South Dakota
com
CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL
Corporate/Commercial
Leading Firms
Band 1
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Band 2
Ballard Spahr LLP *
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Cutler Law Firm
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners
Sanford Steven Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Leading Individuals
Band 1
Brown Jonathan Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Damgaard Roger Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Goetzinger Patrick Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Goldammer Vance RC Redstone Law Firm LLP (ORL) ◊
Grossenburg Bradley C Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Gullickson Charles D Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Hajek Douglas J Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Hayes Robert E Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Prendergast Terry N Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Wiederrich James Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Band 2
Arndt Amy Ballard Spahr LLP *
Donohue P Daniel Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Gauer Keith A Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Greenfield Gregg S Greenfield Rotert Law PC (ORL) ◊
Hieb Dixie Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Perrenoud Scott Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Raforth John H Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Sarbacker Steve Cutler Law Firm
Band 3
Lust David E Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Palmer Crisman Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Stuck Haven L Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC (ORL) ◊
Taylor Ryan J Cutler Law Firm
* Indicates firm / individual with profile.
◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer.
Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest.
2440
How lawyers are ranked
Every year we carry out thousands of in-depth interviews with
clients in order to assess the reputations and expertise of busi-
ness lawyers worldwide. The qualities we look for (and which
determine rankings) include technical legal ability, professional
conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness,
diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the
client.
Corporate/Commercial
Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Leading Individuals
Band 1
Damgaard Roger Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Gauer Keith A Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Hayes Robert E Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Perrenoud Scott Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Band 1
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
What the team is known for Highly reputable group that
acts in the insurance, financial and banking regulatory
sectors. Full-service firm with a strong bench of special-
ized attorneys. Represents a diverse range of local and
national clients on complex M&A and other corporate
transactions. Also particularly noted for its strengths in
bankruptcy work, federal and state tax matters, and trust
and estates issues.
Strengths Interviewees say: “The firm is one of the largest
in Sioux Falls and has an excellent corporate practice.”
Notable practitioners
Jonathan Brown specializes in handling commercial
transactions for corporate clients, which he complements
with an active general corporate and real estate practice.
One of his peers says: “I speak highly of him; he understands
the issues and makes transactions go smoothly.” Charles
Gullickson has a broad commercial practice and advises
his clients on a variety of matters, including acquisitions
and franchising, banking regulations, securitizations and
lending transactions. Douglas Hajek draws upon experi-
ence gained during his ten-year banking career in order
to advise corporate clients, including banks, on regulatory
and transactional matters. Market sources recognize his
banking expertise, stating that “he is certainly a top-notch
guy in that area.” Robert Hayes has a broad practice span-
ning real estate, banking, financial services and other
general corporate matters. He is also highly regarded for
his bankruptcy and creditors’ rights law expertise. Terry
Prendergast is described by interviewees as “a very bright
and talented attorney.” He is highly regarded for his trusts
and estates expertise, and is experienced advising clients
from sectors including insurance and education. Daniel
Donohue has notable experience counseling clients on an
www.chambers.
Contents
Corporate/Commercial p.2440
Labor & Employment p.2441
Litigation p.2442
Real Estate p.2443
Leaders’ Profiles in South Dakota p.2444
array of trusts matters, including formation, administra-
tion and dynasty trusts. He has additional expertise in real
estate law and general corporate and commercial matters.
Keith Gauer concentrates his practice on acting for finan-
cial services clients and has additional expertise in credi-
tors’ rights law. He regularly advises clients on national
financial products such as student loans and impressed
interviewees with “his great attention to detail.” Dixie
Hieb concentrates her practice on trust company matters
and advising banks on regulatory compliance. Her experi-
ence spans counseling clients on a range of consumer dis-
closures matters, including student loans and credit cards.
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
What the team is known for Eminent firm that houses
attorneys with a vast collective experience in a wide range
of corporate and commercial services. Areas of expertise
include tax, banking and creditors’ rights. Works with a
variety of clients, including agricultural organizations,
limited liability companies and nonprofits.
Notable practitioners
Roger Damgaard is recognized for his ability to handle
a variety of corporate and commercial matters, including
bankruptcy and litigation. Market sources comment that
“he is outstanding: a very capable and bright attorney.”
Bradley Grossenburg is described by interviewees as
“very well regarded and very capable.” He counsels corpo-
rate clients on general organization, estate planning and
probate matters and is also noted for his tax and trust
expertise. James Wiederrich is noted for his expertise in
the agricultural sector and has a broad practice counseling
clients on a range of commercial matters. Interviewees
say: “He is very accurate and precise about what he does,
but willing to be flexible and make changes if necessary.”
Band 2
Ballard Spahr LLP
See profile on p.2388
What the team is known for Strong corporate team with
an experienced bench of attorneys regularly handling
complex M&A and other corporate transactional matters.
Clients include both public and privately owned compa-
nies, as well as closely held businesses and banks. Covers a
www.chambers.com
diverse range of sectors such as financial services, manu-
facturing and energy, among others. Expanded national
network available to the firm offers broad geographical
and cross-sector expertise.
Strengths Interviewees report that “it is an excellent law
firm with excellent attorneys.”
Notable practitioners
Clients highlight Amy Arndt (see p.2444) as “a top-notch
attorney who is excellent in the business arena.” Sources
also state that “she has a great ability to logically work
through problems and understand both sides of the issue,”
adding: “She’s there to get the deal done.” She advises clients
from a wide range of industries on corporate financing
and securities matters.
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons,
LLP
What the team is known for Well-reputed full-service
law firm with offices in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Rep-
resents clients both locally and nationally on a variety of
matters, including commercial and agricultural acquisi-
tions and convenience store transactions. Also skilled
advising on banking matters.
Notable practitioners
John Raforth is experienced advising clients on a range
of matters, including business planning and transactions,
as well as trust and tax issues. Market sources note his tax
expertise, saying: “He is a very well-respected tax attorney.”
Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
What the team is known for Highly regarded firm with
a strong practice in banking M&A and regulatory work.
Notable areas of expertise include credit card banking and
bankruptcy. Also well known for its litigation experience.
Notable practitioners
Steven Sanford “is very highly regarded and has been
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT
Labor & Employment
Leading Firms
Band 1
Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Leading Individuals
Band 1
Anderson Robert May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson, L.L.P. (ORL) ◊
Bender Jean Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Marso Lisa K. Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
Band 2
Kroon David Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Springer Heather R Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer.
Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest.
Band 1
Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
What the team is known for A large team known in
particular for providing services to employers and insur-
Labor & Employment South
involved in significant business litigation,” according to
interviewees. His wide-ranging practice spans advising
clients on trusts, governance, insurance and business
organization. Scott Perrenoud has notable expertise
advising clients on bankruptcy and restructuring. He
provides transactional and real estate advice to businesses
and individuals. Market commentators report that “he is a
very good and capable lawyer.”
Cutler Law Firm
What the team is known for Established corporate prac-
tice regularly representing banks and a range of other
financial institutions. Offers an array of expertise in areas
of law affecting businesses, from financial services mat-
ters and litigation to trusts work. Particularly skilled in
complex M&A and contracts. Also noted for its work on
behalf of family businesses and clients in the agribusiness
arena.
Notable practitioners
Former counsel for the State of Missouri Steve Sarbacker
draws upon this expertise in order to advise clients on
transactional and financial services law. He is also expe-
rienced in advising clients on banking and real estate
matters. Ryan Taylor is noted by interviewees for his
representation of banking clients. He maintains a broad
commercial practice advising clients from the utilities,
telecommunication and banking sectors.
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
What the team is known for Full-service Rapid City firm
providing a strong transactional practice and acting for a
variety of clients, including corporations, limited liability
companies and partnerships. Notable experience in com-
mercial litigation, estate planning and administration,
creditors’ rights and agricultural law.
Strengths Interviewees state that “the team is very well
ance companies. Continues to excel in a variety of matters
including workers’ compensation and Native American
law. Also adeptly handles a range of employment litiga-
tion matters for clients.
Notable practitioners
Lisa Marso is described by interviewees as “a leading
employment lawyer.” She has over 20 years of experi-
ence advising clients on a range of employment matters
including drafting policies and contracts. She has also
defended her clients in court proceedings regarding wage,
discrimination and harassment claims.
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
What the team is known for Varied portfolio of work
with particular strength in workers’ compensation and
employee benefits. Represents a wide variety of cli-
ents, including large insurance companies, self-insured
employers and small businesses, as well as educational
institutions. Offers both strategic advice and litigation
experience.
Notable practitioners
Jean Bender is highly regarded for her labor and employ-
ment law expertise. She advises clients on a broad range
Dakota
respected.”
Notable practitioners
Head of the firm’s business and estate planning group Pat-
rick Goetzinger focuses his practice on advising family-
owned businesses on transactions and real estate matters.
Interviewees declare themselves “impressed by him” and
report that “he is looked to for his expertise, especially
with regard to trusts and estates.” David Lust is noted by
interviewees for his role as “a highly regarded leader in the
South Dakota legislature.” He handles a range of litigation,
business planning and real estate matters for corporate
clients and individuals. Crisman Palmer combines dual
expertise in banking and litigation in order to act for cli-
ents in a range of matters, including commercial liability
and insurance defense. Interviewees note his “strong litiga-
tion practice.”
Other Ranked Lawyers
Vance Goldammer has significant experience advising
clients on a variety of commercial matters, including
business planning, transactions and negotiations. Market
sources comment that “he is very highly regarded and an
excellent lawyer.”
Gregg Greenfield combines his commercial and corpo-
rate practice with expertise in environmental law. He is
adept at advising closely held businesses on succession
planning. Interviewees report that “he is a good lawyer
with a good reputation.”
Haven Stuck boasts longstanding experience handling a
broad range of business and real estate law matters. One
client highlights him as “an expert litigator who does a
remarkable job.”
of matters including policy compliance, contractual issues
and claims of harassment, discrimination and wrongful
termination.
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
What the team is known for Distinguished team that
offers expertise in a range of labor and employment mat-
ters, including workers’ compensation. Provides support
to a range of clients, including insurers, employers and
workers. Also able to litigate labor and employment dis-
putes.
Notable practitioners
David Kroon focuses his practice on acting for clients
from the healthcare and manufacturing industries in
issues including employment law compliance and ERISA
matters. Interviewees highlight that “he is very experi-
enced in labor and employment law.” Heather Springer
has particular expertise in advising healthcare clients on a
range of labor and employment matters. Her clients range
from small employers to large publicly traded companies.
2441
 South Dakota Litigationwww.chambers.com
Other Ranked Lawyers
Robert Anderson is a civil practitioner whose expertise
LITIGATION
Litigation: General Commercial
Leading Firms
Band 1
Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons, LLP
Band 2
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners
Sanford Steven Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Leading Individuals
Band 1
Anderson Robert May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson, L.L.P. (ORL) ◊
Evans Edwin E Evans Haigh & Hinton LLP (ORL) ◊
Fritz Thomas G Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC
Fuller William P Fuller & Williamson, LLP (ORL) ◊
Garry William C Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Hieb Jack H Richardson, Wyly, Wise, Sauck & Hieb, LLP (ORL) ◊
Johnson Steven Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons, LLP
Landon Stephen Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Schaffer Michael Schaffer Law Office Prof LLC (ORL) ◊
Schulte Eric Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Sudbeck Roger Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
Turbak Berry Nancy J Turbak Law Offices (ORL) ◊
Welk Thomas Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
Band 2
Abdallah Scott Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons, LLP
Ashmore Daniel E Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Fritz Dan Ballard Spahr LLP (ORL) ◊ *
Janklow A. Russell Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons, LLP
Luce Michael L Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC
Moore James E Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Nichols Shawn Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Palmer Crisman Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Peterson Mitchell Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Reiter Pamela Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons, LLP
Thimsen Gary Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
* Indicates individual with profile.
◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer.
Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest.
Band 1
Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
What the team is known for Well regarded across a range
of litigation, including healthcare, product liability, con-
struction, insurance and trusts law. An impressive bench
dealing with some of the most significant and high-profile
cases in South Dakota. Also noted for its mediation and
arbitration work.
Strengths Market sources consider the firm to be “very
2442
spans workers’ compensation and other employment law
matters. He is also adept at appearing before both appel-
late and trial courts.
Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense
Leading Individuals
Star individuals
Evans Edwin E Evans Haigh & Hinton LLP (ORL) ◊
Band 1
Braun Lonnie R Thomas Braun Bernard & Burke, LLP (ORL) ◊
Duffy Daniel F Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Haigh Mark W Evans Haigh & Hinton LLP (ORL) ◊
Rasmussen Reed Siegel, Barnett & Schutz LLP (ORL) ◊
Sudbeck Roger Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.
professional” and in possession of “a lot of expertise.”
Notable practitioners
Roger Sudbeck is a highly distinguished litigator whose
practice displays strength in medical malpractice matters.
He is additionally experienced in cases dealing with per-
sonal injury and product liability claims. One source says:
“Roger is a very good lawyer who is diplomatic and has a
way of getting results without having to scorch the earth.”
Thomas Welk operates a diverse and experienced litiga-
tion practice which is especially prominent in business
disputes. He is particularly experienced in the defense
of legal malpractice claims, and receives praise for his
“extremely thorough” approach.
Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
What the team is known for Maintains strength in litiga-
tion, with an emphasis on commercial disputes. Compre-
hensive trial experience in complex cases, including those
involving fraud and aviation law.
Strengths “I hold them in high regard,” one commentator
says, adding that the firm is “loaded with wonderful law-
yers.”
Notable practitioners
Steven Sanford is a vastly experienced practitioner who
provides excellent counsel to clients facing a range of
different litigious issues. He is particularly knowledge-
able about disputes involving financial institutions and
agricultural industry participants. William Garry is an
accomplished litigator who operates a broad commercial
practice, including particular strength in construction
cases. One impressed interviewee comments: “He is very
active, engaged and effective.” Stephen Landon operates
his superb litigation practice in employment, product
liability and intellectual property disputes, among others.
One source comments: “I have the utmost confidence in
him. He is extremely sharp, stays on top of his work and is
an advocate for the client’s cause.” Shawn Nichols operates
a diverse practice which includes strength in commercial
litigation. He is admitted in all state and federal courts
in South Dakota, and is also experienced in proceedings
before the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
What the team is known for Preeminent litigation prac-
tice with a versatile and experienced bench. Regularly
sought after for its counsel in product liability, insurance,
employment and trusts litigation. Acts for a diverse client
roster including corporations, healthcare providers and
financial institutions.
Notable practitioners
Eric Schulte has a strong reputation for his litigation
practice which exhibits excellence in insurance and con-
struction cases, among a number of other disputes. One
impressed source states: “He’s one of those attorney that
is universally loved by all. He comes up with very creative
arguments and does very well in court.” Mitchell Peterson’s
commercial litigation practice encompasses strength in a
broad scope of areas, including professional negligence,
contractual and construction disputes. His client base
includes companies and individuals.
Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons,
LLP
What the team is known for One of the state leaders in
the litigation market. Represents plaintiffs and defend-
ants in an array of civil and commercial litigation matters.
At the forefront of appellate work, with core expertise in
high-profile business and personal injury litigation. An
emerging talent in the trust and estate litigation arena.
Possesses a large corporate client base and a rising sports
law practice.
Work highlights Represented LL Funds in a suit against
Wells Fargo Bank and Saxon Mortgage Services regarding
allegations of breach of obligations to the certificate
holders in connection with foreclosures of mortgages held
by the GSAA Home Equity Trust.
Notable practitioners
Steven Johnson is highly renowned for his commercial
litigation practice which includes expertise in franchise,
business and product liability matters. Johnson is also
experienced in offering counsel to clients in tax-related
disputes and personal injury claims. Scott Abdallah
maintains an extensive litigation practice which includes
experience in business disputes, wrongful death claims
and product liability issues. He is the managing partner
of the firm. Russell Janklow maintains a strong reputa-
tion for his civil litigation practice and is distinguished
for his specialist knowledge in personal injury claims.
Janklow has represented clients in a range of insurance
and automobile-related claims. Pamela Reiter is a solid
practitioner who concentrates her litigation practice on
business-related issues, trust and estate matters and civil
disputes. She is additionally experienced in federal crim-
inal defense cases.
Band 2
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons,
LLP
What the team is known for Strong business litigation
team, assisting clients with breach of contract claims
and strategic risk planning. Handles a variety of cases,
www.chambers.com
including construction, employment and trusts disputes.
Notable practitioners
Daniel Duffy is known in particular for his stellar work
in medical malpractice disputes, and possesses a wealth
of experience in representing medical and healthcare
workers in professional liability cases. He also frequently
represents professionals and corporations in product liti-
gation matters.
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
What the team is known for Rapid City-based dispute
resolution team. Full-service firm whose wide-ranging
strengths include its deep bench for civil disputes and
impressive experience in business litigation.
Notable practitioners
Daniel Ashmore is a diverse litigator with expertise in
product liability disputes, personal injury claims and an
array of civil matters. He is particularly active in litigation
arising out of insurance disputes. Crisman Palmer oper-
ates a broad litigation practice, with a recognized focus
on insurance disputes. He is additionally experienced in
banking and product liability disputes.
Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC
What the team is known for High-quality work in busi-
ness litigation, with offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
A versatile practice, possessing strength in personal
injury, employment, insurance and product liability dis-
putes. Additional focus on the energy industry, including
experience in litigation regarding renewable energy. Also
noted for its strengths in alternative dispute resolution.
Experienced in representing clients in appeals to circuit
courts, the Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court
of Appeals.
Work highlights Defended a condemnation suit on
behalf of Southeastern Electric.
Notable practitioners
Thomas Fritz is a leading litigator with over 40 years of
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate
Leading Firms
Band 1
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Band 2
Cutler Law Firm
DeMersseman Jensen Tellinghuisen & Huffman, LLP
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Redstone Law Firm LLP
◊ (ORL) = Other Ranked Lawyer.
Alphabetical order within each band. Band 1 is highest.
Band 1
Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons,
LLP
What the team is known for Strong team covering the
gamut of real estate law, including boundaries and access,
landlord and tenant and sales matters. Particular expertise
Real Estate South
experience in proceedings at both state and federal courts.
He has particularly deep expertise in insurance, construc-
tion and professional liability disputes. Michael Luce
deploys a wealth of knowledge on behalf of clients in a
broad range of disputes, including employment, discrimi-
nation and professional liability matters. He is also experi-
enced in alternative forms of dispute resolution.
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
What the team is known for Strong Sioux Falls-based
litigation practice. A deep bench of high-quality practi-
tioners, able to offer expertise in a wide range of litigation,
including employment disputes and government liability
defense. Also noted for its strength in cases concerning
the construction and energy sectors.
Notable practitioners
The “excellent” James Moore is highly regarded for his
contentious practice which encompasses expertise in
business litigation and insurance disputes. He is also
experienced in government liability work. Gary Thimsen
maintains a “very well-respected” commercial litigation
practice which includes expertise in employment disputes
and liability concerns. He also offers counsel in a broad
array of civil matters.
Other Ranked Lawyers
Robert Anderson enjoys a distinguished reputation for
his “excellent” litigation practice, in which he regularly
works on behalf of clients in the agriculture, insurance
and automobile industries, among others. He is addition-
ally experienced in Native American legal issues.
Lonnie Braun commands respect for his strong medical
malpractice defense practice which includes expertise in
claims connected with personal injury and professional
liability. His broader practice includes experience in busi-
ness litigation.
Real Estate
Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople: distinguished older partners
Riter Charles Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Leading Individuals
Band 1
Brown Jonathan Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Goldammer Vance RC Redstone Law Firm LLP
Hayes Robert E Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Jensen Curtis S DeMersseman Jensen Tellinghuisen & Huffman, LLP
Band 2
Donohue P Daniel Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
Goetzinger Patrick Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
Greenfield Gregg S Greenfield Rotert Law PC (ORL) ◊
Raforth John H Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP
Stuck Haven L Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun PC (ORL) ◊
Wiederrich James Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
Dakota
Edwin Evans is a foremost litigator in the state, and his
esteemed practice is especially strong in the field of med-
ical malpractice defense. He also offers premier represen-
tation to clients in product liability, breach of contract and
aviation disputes as part of his multifaceted commercial
practice.
Dan Fritz (see p.2444) maintains a wide-ranging litiga-
tion practice which encompasses experience in business,
real estate and insurance disputes. Clients also benefit
from his experience in alternative forms of dispute resolu-
tion.
William Fuller centers his highly acclaimed litigation
practice around bet-the-company commercial disputes.
Fuller also has a strong background acting as a civil medi-
ator and arbitrator.
Mark Haigh is lauded for his “excellent” medical malprac-
tice litigation work. He routinely litigates commercial and
serious personal injury cases, and is experienced in acting
before administrative boards and agencies on behalf of
medical practitioners.
Jack Hieb maintains an impressive reputation for his
commercial litigation practice which includes excellent
work in construction, utilities and insurance disputes. An
interviewee reports: “He’s a very effective tactician. He is
methodical in his approach and excellent at cross-exami-
nation.”
Reed Rasmussen is a leader in medical malpractice liti-
gation in South Dakota, with an emphasis on personal
injury and professional liability cases. He is also an expe-
rienced mediator.
Michael Schaffer is a well-known litigator who expertly
tries a number of different civil and commercial disputes.
Nancy Turbak Berry is highly regarded in the field for
her litigation practice which focuses heavily on personal
injury claims. She is also proficient in insurance disputes,
and is acknowledged by one source as a “smart, good
lawyer.”
includes property litigation and related tax issues.
Strengths One source says: “They have a number of attor-
neys devoting a lot of time to real estate, and they’re capable
as a group. It’s an excellent law firm.”
Notable practitioners
Charles Riter is a well-respected attorney with a diverse
real estate practice. Riter is highly proficient in trusts,
estate planning and taxation matters. John Raforth pos-
sesses a broad scope of real estate expertise including
in business transactions, tax planning and estate and
trust matters. One interviewee says: “Raforth is always a
pleasure to work with. He’s competent, prompt and puts in a
tremendous amount of work.”
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP
What the team is known for Distinguished real estate
group with a strong bench. Handles sophisticated real
estate assignments and financings, including transactions,
leases and mortgages. Array of work includes documenta-
tion and liaison with governmental regulatory agencies.
Strengths A source reports: “They have top attorneys and
2443
 South Dakota Leading Individualswww.chambers.com
the resources to do good work in the area.”
Notable practitioners
The “excellent” Jonathan Brown is a leading light in
real estate and concentrates his practice on commercial
transactions in the space, including advising on contract
negotiation and general business planning. His broad
client base includes developers, lenders and energy com-
panies. Robert Hayes commands respect for his “excel-
lent” real estate practice, which includes expertise across
a wide range of financial issues including creditors’ rights,
banking matters and restructurings. Daniel Donohue is
an active real estate attorney whose practice is particularly
strong in trust and probate law. He is sought after by large
and small corporations and high net worth individuals.
Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith PC
What the team is known for Combines expertise in real
estate and corporate matters to provide strong representa-
tion in complex transactions and property development,
as well as zoning and land use. Called upon by a range of
clients, including purchasers, brokers and lenders.
Strengths One source considers that the firm is “high-
quality,” and that “the lawyers are very capable.”
Notable practitioners
James Wiederrich is an “excellent” real estate lawyer who
displays strength in corporate transactions, business law
matters and related construction issues. He is particularly
knowledgeable of the agriculture industry.
Band 2
Cutler Law Firm
What the team is known for Offers expertise across mul-
tiple real estate matters, such as financings, rural develop-
ments and leasing. Broad client base includes landlords,
nonprofit organizations and government entities.
Strengths One interviewee comments that the firm is
home to “quality people” who are “well respected in the real
estate area.”
Notable practitioners
Steven Sarbacker is a key contact.
DeMersseman Jensen Tellinghuisen & Huff-
man, LLP
What the team is known for Demonstrates a varied
roster of work, incorporating business acumen and trans-
actional experience. Real estate specialties include agri-
cultural sales, financings and commercial purpose land
acquisition.
Notable practitioners
Curtis Jensen is an outstanding attorney whose broad
practice is active in commercial real estate transactions
and estate planning matters. Impressed interviewees com-
ment that Jensen is a “very capable, competent and good
lawyer.”
Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
What the team is known for Respected group with
expertise across all areas of real estate law. Areas of focus
include commercial transactions and refinancing work.
Well-established agriculture practice, representing indi-
viduals, businesses and families. Also noted for its counsel
on planning and zoning issues.
Notable practitioners
Patrick Goetzinger is a “very bright” attorney who oper-
ates a broad practice with strong capabilities in real estate
matters. He serves as head of the firm’s business and estate
planning group.
Redstone Law Firm LLP
What the team is known for Respected real estate team
with a growing reputation for development work. Sup-
ported by its complementary commercial and trust
practices in handling complex property transactions and
financings.
Notable practitioners
Vance Goldammer enjoys an excellent reputation for
his sterling commercial real estate work, for which inter-
viewees describe him as a “very capable” and “excellent and
experienced” attorney. He leads the firm’s business and
trusts and estates teams.
Other Ranked Lawyers
Gregg Greenfield is highly experienced in real estate
law and garners particular praise for his grasp of related
environmental issues. Interviewees highlight that he is
“capable and competent.”
The “experienced and talented” Haven Stuck is a sought-
after real estate attorney with a strong background in
business transactions and state and local tax matters. He
also ably represents clients in real estate disputes.

Leaders’ Profiles in South Dakota

ARNDT, Amy
Ballard Spahr LLP, Sioux Falls
+160 5978 5202
arndta@ballardspahr.com
Featured in Corporate/Commercial (South Dakota)
Practice Areas: Amy L. Arndt assists busi-
nesses with operational issues, management
succession, financing options for growth, and
restructuring. Her practice emphasizes securities
and corporate finance, representing clients in
agri-business, real estate, hospitality, consumer
products, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Amy has significant experience advising privately
held companies on private offerings/placements
and finance, corporate governance, disclosure
matters, M&A, and asset acquisitions and dives-
titures. She acts as outside counsel advising on
matters including formation, shareholder agree-
ments, and internal corporate structuring.
Career: Admissions: South Dakota and U.S.
District Court for the District of South Dakota
Professional Memberships: American Bar
Association, Real Property, Probate & Trust
Division, Member South Dakota State Bar
Association, Business Law Committee, Chair
(2012-Present) Second Judicial Bar Association,
Member
Personal: University of Nebraska College of
Law (J.D. 1996); Augustana College (B.S. 1993,
with honors)
FRITZ, Dan
Ballard Spahr LLP, Sioux Falls
+160 5978 5205
fritzd@ballardspahr.com
Featured in Litigation (South Dakota)
Practice Areas: Daniel Fritz has guided busi-
nesses and individuals through the litigation
process for more than 25 years. He has success-
fully represented clients in matters of personal
injury claims, insurance coverage disputes, and
multiparty business and commercial cases, and
has extensive experience representing fiduciaries
and beneficiaries in litigation involving trust and
estate disputes.
Professional Memberships: State Bar of South
Dakota Minnesota State Bar Association Ameri-
can Bar Association
Personal: University of Minnesota Law School,
(J.D. 1991); University of Notre Dame, (B.A.
1988)

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