distraction, direct communication, defusing, or delaying techniques. Please remember to take opportunities this year to attend the CLE meetings and make additional connections with each other while there.
The question of the month: “Does anyone read the President’s Corner?” Here’s my challenge to all of you who have made it this far: Take a few moments to divert your attention (yes right now) to send an email or a text to another attorney or Judge to let that person know you are thinking about that person and/or send a word of encouragement to that person. I am quite sure that any of you that are still reading this message will remember that in the Spring of 2021, I sent a letter communicating that if elected I would strive to promote “Caring & Connection.” I truly believe we need to care for each other to get us to connect, and to get us to connect with each other we must care for one another.
This month, through my “Public Sector Spotlight” in my President’s Message, I would like to highlight David Wiest. David graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1986. Shortly thereafter, he joined the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and was assigned to the South Dakota Department of Revenue. During his time as an attorney for both offices, he litigated cases that continue to impact tax administration in this State. In 2007, David was appointed to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Revenue. Since joining the Department of Revenue in 1990, David has steered the Department through significant change, all while continuing to be an advocate for attorney issues, a mentor for the attorneys and employees of the Department, and a significant source of institutional knowledge. David’s leadership and dedication has been exemplary. His mentorship has been inspiring. David embodies the spirit of public service and it is no surprise that he was recognized as the first ever Public Sector Attorney of the Year. As so eloquently stated by Sherri Wald, “the State of South Dakota is very blessed to have an attorney the caliber of David.” I’d like to thank David for all he’s done for the State of
So two highlights on connection and caring this month: What an amazing State Bar Meeting in Rapid City June 22-24, 2022. More than 544 registered, and countless hours of connecting with each other and learning from our speakers were had. A huge thank you to our State Bar staff for making it a wonderful meeting and to our State Bar Attorneys for volunteering your time to teach us (even in those early morning to late afternoon hours). The presentation by our Keynote Speaker (Malcom “Chap” Chapman) on civility provided meaningful suggestions on listening with real interest and respecting each other even with our differences. The bystander involvement training from Dr. Lynn Bowes-Sperry equipped each of us to step up and get involved where we see or learn of sexually harassing behavior through delegation, 4
