Dorie Refling graduated from the Faculty of Law and Jurisprudence at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1981.  Upon graduations, Dorie joined the firm of O'Connor & Hannan in Minneapolis where she concentrated on complex civil litigation and public sector collective bargaining. 

In 1984, Dorie married an officer of the United States Marine Corps and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Until the birth of her second child in 1986, Dorie practiced law with Ward & Smith, PA, of New Bern, North Carolina.  Dorie worked in the firm's litigation department, specializing in defending insured persons and in employment related issues. 

From late 1986 until 1999, Dorie chose to stay at home in order to better support her husband's military career and in order to raise their children.  During this time, Dorie actively volunteered for numerous causes including Montana public television.