Three Brothers, One Calling: A Family’s Journey Through Law School

From Mobridge, South Dakota to the University of North Dakota School of Law, the Cerney brothers are proving that ambition, support, and a little sibling rivalry can shape a shared path to the legal profession.

On any given day at the University of North Dakota School of Law, it’s not unusual to see students huddled over casebooks, debating legal theories, or rehearsing oral arguments. It’s also not uncommon to find legacy students—families whose roots at the law school run deep, with grandparents, parents, siblings, and relatives who have come through its doors before. But what is unusual is seeing three brothers—at three different stages of law school—attending at the exact same time.

Meet the Cerney brothers: Dylan, Reese, and Trace. Raised in the small, tight-knit community of Mobridge, South Dakota, the three are each just 18 months apart—Dylan to Reese, and Reese to Trace—making for only a 36-month gap between the oldest and youngest. Growing up, it meant life felt less like separate chapters and more like one shared story. They experienced nearly every part of growing up together—from the classroom to the playing field—competing side by side in football, basketball, and baseball. Back then, law school wasn’t necessarily the plan—but the seeds were already there.

Those seeds were planted at home. Their father, James, a dedicated hometown attorney, built his career serving rural communities across the Dakotas, often traveling long hours to ensure his clients had representation. Their mother, Amy, a physical therapist who later became a paralegal, joined him in that work. The law wasn’t just something the Cerneys talked about—it was something they lived.

For Dylan, those early experiences left a lasting impression. “I can recall countless times when people I knew were struggling with legal dilemmas,” he said. “While their situations were some of the worst they’d ever experience, the lawyers fighting for them seemed to be their light in the dark.” That perspective shaped his desire to pursue law—not just as a career, but as a way to serve.

Reese’s path wasn’t always pointed toward the law. With a background in human biology and initial plans for medical school, law wasn’t initially on his radar. After an internship sparked a change of heart and some encouragement from his family, he began to think about a legal path. “I saw how well Dylan was doing in law school and my dad encouraged me to take the LSAT,” he said. “I ended up doing better than I thought.” That moment—paired with the strongest LSAT score among the three—helped redirect his future.

Trace, meanwhile, insists he had the idea first. “People assume that because I’m the youngest, I’m following in my brothers’ footsteps,” he said. “However, it is the opposite. I knew I wanted to pursue a legal career long before Dylan and Reese.” Drawn to the idea of helping others navigate difficult situations, he added, “I want to be the person people go to when they have problems and find the best way to help.”

Now all three brothers find themselves at the same law school, each at a different stage—Dylan as a 3

L, Reese as a 2L, and Trace as a 1L. What could have been an individual challenge has instead become a shared journey.

“There is absolutely nothing that I ever feel alone in doing,” Dylan said. “Taking on law school with not one, but TWO of your brothers is just a whole other level of companionship.” From discussing case law to practicing oral arguments together, the brothers have a built-in support system that few law students experience.

That support shows up in small ways, too—quizzing each other before exams, stepping in as mock witnesses, or simply being available to answer questions. Reese admits he leans on Dylan often as he adjusts to the demands of legal study, while Trace brings his own perspective and competitive energy into the mix.

Of course, living and studying together comes with its share of quirks. There are differences in study habits, personalities, and the occasional annoyance—like unsolicited advice or clashing standards of cleanliness. But even those moments are part of what makes the experience meaningful.

Outside the classroom, the brothers still make time for the things that defined their childhood. They golf together and recently reunited on the field for the UND Law vs. Med “Malpractice Bowl” flag football game, with their parents watching from the sidelines—a full-circle moment that echoed their younger days in Mobridge.

As Dylan prepares to begin his career as an assistant state’s attorney, he’s already thinking about the future. “Somewhere down the line… it would be very interesting if my brothers and I started a firm together,” he said.

For now, though, the Cerney brothers are focused on the present—supporting each other, growing together, and making the most of a rare opportunity. Three brothers. One law school. And a journey that proves sometimes, the best paths in life are the ones you don’t take alone.