Latest News

Public Notice: Reappointment of Incumbent U.S. Magistrate Judge

Wed, 8 Jul 2026 16:25:00 GMT

Public Notice: Reappointment of Incumbent U.S. Magistrate Judge

The current term of Clare R. Hochhalter, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of North Dakota, is set to expire on February 7, 2027. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider Judge Hochhalter’s reappointment to a new eight-year term. The duties of a Magistrate Judge include: (1) conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) conducting trials and disposing of misdemeanor criminal cases; (3) conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings in civil and criminal cases when delegated by a district judge; and (4) conducting trials and disposing of civil cases upon consent of the parties. The court invites comments from members of the bar and the public regarding whether the panel should recommend Judge Hochhalter for reappointment. Written comments should be directed to: Kari Knudson, Clerk of Court, U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, P.O. Box 1193, Bismarck, ND 58502-1193 or ndd_public@ndd.uscourts.gov Comments must be received by July 31, 2026.

For more information, click HERE

U.S. District Court - Civic Essay Contest Winners

Wed, 1 Jul 2026 17:59:00 GMT

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the U.S. District Court for the District of North
Dakota held an essay contest for North Dakota students in grades 6–12. Organized by the court's
Federal Practice Committee’s Civic Engagement Subcommittee, the contest invited students to submit
an essay answering a state-specific or national prompt.

The court is proud to announce the winners:
• Middle School: Jake Hausmann (North Star School, Cando)
• High School: Fatima Diaby (Sheyenne High School, West Fargo)

Each winner will receive a $250 prize and an invitation to visit their local federal courthouse. In
addition, the winning essays will be published in The Gavel, the oﬃcial magazine of the State
Bar Association of North Dakota.

Press Release from U.S. District Court - Updated CJA Plan

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 14:56:00 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.

Click HERE for more information.

Spotlight Interview: Tony J. Weiler

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:37:00 GMT

Spotlight Interview: Tony J. Weiler, Executive Director of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, featured by The Juris Education Interview Team.
Insights on mental health, managing stress, as well as available resources to support aspiring and current law students.

See the full interview HERE.

Changes to ND CLE Policies

Thu, 5 Dec 2024 21:14:00 GMT

Dear SBAND Members:

At the request of the North Dakota Continuing Legal Education Commission, and approved by the State Bar Association Board of Governors, the North Dakota Supreme Court amended North Dakota Rules for Continuing Legal Education 3(a) to REDUCE the number of required CLE hours for attorneys licensed in North Dakota from 45 hours every three years to 36 hours every three years. The new rule is effective December 1, 2024. Attorneys will still need to earn at least 3 hours every reporting period “in an area of ethics or coursework commonly considered professional responsibility.” The Court also amended Rule 3(c) to increase the Report of Compliance fee to $50. This is the first time this fee has been increased in at least 25 years, and the additional funds will be used to continue to provide free and low-cost CLE programming, and to improve our CLE reporting system.

In response to this amendment, the North Dakota Commission for Continuing Legal Education has amended CLE Policy 1.15 to REDUCE the number of self-study hours allowed from 30 hours to 24 hours. Additionally, CLE Policy 4.4 was amended to REDUCE the number of carry-over hours allowed from 15 hours to 12 hours. Please see the SBAND website for the amended CLE policies.

These changes will apply to Reporting Group 2, who reports in 2025.

Thank you,

Tony J. Weiler
Executive Director

SBAND Section Fees and Donations

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:25:00 GMT

Dear SBAND Members:

Most of you have received your license renewal from the State Board of Law Examiners. You will note that for the first time, you are not able to pay your Section Fees. You CAN, however, still pay for your 2025 section fees on the SBAND website by following the link below and clicking the “2025” button. We know you value Section membership, and we are always looking for ways to make them better. Your involvement helps! Please note that you cannot pay for more than one member at a time. You will need to join sections individually.

Join Sections Now for 2025 - State Bar Association of North Dakota

Also, we appreciate your donations to Legal Services of ND (LSND), the Pro Bono Fund, and the ND Bar Foundation. You can make your donations at the “Donations” hyper link found below. Your Foundation has donated $265,000 to worthwhile North Dakota entities over the last 4 years. This money is making an impact in our state, and we hope you will continue to be a donor if you have in the past or donate now if you can. We also continue to have a strong relationship with LSND. They are vital in our access to justice efforts, and we are looking at even more ways to help North Dakota citizens who need help but lack the means to pay for private legal services. We need your help!

Donations - This includes Legal Services of ND , the Pro Bono Fund, and the ND Bar Foundation

Thank you for supporting our Bar.

Best regards,

Tony J. Weiler
Executive Director