Students, faculty, and staff honored

The UND School of Law held its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 16 in the VandeWalle Courtroom. Several students, faculty, and staff received awards that honored recipients for academics, leadership, teaching, advising, achievement, service, and excellence throughout the 2024-2025 academic year.

Student Awards

Eighth Circuit Distinguished Bankruptcy Law Student – Katelyn Heley, 3L

Professor Alexandra Sickler and Katelyn Heley

Awarded by the American College of Bankruptcy for academic excellence, professional accomplishments in bankruptcy, or restructuring-related courses and other endeavors while enrolled in school that relate to insolvency issues, a passion for, or intent to practice in, the restructuring and insolvency area, and commitment to public service and pro bono efforts.

Nominated by Professor Alexandra Sickler, Heley is the first UND Law student to win the award.  She is committed to becoming a leader in North Dakota in the field of bankruptcy, specializing in serving farmers and agricultural businesses through multiple avenues: providing legal counsel, conducting research, publishing articles, and advocating for solutions.

Heley was presented with the award at the American College of Bankruptcy Induction Ceremony and Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. and recognized at the UND School of Law Awards Ceremony by Professor Sickler.

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Clinic Student – Jonathan (JP) Ely, 3L

Awarded for excellence in the field work and seminar components in a clinic course and the contributions made to the clinical community at the law school.

Assistant Professor Ariana Meyers and Jonathan (JP) Ely

 

Jack Marcil Advocacy Scholarship – Seth Desrocher, 3L and Leon Walter, 3L

Awarded to third-year students who demonstrate professionalism, skill, knowledge, and ability in the area of trial and appellant advocacy.

Assistant Dean Brad Parrish, Seth Desrocher, Jack Marcil
Assistant Dean Brad Parrish, Leon Walter, and Jack Marcil

 

Jack Marcil General Practice Scholarship – Bridget Grathwohl, 3L

Awarded to second- or third-year student(s) who are in financial need and will demonstrate professionalism, skill, knowledge, and ability in the general practice of law.

 

Jack Marcil Alternative Dispute Resolution Scholarship – Samantha Ledahl, 2L

Awarded to a top student in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Class.

Assistant Dean Brad Parrish, Samantha Ledahl, Jack Marcil

 

Outstanding Law Student Leader – Joseph Banash, 3L

Selected by a vote of students, faculty, and staff, the annual award recognizes one student who has gone above and beyond as a leader in a student organization, class, community, or a combination.

Joseph Banash and Assistant Dean Brad Parrish

 

Outstanding Law Student Organization – Law Women’s Caucus

Selected by a vote of students, faculty, and staff, this award is given to a registered UND School of Law student organization that has made a significant and positive impact on the University of North Dakota Campus and the local legal community during the academic year by providing opportunities to engage, learn, and lead. Organization members shall demonstrate professionalism, the ability to work as a team, and show leadership.

Madison Schoenberg, Cynthia Wences-Nunez, and Assistant Dean Brad Parrish

Faculty and Staff Awards

Outstanding Law Advisor Award – Denitsa Mavrova Heinrich, Rodney & Betty Webb Associate Professor of Law

Selected by a vote of students, faculty, and staff, this award is presented to a law advisor that has excelled at advising and/or mentoring a student group this academic year. The recipient demonstrates strong advising skills, is readily available to students, and takes great strides to help the group’s leaders.

 

Staff Excellence Award – Brad Parrish, Assistant Dean for Student Services

Awarded to a full-time staff member in recognition of going above and beyond in support of faculty, staff, students, or the law school.

Associate Dean Bradley Myers and Assistant Dean Brad Parrish

 

Webb Faculty Achievement Award – Nikola Datzov, Associate Professor of Law

Awarded to a full-time faculty member in recognition of outstanding scholarship in the legal field.

Associate Dean Bradley Myers, Associate Professor Nikola Datzov, Judge Wade Webb

Randy H. Lee Faculty Teaching Award – Alexandra Sickler, Archie Unterseher Professor of Law

Awarded to a full-time faculty member in recognition of outstanding teaching.

Associate Dean Bradley Myers and Professor Alexandra Sickler

 

Randy H. Lee Faculty Service Award – Michael McGinniss, Professor of Law & J. Philip Johnson Faculty Fellow

Awarded to a full-time faculty member who has provided outstanding service to UND School of Law and the legal profession.

Associate Dean Bradley Myers and Professor Michael McGinniss

 

Outstanding Service to UND School of Law – David Haberman, Head of Student Services, Thormodsgard Law Library

In recognition of 25 years of outstanding service to the University of North Dakota School of Law.

 

The ceremony concluded with a special recognition of the the Jurist-in-Law program, the Webb family, and a reveal of the Jurist-in-Residence display outside of the VandeWalle Courtroom.

Dean Brian Pappas and Judge Wade Webb in front of the Jurist-in-Residence display wall.