North Dakota ranks third in the country when it comes to juvenile drug arrests

Jamestown Sun: "A recent study revealed juvenile drug arrest rates in North Dakota are among the highest in the country, and federal numbers show those numbers have increased over the last decade."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney II (Public Defender) with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in Fargo has been posted.

Judge Olson, Judge Stiel and Justice Jensen speak at NDAJ Annual Meeting

On May 9, East Central District Court Judges Thomas Olson and Stephannie Stiel along with Justice Jon J. Jensen, participated in a panel providing “Practical Tips from the Bench” at the North Dakota Association for Justice Annual Meeting in Fargo.

Juveniles are committing violent crimes at the highest rate in five years

KX News: "Only about 14 percent of unruly and delinquent offenses committed by juveniles, ever see a day in court. The rest are dealt with through intervention, treatment and sometimes community service, that won't result in a criminal record."

Gov. Burgum appoints new North Dakota labor commissioner

Bismarck Tribune: "Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday appointed a new North Dakota labor commissioner. Erica Thunder will lead the Department of Labor and Human Rights, succeeding Michelle Kommer. Thunder comes to the job after 2.5 years as the judicial systems administrator for the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission."

Gov. Burgum signs bill reforming forfeiture in North Dakota

Bismarck Tribune: "Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday signed the last 53 bills remaining from the 2019 North Dakota legislative session, including one reforming civil asset forfeiture. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, brought the original bill to eliminate the 'perverse incentive' of 'policing for profit.'"

N.D. Attorney General opinion: May 3

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that a response to an open records request is required even if no records exist.

UND School of Law commencement set for May 4

The University of North Dakota School of Law will confer the degree of Juris Doctor during commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on the UND campus in Grand Forks.

LSND to hold summer CLE June 12

Legal Services of North Dakota will hold its annual summer continuing legal education seminar on June 12 in Fargo.

Hurting for attorneys, UND program boosts rural numbers

Public News Service: "There’s a mounting attorney shortage in rural areas of the state, and the University of North Dakota is tackling the issue head on. The Rural Justice program at the UND School of Law offers scholarships to students to work in the places that need them most."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Director of Admissions at the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks has been posted.

Fargo family succeeds in changing state law on juvenile sexual assault cases

Dickinson Press: "Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill into law that aims to improve victim and treatment services in juvenile sexual assault cases after a Fargo family pushed for the changes in the North Dakota Legislature."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: April 16

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that records relating to an ongoing lawsuit involving a public entity must be obtained through the discovery process, not the open records laws.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an attorney to work with Legal Services of North Dakota/Legal Advocates for Health in Fargo has been posted.

February 2019 bar examination results

The State Board of Law Examiners have announced the results of the February 2019 bar examination. Of the 37 applicants who sat for the bar examination in Bismarck on February 26-27, 18 applicants achieved a passing score. This is a 49% overall pass rate, compared to 45% a year ago.

N.D. Attorney General opinions: April 12

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the City of Mandan did not violate the law by failing to provide requested records because it never received a request and an opinion that the Crystal Lake Township Board of Supervisors violated the law when they held a special meeting but did not post a meeting notice.

Drew Wrigley confirmed as U.S. Attorney for North Dakota

KX Net: "The United States Senate confirmed former North Dakota Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley to again serve as U.S. Attorney for the state. Wrigley previously held U.S. Attorney post from 2001 to 2009."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney I in the Child Support Enforcement Office in Grand Forks has been posted.

North Dakota Law Review Energy Law Symposium set for April 11

The North Dakota Law Review Energy Law Symposium will be held April 11 at the National Energy Center of Excellence in Bismarck. The symposium will feature a comprehensive program of energy related topics. There is no charge to attend and the event has been approved for 7.75 CLE credits.

Judgeship for Burleigh, Morton area added to North Dakota judicial budget

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota's Senate has passed the budget bill for the judicial branch, including a judgeship for the district that covers Burleigh and Morton counties. Senators unanimously passed the 2019-21 judicial budget bill on Monday."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: April 4

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the ND Forensic Examiner’s Office and UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences did not violate the open records law by refusing to disclose the Reports of Death while the investigations were still active.

'Servant leader' makes his case

UND Today: "Mike McGinniss describes himself as a servant leader. 'I plan to lead by example,' said the newly appointed dean of the UND School of Law. 'I’m excited and humbled, and see this as an opportunity for great challenges and great possibilities.'"

UND law students enjoy litigation discussion

On March 3, first year law students at the University of North Dakota School of Law had an opportunity to listen to a panel of several members of the North Dakota bar who shared their litigation experiences and answered questions from the students on a variety of litigation topics.