L
ast 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.
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 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 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 The Jackrabbit Bar meets annually at different sites. immediately impressed by the warm welcome I received South Dakota has hosted the Jackrabbit Bar many times and the collegiality among those in attendance. I look and is scheduled to do so again in June, 2022. forward to hosting the Jackrabbit Bar in South Dakota next year. Membership in the Jackrabbit Bar is extended to members of the governing boards, officers and bar Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Great Lakes Bar executives of the various states. Although the State Social in August held at Tom Sannes’ cabin on Pickerel Bars leadership and management have changed over Lake. Andy Fergel attended the social and reported it the years, the goals of the Jackrabbit Bar remain the was a great event. I did, however, attend the Watertown same and are as follows: (1) to promote the objects and Area Barristers’ Social at the home of Lee and Donna purposes of their respective associations; (2) to provide Schoenbeck. I was joined by Chief Justice Steve Jensen, a forum for the mutual interchange of ideas; (3) to retired Chief Justice Dave Gilbertson, Justice Scott stimulate the work of the respective associations; and Myren, Dean Neil Fulton and Andy Fergel. It was great (4) to develop a cordial relationship and a spirit of unity to meet many of the Watertown area lawyers and thanks and common understanding among the respective Bar to Lee and Donna for hosting a great event. Associations of the Northwestern Plains and Mountains for the benefit of the public and the profession. The roll out of the Bar’s new website and member hub
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