Students Published in The Gavel

Sarah Aaberg and Ashley Hinds, students at the University of North Dakota School of Law, have each published an article in the Fall issue of The Gavel, the official publication of the State Bar Association of North Dakota.  The theme for the Fall issue centered around the upcoming legislative session.

Aaberg’s article, found on page 9, contributed to this theme by discussing the legislative internship program at the School of Law. For several decades the UND School of Law has participated in this unique program. In January, 11 UND Law students will pack up and move to Bismarck, N.D. to spend the semester working with the 65th session of the North Dakota Legislature while earning up to 12 academic credits. In her article Aaberg describes the practical experience each student will receive by working with the Legislative Council and individual legislative committees through meetings, attending legislative hearings, drafting legislative documents and conducting research on the impact of proposed legislation.

In her third-year at UND Law, Aaberg is from Starbuck, Minnesota. She currently serves as the Technical Editor for the North Dakota Law Review and is the Helen Hamilton Day coordinator for the Law Women's Caucus.  Aaberg earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from the University of North Dakota. She is interested in working in private practice after graduation.

In her article, found on page 10, Hinds discusses the increasing reliance on social media platforms for both legislators and constituents to broadcast their message and to have their voices heard. She wrote that social media sites facilitate a quick and easy way for North Dakota’s legislators to communicate ideas and invite comments and questions from voters.  Social media also eliminates the geographical barriers for their constituents. The article highlights a 2010 study by the Congressional Research Service and includes comments from North Dakota legislators on their specific use of social media.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hinds is completing her third year of law school.  She currently serves as a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, the Canadian Law Student Society and the International Human Rights Organization. She also serves as a coach for the Phi Alpha Delta 1L Mock Trial Team.  Hinds earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Manitoba. 

To read both full length articles, click here. The Fall issue of The Gavel also features an article by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Bradley Myers on the revamped curriculum at the School of Law.