UND Law Orientation

• brooke.benner@UND.edu
• Aviation Safety & Operations, UND
• Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
• Law Extracurriculars: Air & Space Law Society (President; Law Women's Caucus, Federalist Society; Lawyering Skills (Teaching Assistant)

I came to UND Law because … this law school could offer me a harmoniously tight-knit community that I knew other larger schools would not be able to provide. I sought a law school experience that fostered growth through a more intimate, supportive environment with staff and faculty who are always willing to address any questions or concerns students may have. Additionally, as someone with a heavy Aviation background, I wished to attend a law school that offered unique opportunities to further my Aviation knowledge and was further persuaded by the Aviation Law Certificate UND Law offers.

I would like to tell the incoming students … A combination of confidence and discipline is key to being successful in law school. Many first-year students suffer from Imposter Syndrome, but I would encourage you to remember this: if you did not have a place in law school, you wouldn’t have been accepted. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Create schedules and regimes that maximize your study time, while also leaving a block of time every day to yourself. Furthermore, make your health and wellness a priority if it isn’t already! It will be easy to slack off on taking care of yourself through this adjustment period, but remind yourself that your physical and mental health is vital to your academic success.

• lydia.berquist@UND.edu
• Criminal Justice and Sociology, UND
• Hometown: Watford City, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus; Rural Practice Association

I came to UND Law because… It was the only law school in ND, and I wanted to stay

I would like to tell the incoming students… about Imposter syndrome, the professors, what to expect from the courses, and the many fun things that can come out of being in law school.

• monica.birdbear@UND.edu
• Psychology with a minor in Visual Art, UND
• Hometown: New Town, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Review; Native American Law Student Association (President)

I came to UND Law because … I wanted to learn more about how the law intersects with political ideology with an interest in Indian Law.

I would like to tell the incoming students… No one you meet is more qualified than you nor is anyone more deserving than you. Many of the people you will meet will have different experiences or accolades, but that does not mean you are less-qualified or less-deserving of a place at UND Law. It is easy to give into the comparison game, but you will be a better student and overall better legal professional if you focus on doing what works best for you and surrounding yourself with people with similar goals. One of the more important decisions you can make in law school, in my opinion, is who you study with and who you spend your free time with. The environment you grow in as a law student makes a HUGE difference in your mental health and overall success. I made a wonderful group of supportive and hard-working friends with similar goals during my 1L year, and I am a firm believer that if I hadn’t, my experience at UND Law wouldn’t be as great as it is now. You got this! And if you feel like you don’t, just remember that if you’re struggling there is a good chance that others are too!

• elise.christy@UND.edu
• Theatre Arts, UND
• Hometown: Grand Forks, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: UND Law Mentorship Program (President); Law Women's Caucus; Air & Space Law Society

I came to UND Law because … I love the community at UND Law! Classmates feel more like colleagues than competition. I also grew up in Grand Forks and wanted to stay close to home for law school.

I would like to tell the incoming students… You’ve got this! Law school is hard, but if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll do great. And make sure you take time for yourself. It’s easy to get completely immersed in school but it’s absolutely worth it to find something outside school that helps keep you grounded.

• tyanne.crotty@UND.edu
• Criminal Justice, UND
• Hometown: Pembina, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Criminal Law Association; Law Women's Caucus; Student Trial Lawyers Association

I came to UND Law because… I fell in love with the sense of community and family that is felt within the law school. All you have to do is plug in, and you will find your people and all the resources you need to succeed.

I would like to tell the incoming students… Welcome to the most eye-opening experience of your life, you will discover yourself in more ways than you expect! You will learn more about your limits than you thought possible and you will achieve amazing things.

• elisabeth.drewlo@UND.edu
• Forensic Psychology, Grand Canyon University
• Hometown: Duluth, MN
• Law Extracurriculars: Criminal Law Association (Treasurer); UND Law Mentorship Program (Treasurer); Black Law Students Association (Treasurer); Lawyering Skills (Teaching Assistant); Research Assistant; Jessup Cup Moot Court Team

I came to UND Law because… When I toured UND law, there was an unparalleled sense of community that I didn’t encounter when I toured other law schools I was accepted at. You develop personal relationships and a good rapport with the faculty and members of your cohort, which is indispensable during law school. I decided to matriculate at UND Law because I felt that the opportunities were boundless and the class sizes are ideal for meaningful learning.

I would like to tell the incoming students… First and foremost, you belong here. Imposter syndrome is not atypical but always remember how hard you worked to get to this point. Second, comparison is the thief of joy—do not compare yourself to how you perceive others’ experiences. Chances are, they feel the same way you do. Third, be willing to learn. You are not expected to know everything. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Make sure you embrace every challenge and go to office hours. Law school, especially 1L, can be daunting, but there is value in perseverance and there are countless faculty members and current 2Ls and 3Ls who are excellent resources and have a desire to assist. You are going to do great!

• blair.dzierwa@UND.edu
• Pre-Law Political Science, Michigan State University; Associate's Degree, Northwestern Michigan College
• Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan
• Law Extracurriculars: UND Law Hockey Team; Sports Law Student Association; Malpractice Bowl

I came to UND Law because… I toured UND Law in Spring 2024 before I began my first year of law school last fall, in August 2024. During my tour, I knew that UND would be the perfect fit for me because of the supportive, down-to-earth, and helpful community established at the Law School. In addition, the law school promotes a collaborative environment which is essential when earning a professional doctoral degree.

I would like to tell the incoming students… I would like to tell incoming students to stay the course even when things get tough! Do not neglect the little tasks, such as asking a professor a question after class, double-checking a citation, or re-reading a rule for Torts. These little tasks will pay off and you will bear the fruits of your labor in the long run.

I would also recommend meeting with professors outside of the classroom during scheduled office hours. This extra effort will likely clear any confusion and talking through subjects will help you to better understand the law.

Lastly, I would tell an incoming student to always keep a positive attitude, be kind to your classmates, and lend them a helping hand because you never know when you may need one. Stay the course and never give up! “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

• kylie.hartje@UND.edu
• Pre-Law Philosophy, UND
• Hometown: Grafton, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus; Student Trial Lawyers Association

I came to UND Law because … I was born and raised in rural North Dakota, and I knew I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in. There is no better school to prepare you for law practice in rural ND!

I would like to tell the incoming students … Getting into and being in law school seems so scary, but it is a worthwhile experience that you won’t regret. Find a good friend group and figure out how you learn and study best, and you’ll all be just fine!

• janessa.s.hensrud@UND.edu
• English, UND; Latin & Greek Classics, UND
• Hometown: Northwood, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Criminal Law Association; Law Women's Caucus; Native American Law Students Association; Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Team; Student Trial Lawyers Association

I came to UND Law because … Before law school, I worked in the Clerk of Court’s office. I clerked hearings and spoke with defendants, victims, people going through divorce and restraining orders, etc. Though I loved my job, I felt like there was more for me. I love to learn and be challenged, so UND Law was the next step for me! Plus, I’m from around here and adore Grand Forks.

I would like to tell the incoming students … Congratulations! I can’t wait to meet you all. By May 2026, you will be shocked at how far you’ve come and how much you’ve learned. In my first week at my 1L summer internship, my supervising attorney asked me to explain my three strengths that will help me be a good lawyer, and one weakness. I thought I was in the clear for any interview-type questions by this point, so I stuttered my way through an answer. So my advice to you is, keep your strengths that’ll help you in school, in networking, in law, in the back of your mind this year and use them to your advantage. If your class is anything like mine, things will start to click mid/end-October. By that point, you have to go back and “re-learn” the first half of the semester. Make that part as easy on yourself as possible by giving it your all in August! Let’s get out there and do the dang thing!

• kaniah.jackson@UND.edu
• Human Development & Family Studies with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development; Minor in Spanish, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Master of Legal Studies, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law - Arizona State University
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
• Law Extracurriculars: Black Law Students Association; Multicultural Law Students Association; Law Women's Caucus; Student Trial Lawyers Association; Student Bar Association; International Human Rights Organization

I came to UND Law because… I am making my lifelong dream of becoming an attorney a reality. I have made many sacrifices to be here and I am looking forward to what UND Law will help me achieve.

I would like to tell the incoming students… Fight the urge to compare yourself to the next person – this journey is what YOU make of it. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions. Be kind to everyone. When things get hard, remember why you’re here.

• reed.johnson.1@UND.edu
• Philosophy, United States Military Academy at West Point
• Hometown: Dickinson, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: UND Law Fine Arts Forum

I came to UND Law because… I wanted to come back to North Dakota after service in the Army. There is an incredible amount of opportunity here for those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and put in the work.

I would like to tell the incoming students… Do not get discouraged or define yourself by your grades. Prioritize relationships and make memories with your class. The law school decided you deserve to be here, so act like it!

• Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies, UND 3+3 Program)
• Hometown: Grenora, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Rural Practice Association (President); Agricultural Law Association; Law Women's Caucus; Themis Bar Prep (Student Representative)

I came to UND Law because… It is the only law school in my home state (ND), which is also where I plan to practice post-grad. The tuition is affordable, and the community is tight knit. The opportunities provided by an education at UND Law are endless and I have achieved so much more than I ever thought was possible at this school because of these endless opportunities.

I would like to tell the incoming students… Take your first year of law school one day at a time. You’re going to have good days, but you will also have days where you feel like a zombie just going through the motions and leaving class wondering what the heck just happened. Trust the process, remember to take care of yourself during times of distress, and ask for help when you need it. And most importantly: READ!!! I don’t think I read more than like 75 pages during my entire time in undergrad, but law school is a totally different animal. The best way to avoid falling behind and ensuring success is to do your readings before every class as thoroughly as you can. It’s going to feel cumbersome, and you will get sick of it, but by final exam season, you will feel ready to crush your exams and your future self will thank you for putting in the work early.

• Psychology, Creighton University
• Hometown: Fargo, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Rural Practice Association, Agricultural Law Association

I came to UND Law because… North Dakota is my home. I loved growing up here and getting my undergraduate degree in another state made me that much more grateful and proud to be from North Dakota. UND Law produces so many of the state’s top legal professionals, and I want to be one of the next (along with my classmates) to join that illustrious group.

I would like to tell the incoming students… Getting cold called in class is not as scary as it sounds. You will be just fine!

• karley.mcleod@UND.edu
• Political Science, UND
• Hometown: Neche, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus; Criminal Law Association; Moot Court; Moot Court Board; Teaching Assistant

I came to UND Law because… I wanted a more personal experience for my law degree, and it was closer to home and my support system.

I would like to tell the incoming students… You may be overwhelmed and feel out of place, but I promise everyone else is feeling the same way even if it doesn’t seem like it. It also is SUCH a rewarding experience, and you are more capable than you think.

• raganne.ritterman@UND.edu
• Criminal Justice, UND
• Hometown: Leeds, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus; Canadian Law Student Society; Technology Law Students Association

I came to UND Law because… I came to UND Law because it’s close to home and I was drawn to its strong sense of community, commitment to practical legal education, and its reputation for producing practice-ready attorneys. The small class sizes and readily available faculty create an environment where I can truly engage with the material and grow as a future legal professional.

I would like to tell the incoming students… I would like to tell incoming law students that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Law school is a challenging journey, but it’s also a time for growth, self-discovery, and building lifelong relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lean on your fellow law students and the faculty, and seek help when you need it. You’re not alone on this journey.

• madison.schoenberg@UND.edu
• Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and Legal Studies, UND 3+3 Program
• Hometown: West Fargo, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus (President); Student Trial Lawyers Association (President); Criminal Law Association; 1L Mock Trial Team; Moot Court; Carrigan Cup; Trial Team

I came to UND Law because… I chose UND School of Law because of its smaller class sizes, which foster a close-knit learning environment and allow for strong, personal relationships with faculty and staff. I was also drawn to the law school's emphasis on hands-on learning. Through the various practical experiences offered — both in and out of the classroom — I’ve gained real-world courtroom exposure and built meaningful connections within the legal community.

I would like to tell the incoming students… I would encourage incoming students to take full advantage of all the opportunities UND Law has to offer. Three years may sound like a long time, but law school truly flies by. The more you get involved — whether through student organizations, competitions, internships, or networking events — the more prepared and confident you’ll feel when it’s time to begin your legal career.

Law school is demanding, but it's also incredibly rewarding. When you fully commit yourself and embrace the challenges, you’ll find it to be not only a period of intense growth, but also one of the most meaningful and enjoyable experiences of your life. It’s not easy — but it’s absolutely worth it.

• sydnee.spivey@UND.edu
• Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, UND
• Hometown: Grand Forks, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Law Women's Caucus; Business Law Association; Criminal Law Association; Student Trial Lawyers Association

I came to UND Law because… I have always had a passion to make a difference and help people who need it most. I have always been interested in being a lawyer, and UND law really stood out to me. It is such a close-knit community, and the professors are all very kind and encouraging. I also grew up in Grand Forks and loved UND during my undergrad, so it just felt right.

I would like to tell the incoming students… To do your best and be kind! Law school can be intimidating, but everyone is figuring it out each day. Be kind to everyone and make strong connections with your peers! Always remember to reach out to others if you are struggling. Lastly, have fun!

• cole.walth@UND.edu
• Financ, North Dakota State University
• Hometown: Bismarck, ND
• Law Extracurriculars: Business Law Association; Sports Law Student Association; Energy Law Association

I came to UND Law because… Grand Forks is very close to my hometown, which is great because I am extremely close to my family. I am passionate about helping people and receiving a strong education which the University of North Dakota is more than capable of providing for both. Small class sizes were appealing to me as well because the professors get to know each student on a first-name basis.

I would like to tell the incoming students… It’s not as scary as it seems! The first day can feel overwhelming (I remember it vividly), but the professors and law school staff are incredibly welcoming. If you can, try to attend all the orientation events—it's a great way to start building relationships with both your classmates and professors. I met some of my closest friends during those first few weeks of class!