NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Law recently held a special event to celebrate 120 years since the graduation of Helen Hamilton, the institution's first female law graduate. The event, hosted by the Law Women’s Caucus, took place on March 28 and attracted students, faculty, and alumni to the VanderWalle Courtroom. This year’s theme, “Expanding the Circle,” focused on the evolving role of women in law and their impact across various sectors.

Helen Hamilton holds a significant place in history as the first woman to graduate from UND School of Law, the first woman admitted to the North Dakota Bar, and the first woman to apply for membership in the American Bar Association. The Law Women’s Caucus honors her legacy each year with a symposium that invites women in law to share their experiences.

Lily Burnside, a second-year student and event coordinator, emphasized the progress made since Hamilton's time. “Helen Hamilton was the only woman in her class when she graduated in 1905. Today, my class is over 50% women,” Burnside noted, highlighting the advancements in gender diversity in the legal field.

The day concluded with a panel titled “Expanding the Circle in the Boardroom,” moderated by UND Law alumna Taylor Kuznia. Panelists included Michelle Donarski of ABST Law, Stacey Dahl from Minnkota Power, and Cassie Scheving of ICON Architects, each sharing insights on using legal expertise beyond traditional settings. “Legal expertise is invaluable beyond the courtroom, especially in shaping the policies, strategies and ethics that guide organizations,” Kuznia stated.

The panelists discussed challenges and successes in their careers, emphasizing perseverance. Donarski recounted her journey from trial lawyer to corporate counsel, sharing, “I was the dumbest smart kid at UND Law. But I worked hard, and now I get to make real impact advising clients in the boardroom.”

Stacey Dahl described curiosity as the catalyst for her leadership development. “It started with, ‘Can I sit in on this meeting?’ That turned into leading a multiyear carbon capture project,” she said. Cassie Scheving addressed the obstacles of working in male-dominated environments, focusing on her contributions rather than challenges.

Work-life balance was another topic of discussion, with Scheving sharing her strategy of preserving personal time. “You can’t control everything, but you can protect something. For me, it’s my daily gym hour — that’s my time,” she explained. Donarski advised patience, saying, “Balance comes later. Early on, throw yourself into learning.”

Mentorship was highlighted as crucial to personal and professional development. “Mentors are everywhere — professors, classmates, attorneys,” Donarski advised. Scheving echoed the importance of mentorship, expressing joy in helping others navigate their careers.

Reflecting on the event, Burnside valued the showcase of successful graduates, saying, “One of the reasons I was excited about the boardroom panel is because it shows UND Law grads having incredible success.” The event concluded with the panelists encouraging students to overcome initial insecurities. “If you’re here at UND Law, you’re smart. You belong,” Dahl affirmed, sharing advice to "fake it" until one gains confidence.