North Dakota U.S. District Court News

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for June 16

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North. U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph R. Erickson will preside over the ceremony.

Approximately 50 individuals are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

US District Court for the District of N.D. updated its Plan for the Adequate Representation of Defendants Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964,

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota updated its Plan for the Adequate Representation of Defendants Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964, as Amended (CJA Plan), effective April 1, 2026.

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U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:44:01 GMT

In celebration of Constitution Day, the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and U.S. Bankruptcy Court Chief Judge Shon Hastings will preside over the 1:00 p.m. ceremony. Julia Ernst, a constitutional law professor at UND, will speak at both ceremonies.

Approximately 200 individuals are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

Correction: U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for Wednesday, September 17th.

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In celebration of Constitution Day, the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Grand Forks on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Henry Family Ballroom in UND’s Memorial Union, 2901 University Avenue.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the ceremony. U.S. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte, UND President Andrew Armacost, and North Dakota Elections Director Erika White will provide remarks.

Fifty individuals, originating from 28 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor was awarded the Distinguished Service Award

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:58:09 GMT

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the State Bar Association of North Dakota ’s annual meeting in Bismarck on June 12, 2025.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Association. Created in 1980, the award is selected by the Board of Governors and honors a member of the profession who has provided outstanding service to the state and legal community over an extended career. A plaque outside the North Dakota Supreme Court’s courtroom permanently honors award recipients and serves as a remembrance of their dedication and work.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, Judge Ted Sandberg highlighted Judge Traynor’s service to the legal profession at both the state and national level. Judge Traynor previously served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar Association of North Dakota and served as Chair of the Disciplinary Board of the North Dakota Supreme Court. Judge Traynor was elected to the ABA House of Delegates as State Delegate from North Dakota where he serves on the Nominating Committee and Steering Committee. Judge Traynor currently serves as a member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Defender Services and the Judicial Education Advisory Board of the Law & Economics Center of the Antonin Scalia Law School. He also is on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Federal Trial Judges and serves on the ABA Commission on the American Jury and the Cybersecurity Legal Task Force.

Judge Traynor, a native of Devils Lake, was nominated for appointment as a federal district court judge by President Donald Trump, and he was confirmed by the Senate in December 2019. Judge Traynor received his undergraduate B.A. from the University of North Dakota and his Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law. After graduation, he served as a law clerk to former Chief Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle of the North Dakota Supreme Court. Prior to his judicial service, he was shareholder at the Traynor Law Firm in Devils Lake.

North Dakota Federal Court Student Outreach Events

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Federal judges, court staff, and representatives from other federal agencies have participated in several student outreach events throughout North Dakota this spring.

Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal, judicial law clerks, and attorney volunteers welcomed over 40 students from West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School for the Civil Discourse and Difficult Conversations program in March. This was the third year Sheyenne High students have participated in the program at the Fargo Courthouse. Students also toured the U.S. Marshals Service offices.

Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter, Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan O’Konek, Assistant Federal Public Defender Erin Bolinger, and Probation Officer Megan Scherf traveled to Minot to present a Bill of Rights Day program to students at Our Redeemer’s Christian School in March.

North Dakota State University Pre-Law Club students visited the Bismarck courthouse in February. Senior District Judge Daniel Hovland spoke regarding his pathway to the bench, and the students heard from representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, and Clerk’s Office.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for Thursday, August 1.

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Newman Outdoor Field, 1515 15th Avenue North. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will administer the Oath of Allegiance. The naturalization ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. before the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks’ game against the Sioux Falls Canaries. Twenty-five individuals are expected to be welcomed as new citizens.

U.S. District Court to hold naturalization ceremonies

Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Bismarck on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2 at the William L. Guy Federal Building, 220 East Rosser Avenue.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter will preside over the ceremonies. Forty individuals, originating from 22 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremonies on March 26

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at the Louise S. Barry Auditorium in NDSU’s Barry Hall, 811 Second Avenue North. At the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the ceremony, and North Dakota State Representative Hamida Dakane, a naturalized citizen originally from Kenya, will speak.

At the 11:00 a.m. ceremony, U.S. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the ceremony, and North Dakota State Senator Judy Lee will speak. An NDSU ROTC Color Guard will present the colors.

Over 140 individuals, originating from 45 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

Job Announcement - Clerk of Court, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Missouri

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Clerk of Court

Opening Date: January 30, 2024

Closing Date: Open until filled

Location: US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, St. Louis, Missouri

Salary: JSP 16 – 18 ($172,632 - $229,570) annually, based on qualifications

OVERVIEW

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeks an experienced attorney and court professional to serve as Clerk of Court (Clerk). The Eighth Circuit is located at the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, with a divisional office in St. Paul, Minnesota, having a territorial jurisdiction including the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Eighth Circuit has 11 authorized judgeships, 3 senior judges, and employs approximately 33 Clerk’s office staff members.

The Clerk of Court is the chief operating officer for the Clerk’s Office of both the Court of Appeals and the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel appointed by the Court of Appeals under authority of Section 711 of Title 28 of the United States Code. The Clerk reports to the Chief Circuit Judge and supports the judges of the Court of Appeals, communicating on a regular basis with the Circuit judges, Clerk’s office staff, other court unit executives (CUEs), the Administrative Office (AO), attorneys, and the public.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Conduct and oversee the business of the court, including case management, appeal management, court sessions, management of court calendars and sittings, records maintenance, statistical reporting, special studies, and opinion publication and circulation.
Long-range strategic planning, policy development and implementation, budget oversight, and human resources management.
As delegated by the court, dispose of specified motions filed in cases before the court.
Establish, adjust, and ensure compliance with quality control standards.
Establish and enforce operating procedures and standards.
Establish and maintain sound working relationships with other courts of the circuit and with the practicing Bar, and governmental agencies with business before the court.
Interpret, implement, and provide guidance on the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the court’s local rules and internal operating procedures.
Serve on the court’s executive leadership team, court committees, and Judiciary committees.
As requested, make recommendations to the court on all matters affecting the orderly and expeditious directing of the court’s business.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public service or business that provides a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and interpersonal aspects of managing a complex organization. At least 2 years must have been in a position of management responsibility.
Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal and analytical skills; fluent in the use of technology; and a demonstrated ability to manage professional staff.
Extensive experience in court administration at the federal, state, or local level preferred.
Skill and experience managing multiple complex tasks with competing deadlines.

Conditions of Employment

Travel is required.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen immediately following meeting the eligibility.
Selected applicants are hired provisionally pending the results of fingerprinting and a thorough background investigation. Background investigations are renewed every 5 years.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
Positions with the U.S. Courts are “excepted service” positions and employees serve “at will".
Employees are subject to The Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
All applicant information is subject to verification. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process, as well as disciplinary action if discovered after an individual’s date of hire.

BENEFITS

The Eighth Circuit offers a congenial work environment with a team of dedicated professionals.

Vacation time accrues at a rate of 13 days per year for the first 3 years, increasing to 20 days after 3 years and 26 days after 15 years.
Sick time accrues at a rate of 13 days per year.
11 paid holidays per year.
Choice of a variety of employer subsidized federal health plans.
Vision, Dental, Disability, and Long-Term Care insurance programs are available.
Flexible Spending Programs - pre-tax contributions for out-of-pocket health, dependent care, and out-of-pocket transportation expenses.
Optional participation in Long Term Care Insurance and employer subsidized Federal Employee Group Life Insurance.
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Federal retirement includes an employer sponsored pension plan (FERS) and a retirement contribution plan with employer match (TSP). Retirees are eligible for Social Security and carry insurance plans into retirement while paying the same premiums as employees.
Creditable service with other federal agencies and/or the military will be used to compute employee benefits.
Onsite, full-service cafeteria.
Onsite health clinic staffed with a nurse and MD (services are free).

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the applicant tracking system at this link https://ca852383.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0vx9q. Submit all documents listed below in PDF form.

Cover Letter
Resume
Form AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment: https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao078.pdf
Self-written composition of 500 words or less describing your ideal working environment and what kind of leader you would be in that environment.

Applications which do not include all the required material in the correct format will not be considered. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

The United States Courts are EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS committed to equity and inclusion in hiring practices, and the Eighth Circuit values diversity in the workplace.

Local Rules Committee to begin the process of reviewing and proposing amendments to local rules of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Please be advised that the Local Rules Committee will begin the process of reviewing and proposing amendments to the local rules of the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in March 2024. Anyone who wishes to submit comments or proposed amendments to the local rules may submit their comments or proposals to ndd_public@ndd.uscourts.gov. Written comments on the rules sent to the above email address and received by May 1, 2024, will be fully considered.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for December 12

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at the Louise S. Barry Auditorium in NDSU’s Barry Hall, 11
Second Avenue North. Dan Hannaher, Director of the North Dakota Field Office of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe will speak at both ceremonies. Students from Oak Grove will perform music, and the NDSU OTC’s Color Guard will present the colors. Over 135 individuals, originating from 33 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The ceremonies are open to the public.

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for September 19

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:30:00 GMT

In celebration of Constitution Day, the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Louise S. Barry Auditorium in NDSU’s Barry Hall, 811 Second Avenue North.

U.S. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter will preside over the 11:00 a.m. ceremony.

Julia Ernst, a constitutional law professor at UND, will speak at both ceremonies.

Students from West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School will perform music. Over 141 individuals, originating from 45 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens.

The ceremonies are open to the public.

Job Announcement - Term Law Clerk

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 05:09:00 GMT

Position: Term Law Clerk to a United States Magistrate Judge

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Starting Salary Range: $69,107-$82,820 (JSP 11 - 12)

Closing Date: September 8, 2023

POSITION SUMMARY: The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota is seeking a full-time Law Clerk for a term position starting October 2023, and ending in August 2025. The position is located in the chambers of U.S. Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter in Bismarck, ND. Principal duties of the position include researching substantive issues of federal and state law; drafting legal memoranda, opinions, and orders; and attending court proceedings relative to a broad range of matters in criminal and civil cases. Additional duties include interacting with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants and attorneys, and generally providing trusted legal support to the judge.

Link to full job announcement: https://www.ndd.uscourts.gov/announce/Term_Law_Clerk_Judge_Hochhalter.pdf

Job Announcement - Court Reporter

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:30:00 GMT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: No. 23-03

Position: Official Court Reporter - Realtime preferred

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Anticipated Starting Date: October 1, 2023

Starting Salary Range: $88,333 - $101,582 (CR Levels 1-4)

Application Closing Date: Monday, August 21, 2023

POSITION SUMMARY. The Official Court Reporter attends and records verbatim by
computer-aided technology testimony for civil and criminal court proceedings. At a party’s request
or by order of the Court, the Court Reporter provides transcripts within the time frames and at the
applicable per page rates in accordance with Judicial Conference regulations. The Court Reporter
must comply with Judicial Conference billing and format requirements and adhere to the District’s
Court Reporter Management Plan and maintain accurate, legible records which are subject to audits.
The position involves completing record keeping forms, documenting the information contained in
reports, as well as maintaining records until disposition according to statutory requirements and
Judicial Conference policy. The Court Reporter also must electronically file transcripts.

An official court reporter is appointed to serve at the pleasure of the court en banc. In the case of
a staff reduction, competence may be a primary consideration in deciding which court reporters are
to be retained.

QUALIFICATIONS. An applicant must:

• Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Possess at least four (4) years of court reporting experience.
• Have a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification by the National Court
Reporters Association or equivalent qualifying exam or must obtain the certification
or successfully pass the equivalent exam within one year of being hired.
• Possess and be skilled in the use of computer-aided transcription equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS. Preference will be given to an applicant who has Realtime
Certification; provides realtime reporting to judges; and possesses the necessary realtime equipment
and software.

SALARY AND BENEFITS. The actual pay level will be established on the basis of the successful
applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Level I: $88,333 Base Salary
Level II: $92,749 Requires a registered merit reporter certificate from the National
Court Reporters Association.
Level III: $97,166 Requires successful completion of a certified realtime examination
by NCRA or equivalent exam.
Level IV: $101,582 Requires realtime certification and merit certification.

The position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive Civil Service. Other
federal government benefits (e.g., holidays, life and health insurance, and Health Savings Accounts)
are applicable. The position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit) of
net pay. The successful applicant must submit to a criminal background check.

MISCELLANEOUS. Work is performed mostly in a courtroom or professional office setting. Some
lifting may be required. Travel to other locations in the district may be required. The United States
District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and has adopted an Employment Dispute
Resolution Plan. Additional EEO information is available from the Office of the Clerk of Court.
Applications will be maintained in strict confidence with only the hiring authority having knowledge
of the applicant’s identity.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE. Submit the following to NDD_Jobs@ndd.uscourts.gov. All
documents should be in .pdf format.

Cover letter specifying ho w you satisfy the qualifications listed above and why you
are interested in working for the federal court;
2. Resume with three (3) professional references;
3. Completed application for judicial branch employment, form AO-78 (available at
http://www.uscourts.gov/fo rms/AO078.pdf ); and,
4. Proof of certifications.

View the full job announcement here: https://www.ndd.uscourts.gov/announce/2023_Ad_Court_Reporter.pdf

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for August 10th, 2023.

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Newman Outdoor Field, 1515 15th Avenue North. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will administer the Oath of Allegiance. The naturalization ceremony will be held before the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks’ game against the Sioux City Explorers at 6:45 p.m. Twenty individuals, originating from 14 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens.

Judge Hovland honored with VandeWalle medal

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:09:00 GMT

News Release

The Honorable Daniel L. Hovland, District Court Judge for the District of North Dakota, was awarded the Gerald W. VandeWalle Medal at the North Dakota State Bar Association’s annual meeting in Bismarck on June 15, 2023.

The Gerald W. VandeWalle Medal was created by the Association’s Board of Governors to recognize individuals for their significant dedication and contributions to the administration of justice or the improvement of the judicial system. The award, which need not be given every year, is intended to honor an individual who brings credit to the State of North Dakota and its judicial system or to the administration of justice in North Dakota or the United States. The Association’s president consults with the Chief Justice or judicial branch members to identify worthy recipients.

Chief Judge Peter D. Welte for the District of North Dakota nominated Judge Hovland for the distinguished honor, highlighting Judge Hovland’s service on the federal bench during a judicial emergency when Judge Hovland was the only Article III judge for the entire district for almost two calendar years, assuming responsibility for the entire district’s caseload as well as the Chief Judge’s responsibilities.

Chief Judge Welte noted:

“Judge Hovland is a man who is astute, considerate, humble, dedicated, and one of the most decent human beings I have had the privilege of working with in my professional career. All of these are attributes that are core to the namesake of this award: Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle. It is entirely fitting and appropriate that Judge Dan Hovland be given strongest consideration for this honor, because of his entire career, and because of the way in which he has enhanced the administration of justice in both North Dakota and the United States.”

Comments submitted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles S. Miller echoed Chief Judge Welte’s sentiments. Judge Miller emphasized Judge Hovland’s “respectful treatment of all who appear before him” and “his infinite patience.” Judge Miller noted Judge Hovland’s “record as a fair and impartial jurist speaks for itself.”

Judge Hovland was nominated for appointment as a federal district court judge by President George W. Bush in June 2002, and he was confirmed by the Senate in November 2002. He served as Chief Judge for the District of North Dakota from 2002-2009 and again from 2016 until 2019. Judge Hovland took Senior status in November 2019, and he continues to carry a full caseload while serving as a Senior Judge.

U.S. District Court to hold naturalization ceremonies

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 08:40:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Louise S. Barry
Auditorium in NDSU’s Barry Hall, 811 Second Avenue North.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the 9 a.m. ceremony, and U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Shon Hastings will preside over the 11 a.m. ceremony.

Dr. Tom Isern, a history professor at NDSU, will speak at both ceremonies. The ceremonies are open to the public.

U.S. District Court hosts civics event

Wed, 24 May 2023 08:40:00 GMT

More than 30 students from Sheyenne High School’s AP Government class participated in a civics education event hosted by the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota on May 16 at the federal district
court in Fargo.

Students learned about civil discourse and participated in a courtroom simulation jury trial, assuming the roles of attorneys and jurors.

U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph R. Erickson and U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal presided over the courtroom simulations, and local attorneys acted as coaches.

U.S. District Court to host civics event

Fri, 12 May 2023 08:40:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces that students from Sheyenne High School will be participating in a civics education event on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the federal district court in Fargo, 655 1st Avenue North.

Students will learn about civil discourse and will participate in a courtroom simulation jury trial, assuming the roles of attorneys and jurors.

U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph R. Erickson and U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the courtroom simulations, and 10 local attorneys will act as coaches. Thirty-six students from the school’s AP Government class are expected to participate.