Education
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (2000)
B.A., Political Science & Broadcast Journalism, South Dakota State University (1996)
Admissions
South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, U.S. District Court of Nebraska, U.S. District Court of Iowa, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal Court of Claims
About
Jeff has an active and eclectic litigation practice. His most notable cases, and successful outcomes, have required creative problem solving in the face of extremely challenging, and often unprecedented, facts and legal issues. He excels in cases requiring a high attention to detail and analytical thinking. Jeff’s clients value his strong work ethic, strong oral and written communication skills, his ability to quickly identify the key issues in a particular case, and his sense of humor. Jeff believes that candor is the most important aspect of the attorney/client relationship. He also strives to help his clients finds practical solutions and resolve conflicts quickly, informally, and without formal litigation.
Although Jeff’s practice primarily involves litigation-related matters, he has developed long-term relationships with many local and regional businesses who call on him for input, opinions, recommendations, and guidance on any and all legal matters that might arise. Jeff is grateful for the privilege of being a part of these growing and successful businesses and helps his clients benefit from the full spectrum of practice areas and legal services offered by the attorneys at Bangs McCullen.
Jeff has significant courtroom and trial experience, having taken numerous cases through bench trials, jury trials, administrative hearings, and the civil appeals process at both the state and federal levels. His most notable cases have been in the areas of medical malpractice defense, product liability defense, personal injury defense, construction and contract litigation (both plaintiff and defense), insurance law, constitutional law, zoning ordinance disputes, business litigation, and the representation of individuals and businesses in state sales, use, and excise tax matters, including contested case litigation.
After completing law school, Jeff was extremely fortunate to spend two years as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Lyle E. Strom, a Senior U.S. District Court Judge in Omaha, Nebraska. For prospective clients who need a list of awards or recognitions when deciding who to retain, Jeff can provide those upon request. The qualities or attributes that clients appreciate most about Jeff, however, are intangible. Jeff is the attorney to call when something happens, you know you need a lawyer, but you do not even know where to begin because the facts and issues are such a mess.
Jeff is grateful to be an attorney and considers it a privilege to represent his clients. Jeff lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Heidi, and son, Sam.
Practice Areas:
- Business and Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law and Litigation
- Corporate Law & Business Transactions
- Confidential Internal Investigations, Reports, and Compliance
- Adoption Finalization
- General Civil Litigation
- Government & Agency Law, Including SD Administrative Law
- Healthcare Law & Liability & Professional Malpractice Defense
- Creditor and Landlord Rights & Remedies
- Real Estate and Mechanic’s Lien Litigation
- SD State and Local Sales Tax, Use Tax, and Excise Tax Audits & Litigation
- Professional Licensing Board Complaints & Litigation
