The Paralegal Voice
Legal Talk Network
July 15, 2019
EPISODE NOTES
Paralegals’ roles have evolved significantly as the industry has changed. Vicki Kunz joins host Carl Morrison to discuss the developments they have seen in the profession over the past several decades. They cover NALA’s past and future as an organization and encourage young paralegals to explore the many opportunities becoming available in the field.
https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2019/07/nala-annual-2019-a-changing-industry-new-opportunities-for-paralegals/
Vicki Kunz recently retired from her role as insurance risk manager of MDU Resources Group, Inc.
She began her career with the company as a legal assistant in 1998, transferring to the newly formed risk management department in 2000. She served in several positions and roles within the department before becoming the insurance risk manager in 2007.
Kunz received the Certified Risk Manager certification through the National Alliance in December 2007 and holds the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification as a civil litigation specialist through NALA, the national paralegal organization. She has attained the Competent Toastmaster designation (CTM) and the Competent Leader designation (CL) from International Toastmasters.
Prior to her employment with MDU Resources, she worked over 20 years as a paralegal in the law firm setting. Her experience included managing two law firms and establishing a paralegal department. She specialized as a plaintiff trial paralegal in the areas of personal injury & wrongful death, medical malpractice, bad faith and products liability.
In 2015 Vicki was appointed by the North Dakota governor to serve a four year term on the North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance board of directors. In 2013 she was elected to the North Dakota Safety Council board of directors and serves on the executive committee as the secretary/treasurer. She is also a board trustee member of the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way, and she is serving her second term on the North Dakota Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners at the appointment of the governor as well.
Vicki is a member of the Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS), the Council on Litigation Management (CLM), and NALA. She served as president and leader of the local United Way in 2007 and several other community organizations over the years, including the Burleigh Morton Long Term Recovery Committee that was formed to meet the unmet needs of 2011 flood survivors in the community, Bismarck-Mandan Professional Women’s Club, United Way Women’s Leadership Circle, Bismarck Downtowners, and the Bismarck-Mandan Quota International Club. Kunz has also served in a variety of leadership roles within the state and national organizations for paralegals including two years as national president.
She is the recipient of the MDU Resources Summit Award and was a member of the 2007 CEO Conference. She has been recognized for her significant achievements and contributions by various organizations she has participated at local and national levels.
Vicki is married to her husband Dennis, has two married children, and 5 grandchildren.
