Member of the Year

SOUTH DAKOTA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION

“Member of the Year - 2011”

Mike Bultema


Michael M. Bultema grew up in Colorado with Pike’s Peak as his backyard. Mike graduated from Woodland Park High School in 1973 and immediately after graduation began working at his home town bank and had the distinction of being the “tallest teller” in Teller County, Colorado. Mike continued to work in the banking industry for 15 years. 

Mike and his family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1988 where he enrolled in a private college. During his time at college, Mike served on the Student Council. Mike graduated from National College in 1990 as one of the first graduates to receive a paralegal degree.

Upon graduation Mike joined Siegel, Barnett & Schutz, L.L.P. law firm in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  Mike began his career working with plaintiffs regarding personal injury cases. As the firm’s client base expanded, Mike’s duties expanded as well and he became the firm’s representative in handling a self-funded health care plan, self-insured property fund, and many other entities established by the firm to assist its clients, including handling the day to day operations of a soybean cooperative, a corn handling company, including the daily contact with numerous merchandisers, clients, medical providers, etc., as well as his normal “paralegal duties.”

In 1990 Mike joined the South Dakota Legal Assistance Association, n/k/a South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA) and first began his duties as “Parliamentarian.”  Mike later served as the Chairman of the Education Committee, Vice President and finally President of the Association. Most recently, Mike had the opportunity to serve as one of three facilitators with the 360 Degree Leadership Academy.

Mike has been married for 32 years and has two grown children and five grandchildren. He enjoys hunting with his son and grandsons, especially during the South Dakota pheasant season.
 

SDPA recognizes Mike for his outstanding talents, dedication and contributions for the period of 2010 - 2011. Great job, Mike!

 

 

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Previous “Member-of-the-Year” Recipients

Mike Bultema Photo

Nomination Letter:

“I nominate Mike Bultema for SDPA’s Outstanding Member of the Year Award.  Mike was the speaker at the first Sioux Falls luncheon that I ever attended. For me, as a new SDPA member and rookie paralegal in 1995, President Bultema was the “face” of the association. Since that time, Mike has been one of the stalwarts of the SDPA, and has remained involved and active in the association. Also, the visit and dinner that Mike arranged at a Hutterite colony near Aberdeen remains an SDPA highlight.  And even though its been more than 15 years since Mike served as President, Mike has continued to contribute to SDPA and our profession over the past year through his efforts and time serving as a facilitator of the 360 Degree Leadership Academy. From the very beginning of this project, Mike has enthusiastically jumped in to help develop and lead the Academy.  He is always willing to share his wisdom and experience with our members, and is committed to developing the future leaders of our association and profession.  I am pleased to nominate Mike as SDPA’s Outstanding Member of the Year. 

Submitted by
Kayne Larimer, ACP