UND Law Alumni named as Finalists to fill South Central Judicial District Vacancy

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

7-22-2014

Campus Unit

School of Law

Abstract

Four lawyers have been named as finalists to fill the South Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald L. Jorgensen.

The finalists named by the Judicial Nominating Committee are Steven Balaban, Brian Grosinger, James Hill and Paul Myerchin.

Nine lawyers applied for the position after a second call for applicants was made May 27. Governor Jack Dalrymple now has thirty days to make a selection from the committee's list of nominees or he can ask for another list or call an election.

Under Article 6, § 13, of the North Dakota Constitution the person appointed "shall continue in the position until the next general election immediately following the service of at least two years."

Steve Balaban is an attorney in a solo practice in Bismarck. The main focus of his practice is providing criminal defense to indigents and juveniles. A 1994 University of North Dakota School of Law graduate, he also practices in family law, Indian law and discrimination law. Prior to law school, he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry and worked in the sciences.

Brian Grosinger has been Morton County Assistant State's Attorney since 1988. He is primarily responsible for criminal prosecution, sex offender and mental health commitments, and advising the county commission and county departments. A 1987 graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law, he also serves as a criminal law instructor at the North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy.

James Hill has been a trial attorney in private practice in Bismarck since 1981. A 1974 University of North Dakota School of Law graduate, he previously served for 5 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has been the representative of the State Bar Association to the American Bar Association House of Delegates since 1994 and recently completed a term on the ABA Board of Governors.

Paul Myerchin is an attorney in private practice in Bismarck with 16 years of experience representing clients in approximately 75 jury or bench trials involving criminal and civil actions. A 1997 University of North Dakota School of Law graduate, he served as a judicial clerk with the South Central Judicial District after graduation. He is an active volunteer in legal organizations and has assumed various public service roles.

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