presiding judge of NEJD

Judge Anthony Swain Benson has been elected to serve as the new Presiding Judge for the Northeast Judicial District effective immediately.

Supreme Court names law clerks for 2026-2027 term

The Supreme Court has selected five people to serve a one-year clerkship beginning Aug. 1, 2026. They are: John Banks, Darian Coghlan, Madelyn Nelson, James Nicolai, and John Sanden.

Job Announcement: Attorney for N.D. Ethics Commission

A job announcement for an attorney for N.D. Ethics Commission has been posted.

Mark Fraase 1934-2025

Mark “Tinker” Fraase passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 6, 2025, at the age of 90, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Notice of Consultation

A Notice of Consultation regarding a vacancy in East Central Judicial District Judgeship No. 6, with chambers in Fargo, was posted to the Supreme Court’s public portal.

Judge Marina Spahr Investiture Photos from Oct. 10

South Central Judicial District Judge Marina Spahr was formally sworn in during an investiture ceremony at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck on October 10. Attached are the photos.

ECJD Judge Chase announces resignation

East Central Judicial District Judge Nicholas Chase has given notice of his resignation effective Oct. 10.

New opinions: October 9, 2025

The Supreme Court has issued 4 new opinions.

Job Announcement - Supreme Court Law Clerk

A job announcement for five Law Clerk positions with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Coming in mid-November - Attorney License Renewal for 2026

The Board reminds all lawyers to ensure their e-mail address is and remains current because no paper statements will be mailed out.

Pamela Tamayo-Stenehjem 1951-2025

Long-time Dunn County Clerk of Court Pamela Tamayo-Stenehjem died on Sept. 15, 2025.

Municipal Judges Seminar

Municipal Judges from North Dakota attend annual seminar in Bismarck Oct. 6

Job Announcement: Assistant Attorney General - Consumer Protection and Antitrust

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement: Assistant Attorney General

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General in Bismarck has been posted.

Judge Andrew Eyre Investiture - October 2 Photos

Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Andrew Eyre was formally sworn in in a ceremony held on October 2 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Job Announcement: Staff Attorney-District Court-Bismarck

A job announcement for a Staff Attorney-District Court located in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement: Law Clerk-Bismarck

A job announcement for a Law Clerk-Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement: Paralegal-Bismarck

A job announcement for a Paralegal-Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement: Judicial Support Specialist-District Court-Bismarck

A job announcement for a Job Announcement: Judicial Support Specialist-District Court located in Bismarck has been posted.

Supreme Court accepting applications for Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The North Dakota Supreme Court is currently accepting applications from counties and municipalities interested in participating in the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of District Court - Bismarck

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of District Court located in Bismarck has been posted.

Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The Rural Attorney Recruitment Program was established by the legislature in 2021 with the goal of increasing the number of lawyers residing and working in rural North Dakota.

New Lawyers Admitted to the Bar in Supreme Court Ceremony

Forty new lawyers were admitted to the North Dakota Bar during a ceremony on September 26, 2025 in the House Chambers of the North Dakota State Capitol.

New opinions: September 25, 2025

The Supreme Court has issued 11 new opinions.

Photos from the Retirement Celebration for Judge Donovan Foughty

A retirement celebration for Judge Donovan Foughty was recently held on September 23, 2025 in Devils Lake

Job Announcement: Adult Criminal Court Public Defender

A job announcement for an Adult Criminal Court Public Defender with the Spirit Lake Tribal Court in Fort Totten has been posted.

New opinion: September 22, 2025

The Supreme Court has issued 1 new opinion.

Northeast Judicial Applicants to be Considered for Judicial Appointment

In response to a judicial opening in the Northeast Judicial District created by the retirement of Judge Donovan J. Foughty, four attorneys have submitted an application for consideration by the Judicial Nominating Committee.

Job Announcement - Assistant State's Attorney - Williams County

A job announcement for an Assistant State's Attorney located in Williams County has been posted.

Notice of Comment

A notice of comment has been issued by the Supreme Court

Vivian Berg - Sept. 13 2025

Former North Dakota Disciplinary Counsel Vivian Berg died on September 13, 2025.

NECJD attends UND Criminal Justice Career Fair

Court System Professionals connects with Students at the UND Criminal Justice Career Fair

Job Announcement: Investigative Counsel for the N.D. Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship

A job announcement for the position of Investigative Counsel for the N.D. Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship has been posted.

Flasher High School Students Visit Court

The Flasher High School Business Law class observed an oral argument on September 17.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of District Court

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of District Court located in Williston has been posted.

UND to celebrate Constitution Day on Sept. 17

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, UND will again host events on campus throughout the day commemorating Constitution Day — a federal observance honoring the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

Job Announcement - Legislative Council Staff Attorney

A job announcement for a Legislative Council Staff Attorney located in Bismarck has been posted.

Notices of Comment

Notices of comment have been issued by the Supreme Court

New opinion: September 11

The Supreme Court has issued 1 new opinion.

J. Philip "Phil" Johnson 1938-2025

J. Philip “Phil” Johnson (1938-2025) passed away peacefully on September 5 in Fargo, ND. In perhaps his most impressive career accomplishment, he was appointed by two state governors to finish two unfilled terms as a Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

July 2025 Bar Examination Results Released

The State Board of Law Examiners has announced the results of the July 2025 bar examination.

Job Announcement - Administrative Assistant - Juvenile Court

A job announcement for an Administrative Assistant for Juvenile Court, located in Fargo, has been posted.

Job Announcement - Paralegal

A job announcement for a Paralegal located in Williston has been posted.

Job Announcement - Judicial Support Specialist - District Court - Williston

A job announcement for a Judicial Support Specialist in District Court located in Williston has been posted.

New Opinions: August 28

The Supreme Court has issued 3 new opinions.

Job Announcement - Assistant Attorney General

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General located in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement - Part-Time Case Aide

A job announcement for a part-time Case Aide for the Richland County Treatment Court has been posted.

Job Announcement - Assistant Attorney General

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General to serve as general counsel to the University System Office has been posted.

Judge Steven A. Lautt Investiture - August 22 Photos

North Central Judicial District Judge Steven A. Lautt was formally sworn in in a ceremony held on August 22, 2025 at the Ward County Courthouse. Several Supreme Court Justices, Governor Armstrong, and District court judges were in attendance.

Job Announcement - Investigator

A job announcement for an Investigator with the Burleigh County State's Attorney's Office has been posted.

Orders of Adoption

Orders of Adoption have been issued by the Supreme Court

Job Announcement: Juvenile Court Youth Coordinator - Grand Forks

A job announcement for a Juvenile Court Youth Coordinator in Grand Forks has been posted.

An order regarding the vacancy in Northeast Judicial District Judgeship No. 4 has been posted.

An order regarding the vacancy in Northeast Judicial District Judgeship No. 4, with chambers in Devils Lake, has been posted to the opinions page.

Judge Eyre Investiture

Judge Andrew Eyre's formal investiture ceremony will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Job Announcement: Attorney II

A job announcement for an Attorney II - Remote in North Dakota - with Health and Human Services has been posted.

Job Announcement - Assistant Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General located in Bismarck has been posted.

New Opinion: August 14

The Supreme Court issued 1 new opinion

Judge Foughty retirement celebration set for September 23, 2025

A retirement party in honor of Northeast Judicial District Presiding Judge Donovan J. Foughty will be held on September 23 at the Memorial Building in Devils Lake.

William P. Zuger 1946-2025

Retired attorney and former tribal judge William P. Zuger died on August 8, 2025.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of Court

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of Court located in Fargo has been posted.

Job Announcement - Victim Witness Advocate

A job announcement for a Victim Witness Advocate located in Jamestown has been posted.

Job Announcement - Law School Fellow

A job announcement for a Law School Fellow with the Attorney General's Office in Bismarck has been posted.

Kelly Hutton Sworn In as President of the National Association for Court Management (NACM)

Kelly Hutton Sworn In as President of the National Association for Court Management (NACM); Announces Priorities to Strengthen the Profession and Public Trust

Be Aware of Jury Scams

The Federal Trade Commission is warning people about jury scams with new techniques to steal personal data and money

Supreme Court welcomes new law clerks

The North Dakota Supreme Court is pleased to announce the following individuals who began their one-year clerkship with the North Dakota Supreme Court on August 1: Alexander Hook, Peter Liffrig, Jim Nicolai, Haakan Thorsgard, and Katie Snyder.

New Opinions: July 31

The Supreme Court has issued 7 new opinions.

Job Announcement: Deputy Clerk of Court

A job announcement for a Deputy Clerk of Court in Watford City has been posted.

July bar examination begins

The North Dakota Bar Exam began Tuesday with 63 applicants taking the exam.

Job Announcement: Assistant State's Attorney

A job announcement for an Assistant State's Attorney located in Grand Forks has been posted.

Notice of Comment and Adoption of Rules

A notice of comment and notice of adoption of rules has been issued by the Supreme Court

Application deadline extended for Justices Teaching Institute

The deadline for application to the 2025 Justices Teaching Institute, The North Dakota Court System: From Trial to Appeal, is extended to Aug. 15.