Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Distinguished Legal Representation Rapid City South Dakota
Founded in 1971 by Wynn Gunderson, our firm has grown into one of the largest and most respected law practices in western South Dakota. We combine over 50 years of collective legal expertise with a deep understanding of regional challenges to deliver tailored solutions for clients across diverse industries. Our team of more than 20 attorneys provides comprehensive legal services spanning business law, litigation, real estate, and specialized practice areas.With offices in Rapid City, Pierre, and Sturgis, and attorneys admitted in multiple states, we maintain a strong commitment to community service and professional excellence while serving both local and national clients. Our lawyers have established reputations in federal and state courts, supported by decades of experience in alternative dispute resolution and transactional work.
Services
Business Law
Construction Law
Estate Planning
Real Estate
Criminal Defense
Personal Injury
Insurance Law
Government Law
Agricultural Law
Mining Energy Law
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined legal experience in regional and multi-state practice areas
- Our team includes former state legislators and American Bar Association leaders
- We maintain offices in three key South Dakota locations with multi-state reach
- Proven success in complex litigation and transactional work across 10+ practice areas
- Our attorneys hold advanced legal education and specialized industry certifications
Services
Business Law
Our business attorneys combine industry expertise with legal proficiency to develop strategic solutions that help clients achieve commercial objectives. We specialize in business formation, management, and succession planning across multiple industries. Our legal services include negotiations, contract drafting, and dispute resolution while maintaining cooperative environments during transactions.
Construction Law
We represent clients in construction-related legal matters including contract disputes, insurance claims, and defect litigation throughout western South Dakota. Our attorneys handle issues involving change orders, mechanics liens, and governmental compliance for both public and private projects. We provide legal guidance from project initiation through dispute resolution or litigation.
Estate Planning
Our attorneys assist individuals with creating comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique family circumstances and financial goals. Services include wills, trusts, and probate administration for clients with varying asset levels. We provide strategic guidance on wealth transfer while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Real Estate
We advise clients on all aspects of real estate transactions including acquisition, development, and dispute resolution. Our services cover commercial and residential properties throughout South Dakota and neighboring states. Attorneys handle title issues, zoning regulations, and contract negotiations while representing both buyers and sellers in complex transactions.
Personal Injury
Our injury attorneys represent clients seeking compensation for accidents caused by others' negligence. We handle vehicle collisions, slip and fall incidents, and product liability claims across multiple jurisdictions. The firm offers free initial consultations while pursuing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
People
Wynn Gunderson
Founding Attorney
Established the firm in 1971 after graduating from University of Oregon Law School. Served as ABA division chair and IAGA board member. Built the firm from solo practice to regional leader with multiple offices and 30+ staff members.
Jim Nelson
Senior Attorney
Former South Dakota legislator with juris doctor from USD. Served in Army JAG Corps and held leadership roles in multiple bar associations. Currently heads Mount Rushmore Institute and active in community boards while maintaining trial practice.
Sara Frankenstein
Attorney
Graduated from University of South Dakota Law School and clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Richard Battey. Specializes in litigation and governmental law with extensive court experience across multiple practice areas.
Stacy R. Hegge
Partner
Practices business law, litigation, and tribal law in Pierre office. Handles governmental law matters while providing legal counsel for both public and private sector clients throughout South Dakota's capital region.
Jason M. Smiley
Partner
Member of Executive Committee with focus on construction law and insurance defense. Represents clients in personal injury and civil litigation while emphasizing individualized attention to client needs and objectives.
Questions
What practice areas do you specialize in?
We handle business law, construction litigation, estate planning, real estate transactions, criminal defense, and personal injury cases across multiple states.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary initial consultations for personal injury and criminal defense matters.
How long have you served the Rapid City area?
For over 50 years since establishing our practice in 1971.
Do your attorneys handle multi-state legal matters?
Our 20+ attorneys are admitted in SD, ND, MT, NE, and WY with experience handling multi-jurisdictional cases.
What distinguishes your firm from competitors?
Our combination of regional expertise, multi-state capabilities, and attorneys holding advanced legal education sets us apart.
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