[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING LINDA LEA VIKEN

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize a South Dakota attorney who has distinguished herself on the 
local, State, and national level. Linda Lea Viken has been a successful 
practicing attorney in South Dakota since 1978. She was recently 
presented with the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award by the South Dakota 
Trial Lawyers Association during the association's annual meeting.
  Specializing in family law for over 35 years, Linda Lea is the first 
family law specialist to receive the honor. She is a past president of 
the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is also a 
diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and is a 
certified family law trial attorney by the National Board of Trial 
Advocacy.
  She has served twice in the South Dakota State Legislature and is a 
steadfast advocate for women, especially in the area of domestic 
violence and working to establish and maintain rights for women who 
need legal protection and services. She has significantly increased the 
awareness and education of the general public and the media on legal 
issues affecting women. She has served on a number of boards and in 
advisory capacities for organizations assisting women, children and 
families, including the South Dakota Coalition for Children, South 
Dakota Voices for Children, South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women, 
AAUW, Zonta, the West River Mental Health Board, Black Hills Legal 
Services, and the Black Hills Regional Food Bank.
  Ms. Viken is well known for her presentations, advocacy, insight, and 
work in developing laws, guidelines, and policies governing custody, 
child support, alimony, divorce, visitation, and protection.
  I wish to recognize and congratulate Linda Lea Viken on her latest 
and well-deserved recognition as South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the 
Year.

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