Attorneys

ATTORNEYS Richard A. McKennett Mark L. Stenehjem Laurel J. Forsberg David T. Hermanson Valeska A. Hermanson Wyatt Voll

STAFF Ronda Hamers Leah Peterson Becky Wahlstrom Lori Foldesi Tammy LaCrosse Beryl Thorson Annette Oved Shantel Cote

Attorneys

Richard A. McKennett has been practicing law in northwestern North Dakota since 1969 after graduating at the top of his class at the University of North Dakota School of Law. In his early career, he worked in the litigation area taking many cases to trial. Dick decided to focus on his skills in commercial law, banking, real estate, probate and estate planning and has represented thousands of people and businesses in these areas over the past thirty years.

Widely respected for his knowledge of the law, he has presented many seminars on estate planning. Equally respected as an ambassador of his community and home state of North Dakota, Dick has served on many local and state boards focused on economic development as well as organizations focused on education. He has been admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota and all state courts in North Dakota.

Mark L. Stenehjem has been practicing in North Dakota and Montana since 1974. He is a graduate of Concordia College and the University of Montana School of Law where his performance as a student earned him a clerkship with Chief Justice Ralph Erickstad of the North Dakota Supreme Court. Mark’s career has primarily focused on litigation, where he has extensive experience trying cases to judges and juries in both federal and state courts. More recently he has pursued his interest in communications law, representing a local communications cooperative in its delivery of state of the art communications services to the people of northwestern North Dakota. Mark’s extensive trial experience, compassion and insight led him to become a mediator. He has successfully mediated a wide range of issues in both North Dakota and Montana.

Mark is currently president of the North Dakota State Board of Law Examiners, which examines applicants to decide who will be admitted to practice law in the state. He is a past member of several other state boards focused on serving the legal profession and a past and current member of many local organizations focused on serving his community. He is also a former municipal judge. Mark is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of North Dakota and Montana and all state courts in North Dakota and Montana.

Laurel J. Forsberg received both her undergraduate and law degree from the University of North Dakota. Laurel began practicing with the Firm right after passing the bar exam and has remained with the Firm since 1984. Laurel has a wide range of experience, but her interests in the law have always been estate planning, probate, real estate, elder law, as well as corporate and partnership law. Considered an authority by many in the area of estate planning, Laurel has presented many seminars, the attendees of which range from bank trust departments, nursing homes and hospitals to fellow attorneys. Laurel is consistently sought after for her knowledge in estate planning and elder law and has helped thousands of people with their legal needs.

Originally from rural north-central North Dakota, Laurel quickly fit in to Williston and became involved in the community. Laurel is past president and a current director for North Dakota Legal Services, which provides legal services throughout North Dakota for the economically disadvantaged. She is, or has been an officer, director and volunteer of organizations working with the youth, church, economic development and educational foundations. She is admitted to all state and district courts in North Dakota and Montana.

David T. Hermanson began practicing with the Firm since he graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1999. He graduated from the University of Mary with a bachelor’s degree in Honors English in 1996. His main areas of practice are oil and gas, as well as litigation with a focus on the areas of real estate litigation, personal injury, commercial litigation and contract disputes. David has experience trying cases with a wide range of issues in both North Dakota and Montana. Preferring to spend his time presenting cases in court, David has always maintained a belief in pursuing each case to what he believes is the best resolution which does not often mean leaving the decision to a judge or jury; but, rather, to the parties. As such, he has developed a reputation as a reasonable lawyer who is prepared to litigate. He also practices in the area of municipal law.

David has been involved in national and local organizations devoted to the profession of law as they relate to the people lawyers represent as well as organizations focused on his local community. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for North Dakota and Montana and all state courts in North Dakota and Montana. As one who represents minerals owners, David has lectured to fellow attorneys and other organizations about oil and gas leasing and surface agreements related to mineral development.

Valeska A. Hermanson obtained her law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law after receiving her bachelors degree from Bemidji State University in her home state of Minnesota. Valeska joined the Firm in 2000 and her primary area of practice is Elder Law, including estate planning, trusts, planning for incapacity, Medical Assistance, special needs trusts, probate, and surrogate decision-making. She enjoys using her knowledge to help her clients plan for their present and future in a manner which best suits the client’s unique circumstances and wishes. Valeska is compassionate in assisting and guiding family members dealing with a loved one’s estate. She is admitted to practice in all state and district courts in North Dakota and Montana.

Prior to joining the firm, Valeska represented victims of domestic violence while working for Legal Services of North Dakota and also as a student director for the Legal Aid clinic while in law school. She also worked several years as a paralegal in Bemidji, Minnesota before attending law school. Valeska has and continues to serve on local boards and statewide committees, such as the State Bar Association’s Committee on Civil Legal Services to the Poor and the local Western Stars Gymnastics board. She is married to David Hermanson and they have two children. She is a Sunday school teacher and contributes to local and other charities.

Wyatt Voll joined the Firm as an attorney in 2006 after displaying excellent research and writing skills clerking for the Firm while in law school. Wyatt graduated from North Dakota State University in 2003 and the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2006. Wyatt is the City Attorney for the City of Watford City, North Dakota. He is also the attorney for several school boards. He practices in the areas of municipal law, corporations, partnerships, school law and real estate including oil and gas. Wyatt is active in the community and is involved in youth hockey as a coach and official. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota and all state courts in North Dakota and Montana.

Staff

Our experienced staff are committed, reliable and a very important part of our work and our firm family. We regularly receive compliments on their ability to serve our clients professionally and with a smile.

Tammy LaCrosse: Mrs. LaCrosse, a probate paralegal, started with the firm in 1979 as a secretary. She has been our probate paralegal for more than 15 years.

Beryl Thorson: Mrs. Thorson has been our secretary in the Watford City office since 1989. She assists all of the attorneys and is the firm's billing clerk.

Ronda Hamers: Mrs. Hamers has worked as Richard A. McKennett's secretary since 1994.

Leah Peterson: Ms. Peterson has worked with the firm since 1996. She is the secretary for Mark L. Stenehjem and works with Wyatt Voll on corporate and business matters.

Lori Foldesi: Ms. Foldesi has worked for the firm since 2002 and is currently the secretary for David T. Hermanson and Wyatt Voll.

Becky Wahlstrom: Mrs. Wahlstrom worked with the firm from 1981 to 2003 and returned to the firm in 2009. She is the secretary for Laurel J. Forsberg.

Annette Oved: Mrs. Oved joined the firm in 2010 as the receptionist.

Shantel Cote: Mrs. Cote joined the firm in 2010, as the secretary for Valeska A. Hermanson.

Megan Ryckman and Nicole Kleyer: Ms. Ryckman and Ms. Kleyer are high school students who work after school and during the summers, assisting the secretaries and helping us keep our firm clean and organized.