I was born in Huron, and during my school years lived and worked in several towns throughout South Dakota. My familiarity with the state enabled me to develop a statewide practice.

I graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1973 and from the USD School of Law in 1976. After serving one year as a U.S. District Court Law Clerk, I began practice in Yankton in 1977, and have worked from this base ever since.

I was elected Yankton County State’s Attorney from 1985 to 1992, and have served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for South Dakota since 2000. I have represented several state boards and agencies during the past 15 years.

PROFESSIONAL EMPHASIS AND EXPERIENCE

Since I began, my practice focused on the defense of people and companies sued in civil lawsuits or charged with serious crimes. I try cases in state and federal courts across the state, and argued numerous cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. I also developed a health law practice representing physicians and other providers, assisting them with their business operations and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations governing their practices.

In the last several years, my practice expanded into real estate and business representation. I draft, review and negotiate contracts and assist in creation, operation, sale and purchase of businesses. I have assisted in the creation and operation of several non-profit entities. I also represent real estate owners and developers in land issues, acquisition and sale, property development and project management.

In general my areas of practice include:

• General Civil and Criminal Defense Practice
• Health Law
• Contracts
• Business Formation, Management, Sale and Acquisition
• Real Estate Issues, Sale Acquisition, Development and Management
• Non-Profit Organization and Operation
• Administrative Law

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

I have been an active member of the State Bar of South Dakota since 1976. I served as a State Bar Commissioner, and as President of the USD Law School Foundation, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association and South Dakota Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. I am admitted to practice before the South Dakota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for South Dakota, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & INVOLVEMENT

I have been an active member in many local and state civic and charitable organizations over the years. I served as President of the Yankton Rotary Club, President of the Yankton Rotary Foundation and a Board Member of the South Dakota Symphony. I have also served on advisory committees for the City of Yankton and the Yankton School District.