Gerald W. VandeWalle

Gerald Wayne VandeWalle (born August 15, 1933) is an American lawyer who served as a justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court from 1978 to 2023. He served as the court's chief justice from 1993 to 2019.

Early life and education VandeWalle was born in Noonan, North Dakota and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce. While attending the University of North Dakota he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He then received a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1958.

Career In late 2019, VandeWalle announced he would not seek reelection for another term as chief justice, but would remain on the court. He was the longest-serving chief justice in North Dakota history and at the time, the oldest in the nation. He retired from the court on January 31, 2023.

Career 1958 – admitted to the State Bar of North Dakota 1975 – appointed First Assistant Attorney General of North Dakota August, 1978 – appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court November, 1978 – elected to serve an unexpired term on Supreme Court 1985–1987 – served as the first chair of the North Dakota Judicial Conference 1993 – elected Chief Justice of North Dakota Supreme Court 1995 – re-elected Chief Justice 2000 – re-elected Chief Justice 2005—re-elected Chief Justice 2010—re-elected Chief Justice 2015—re-elected Chief Justice