MINOT – Just as individuals may need an attorney, many cities hire one to make sure everything is up to code.
Stephanie Stalheim became the Minot City Attorney last November.
“It’s been a dead sprint,” said Stalheim. “We’re down one attorney in the office.”
The City Attorney office consists of the City attorney, the assistant City attorney, currently Nick Schmitz, and a staff attorney position to maintain the criminal portfolio, a position which is currently empty. Stalheim said the position is open to anyone licensed to practice law in the state of North Dakota. People can apply for the position here.
Stalheim said her job includes anything that the City Council wants her to look into.
“Researching projects, helping at City Council meetings if they have questions,” said Stalheim. “If they have an ordinance they want to have amended, or if they have an idea they want to implement, sometimes they’ll put it on our radar and we’ll let them know if there’s any legal issues with it, if there’s different routes they can take to achieve their end goal.”
Stalheim began as the assistant City attorney in 2015 prior to being appointed City attorney. She went to the University of North Dakota.
Stalheim grew up in Mohall on a family farm. She worked as a private attorney for Olson & Burns law firm, as well as the oil field during the oil boom. She has worked in Idaho as well.
“North Dakota’s home,” said Stalheim. “Minot was always where the target was, so we were always coming here. My mom lives here in town now, and I have two sisters in Bismarck. My husband and kids all live here.”
Stalheim said on the side she is pursuing her master gardener certification through the extension center.
“That’s going to absorb a lot of time this summer,” said Stalheim. “I just had a baby a while ago.”
Stalheim said her schedule is quite full between her three kids, including her baby, and her job.
More information on the City attorney’s office can be found here.
