President’s Corner

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Jackrabbit Bar in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Although I had heard of the Jackrabbit Bar, I knew very little about it before attending my first meeting.

The Jackrabbit Bar is an association of the Bars of the Northwestern Plains and Mountains and includes the states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Utah, North Dakota, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico. The Jackrabbit Bar is in its twenty-fifth year and grew out of a need for leaders of bars with common concerns to share their spirit with each other.

The Jackrabbit Bar meets annually at different sites. South Dakota has hosted the Jackrabbit Bar many times and is scheduled to do so again in June, 2022.

Membership in the Jackrabbit Bar is extended to members of the governing boards, officers and bar executives of the various states. Although the State Bars leadership and management have changed over the years, the goals of the Jackrabbit Bar remain the same and are as follows: (1) to promote the objects and purposes of their respective associations; (2) to provide a forum for the mutual interchange of ideas; (3) to stimulate the work of the respective associations; and (4) to develop a cordial relationship and a spirit of unity and common understanding among the respective Bar Associations of the Northwestern Plains and Mountains for the benefit of the public and the profession. South Dakota is well known for its support of the Jackrabbit Bar and the number of attendees at the annual meetings. This year was no exception as Andy Fergel, President- Elect Lisa Marso, and Past Bar Presidents Dave Gienapp, Bob Hayes and Dick Travis attended the meeting.

The State Bar Associations that make up the Jackrabbit Bar are mandatory bars of similar size (with the exception of Nevada and Utah). The leadership of these Bars face common issues, topics and controversies so the exchange of information and ideas among them is extremely helpful. As a first time attendee, I was immediately impressed by the warm welcome I received and the collegiality among those in attendance. I look forward to hosting the Jackrabbit Bar in South Dakota next year.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Great Lakes Bar Social in August held at Tom Sannes’ cabin on Pickerel Lake. Andy Fergel attended the social and reported it was a great event. I did, however, attend the Watertown Area Barristers’ Social at the home of Lee and Donna Schoenbeck. I was joined by Chief Justice Steve Jensen, retired Chief Justice Dave Gilbertson, Justice Scott Myren, Dean Neil Fulton and Andy Fergel. It was great to meet many of the Watertown area lawyers and thanks to Lee and Donna for hosting a great event.

The roll out of the Bar’s new website and member hub

last month was a huge success despite a few glitches along the way. Many thanks to Andy, Nicole, Tracie, Beth and Kylee for their hard work on this project. If you have not checked out the new website I would encourage you to do so as it offer many new features.

October means Dakota Days, Hobo Day, the opening of pheasant season, baseball playoffs and the start of the World Series. The UJS Judicial Conference is Oct 13- 15 in Chamberlain and the Statewide Swearing-In of new admittees to the Bar will take place in the Capitol Rotunda on October 22. Finally, the unveiling of Justice David Gilbertson’s portrait is scheduled for October 29 at the State Capitol. I hope to see many of you at these upcoming events.

October 22, 2021 3:00PM CST

CAPITOL ROTUNDA PIERRE SD

Reception to follow at Capitol Lake Visitor Center