Bangs McCullen Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®

Gregory J. Erlandson

Education

University of South Dakota, B.A., Criminal Justice, 1993.
University of South Dakota, Juris Doctorate, 1997, Top 10.

Admissions

South Dakota, Sicangu Oyate (Rosebud Sioux) Tribal Courts, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court

Prior to attending law school, Greg served in the United States Marine Corps and worked for a lobbying association during the State’s legislative session. During law school, he served as the President of the Client Counseling and Negotiations Board and as a member of the Law School Disciplinary Committee. After graduation, Greg served as the law clerk for the Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court and then joined Bangs McCullen’s Rapid City office. He is active in the South Dakota and American Bar Association and serves on several committees at the state and national level, including service as a State Bar Commissioner, a member of the South Dakota Ethics Committee and the South Dakota Practice Rules Committee, and a member of the Defense Research Institute’s Professionalism & Ethics Committee Member. Greg is a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, a Member of the Trial Law Institute and Member of the Diversity Law Institute. Greg also served on the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Parole.

Greg has been named in the Best Lawyers in America, Top Great Plains Lawyers, Great Plains Super Lawyers, and holds an AV (Preeminent) Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Practice Areas

Landlord Rights & Remedies
Business Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Construction Law
Real Estate Law
Criminal Defense
Government and Agency Law

Victoria M. Duehr

Victoria M. Duehr graduated from South Dakota State University in 1991. She attended the University of South Dakota School of Law and graduated in 1995 with Sterling Honors. Following graduation, she clerked for Judges in the Second Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. She practiced in Brookings, South Dakota, until joining Bangs McCullen law firm in 2003.

Her practice concentrates in the areas of family law, mediation, and civil litigation.

Steve R. Nolan

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1997)
B.A., History/Political Science, University of South Dakota (1992)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota

About

Steve, a Rapid City native, has been with the firm for twenty-five years. Steve specializes in the area of family law (including divorce, custody disputes, adoptions, child support proceedings, and much more) and real estate. Steve has extensive trial experience with child custody, property and business valuation disputes, child and spousal support, and resolution of high-conflict divorce cases.

Steve is a member of the South Dakota Bar Association, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, and the Pennington County Bar Association. While attending law school, Steve was a member of the Client Counseling and Negotiations Board. After graduation, he served as a law clerk for South Dakota’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court before joining Bangs McCullen.

Steve devotes a great deal of time to the community. He is a member of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for a multitude of youth athletic programs and non-profit boards. Outside the office, Steve enjoys being with family, traveling, camping/boating, and appreciating all the Black Hills has to offer.

Practice Areas

Family Law

Sarah E. Baron Houy

Education

J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia, top 25% (2006)
B.S., Business Administration (Marketing Emphasis), University of South Dakota, cum laude (2002)

Admissions

South Dakota, Missouri, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court.

About

Sarah joined Bangs McCullen in 2007. She practices in a wide variety of settings, including employment law, civil litigation, federal criminal defense, and family law. Sarah holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She has been the recipient of multiple awards, including Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (PCBA, 2010-2011 and 2022), Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year (PCBA, 2016), and the State Bar President’s Pro Bono Award (South Dakota State Bar, 2020).

While in law school at Mizzou, Sarah served as a Research Assistant for an endowed, tenured law professor, and she spent most of her free time conducting research on matters related to judicial review, FOIA, National Security Information Classification, Executive Privilege, and the First Amendment. She received numerous awards for her academic accomplishments, including high-grade achievements in Estates and Trusts, Business Organizations, Insurance, and Trial Practice. After law school, Sarah spent a year clerking for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in northeast South Dakota before joining Bangs McCullen.

Sarah has guest lectured for numerous law-related undergraduate courses and has served as a faculty member for various employment and labor-related legal seminars. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Black Hills. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children’s House Montessori.

Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with family in the beautiful Black Hills.

Practice Areas

Employment Law & Sexual Harassment
Family Law
General Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense

Rod W. Schlauger

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, Top 10 (1990)

B.A., Political Science, Bethel University (St. Paul), magna cum laude (1987)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court.

About

Rod has practiced in our Rapid City office since he joined the firm in 1990. Rod’s practice focuses on banking and finance law, corporate law and business transactions, real estate law and litigation, and creditor’s rights in bankruptcy. Rod is a member of the Order of the Barrister and has been elected to the Board of Governors of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He is listed in the Best Lawyers of America for the areas of Banking & Finance Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Real Estate Law. Rod was named by Best Lawyers as a Rapid City Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate Litigation (2017, 2021) and Real Estate Law (2022). The National Trial Lawyers recently listed Rod as one of the top 100 Trial Lawyers for South Dakota. Rod holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and he is a Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion.

Outside of the office, Rod serves on the Board of Trustees of John Witherspoon College, the Board of Directors for the Cornerstone Rescue Mission Foundation, and the Board of Trustees for the Colorado Christian University Foundation. In his free time, Rod enjoys snowboarding, hunting, hiking, biking, and camping in the Black Hills. He lives in Rapid City with his wife, Vicki, of 35 years. Rod and Vicki have five children, two grandchildren, two dogs, and a cat.

Areas of Practice

Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Landlord Rights & Remedies
Banking & Finance Law
Business Litigation
Real Estate Law

Rick Ramstad

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1994)
B.S., Political Science, South Dakota State University (1991)

Military

Commissioned Officer Training, Gunter Air Force Base (1997)
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course, Maxwell Air Force Base (1998)

Admissions

South Dakota Supreme Court; Federal District Court, District of South Dakota; Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals; United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; Air Force Court of Appeals; Tribal Court of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

About

Rick’s nearly thirty-year legal career comprises thousands of cases across the entire State of South Dakota in civil, criminal, estate and family law matters in State and Federal courts. With a large breadth of legal experience, Rick strives to relate that experience to the perspectives of each client individually to tailor strategies for success. Rick is a lifelong learner, as each day in the office or courtroom presents new opportunities to research and analyze evolving challenges. Courtroom and appellate litigation have been the focal point of Rick’s professional practice. With parallel military and civilian careers, Rick has been fortunate to receive a combination of training and experience that has allowed him to successfully guide his clients, community, the South Dakota Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, in their legal affairs.

Soon after graduation from law school, Rick served as an elected municipal official. During that time, he led the development of a municipal natural gas system, now a multi-million-dollar public enterprise. Rick went on to serve as a city attorney, representing the municipalities legal interests in matters of daily operations and policy development regarding public safety, land use regulation, acquisition and sale of real property, public bidding law and eminent domain.

In addition to his work in private practice, Rick is an active-duty Air Force veteran and a twenty-seven-year member of the South Dakota Air National Guard. He retired in September of 2019, at the rank of Lt. Colonel. At the time of his retirement, Rick was assigned as the State Staff Judge Advocate for Air (JAG). During his career he also served as a member of a specially trained team, tasked with conducting investigations across the entire National Guard. As the legal advisor to the South Dakota State Adjutant General’s Joint Staff, Rick provided legal advice regarding strategic planning in support of the National Guard’s domestic operations mission.

Rick and his wife Tammy are the parents of four adult children, five grandchildren and two puppies. Together, they enjoy spending time with their family on various outdoor adventures. In his spare time, Rick enjoys woodworking, boating, fishing, hunting, and, occasionally, skiing and sailing.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense
Family Law
Estate Planning & Probate
Pardons & Expungements
General Civil Litigation
Government & Agency Law
Landlord Rights & Remedies
Real Estate Law
Business Litigation
Corporate Law & Business Transactions

Rachel V. Taylor

Rachel is a 1999 graduate of the USD School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the South Dakota Law Review and a teaching assistant. Prior to law school, Rachel worked as a CPA in the areas of personal and business tax return preparation, and for-profit and non-profit auditing. She also spent some time in the private sector, working in the finance department of a hospital in Durango, Colorado.

Rachel interned at Bangs McCullen during law school and joined the firm as an associate after graduation, where she provided business/estate planning legal services for six years. Rachel retired from private practice in 2005 to focus on her family and her small business. Much to the firm’s delight, she returned in 2015 and has resumed her practice in the areas of wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, and business law.

Rachel is a member of the South Dakota Bar Association, South Dakota CPA Society, Pennington County Bar Association, and the West River Estate and Financial Council.

Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, Shane, daughter Maggie, and stepdaughters, Sheena, Austin, and Dakotah. Her hobbies include fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Michael M. Hickey

Mike Hickey, a Rapid City native, is a graduate of Creighton University and the University of South Dakota School of Law. He was a Senior Editor of the South Dakota Law Review and authored an article on water law. Following law school, Mike served as a law clerk for the judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pierre, SD.

Mike is a Great Plains Super Lawyer and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Administrative Law, Labor and Employment Law and Workers Compensation. He is also listed in Chambers, U.S.A. and carries an A rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Since joining the firm in 1977, Mike concentrates his practice on trials, employment law, administrative law, water law, and mineral and natural resources law.

Kathryn J. Hoskins, RN, JD

Education

B.A., Nursing, Augustana University (1982)
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1989)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

About

Kathryn works as a trial lawyer and litigation attorney in the firm’s Sioux Falls Office, but represents clients throughout South Dakota, where she is licensed to practice in state and federal courts. Her educational background and training is in Nursing, and she worked as a full-time critical care nurse both before and during law school. The character traits that made her an excellent nurse (a strong work ethic, compassion and kindness, and a meticulous attention to detail) have also provided the foundation for her successful litigation practice, which involves defending medical malpractice cases and representing medical professionals in regulatory and professional licensing matters.

Kathryn is specifically sought out by prospective clients due to her significant civil jury trial experience and her background and knowledge of medical issues. Kathryn is still a licensed Registered Nurse, but applies her special education and training in representing her clients. She is best known among her peers, and her clients, for her successful defense of medical malpractice cases, but her practice encompasses all areas of the medical profession, including nursing home and home health care liability, medical device product-liability defense, and pharmaceutical defense. Her experience and success in litigating cases involving the medical and healthcare professions has also prompted clients to seek out her services in defending professional liability cases involving architects, accountants, and attorneys, and other complex civil litigation cases.

Kathryn is among a group of select trial attorneys elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). She holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and is also a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the South Dakota Defense Attorneys Association and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association.

Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family. Together with her children, Kathryn is also a small business owner and has experience in managing rental property and a self-storage business. Establishing and being part of a family-owned business has given her unique personal insight into the legal issues that challenge small businesses.

Practice Areas

Healthcare Law and Professional Malpractice Defense
General Civil Litigation
Professional Licensing Board Matters

John H. Raforth

Education

L.L.M., Taxation, University of Denver School of Law (1988)
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1985)
M. Acc., Accounting, University of South Dakota (1985)
B.A., Business Administration (Accounting Emphasis), Concordia College-Moorhead (1982)

Admissions

South Dakota, Alaska, U.S. Tax Court

About

John’s practice focuses on federal, state, and local tax planning (and controversies), business transactions, strategic business planning and advice, and estate and trust matters, including perpetuities (dynasty) trust formation and planning. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has practiced as a tax specialist with Deloitte, Haskins & Sells (presently Deloitte & Touche), both domestically and in Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining Bangs McCullen, John practiced law with national and regional firms, including San Francisco- based Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe. He also has been a state law author of chapters in State Limited Partnership Laws and State Limited Liability Company Statutes published by Aspen. He has been a presenter to the State Bar of South Dakota and the State Bar of Montana.

John holds an AV (Preeminent) rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He is also listed in the Super Lawyers Business Edition Section, Great Plains Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Chambers, USA. John has been named by his peers as the Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year for business organizations, corporate law, real estate law, and estate planning.

Practice Areas

Estate Planning & Probate
Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Tax Law
Real Estate Law

Jeffrey G. Hurd

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1990)
B.S., Economics & Political Science, University of South Dakota (1987)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court

About

For over 30 years, Jeff has been representing professionals and businesses in civil courts, administrative agencies, mediations, and arbitrations. He is a partner in the Litigation Department in our Rapid City office, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of business litigation, health care law, and professional negligence defense. Jeff has extensive experience in complex cases involving business and employment disputes, disputes between shareholders and partners, breach of contract, and fraud. Jeff also has a broad range of experience defending malpractice claims against lawyers, physicians, nurses, nursing homes, and hospitals. He represents some of the region’s largest businesses, as well as small start-up businesses. Along with his considerable trial experience, Jeff has also arbitrated, mediated, and negotiated numerous disputes to resolution. He regularly represents clients before the South Dakota Supreme Court and United States Courts of Appeals.

Jeff is a Great Plains Super Lawyer (a distinction earned by only 5% of the lawyers in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa) and he is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers U.S.A. He also holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He is a president-elect of the South Dakota Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, past-president of the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, and the South Dakota State Representative to the Defense Research Institute.

In law school, Jeff served as Articles Editor of the South Dakota Law Review. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk to the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. He has practiced with Bangs McCullen since 1992.

Practice Areas

Business Litigation
Civil Litigation

Jeff Bratkiewicz

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

Daniel F. Duffy

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1990)
B.A., History & Political Science, Dakota Wesleyan University, magna cum laude (1983)

Admissions

United States Supreme Court, South Dakota Supreme Court, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

About

Dan is a senior partner in the Litigation Department of our Rapid City office. He concentrates his practice in the areas of professional liability, including medical, hospital, and healthcare malpractice, as well as nursing home litigation, legal malpractice, and general commercial litigation. Dan has extensive litigation and jury trial experience in all areas of professional liability, as he has represented hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals involved in litigation and trial. In addition, he has represented attorneys, accountants, and other professionals, as well as major businesses and corporations involved in commercial and products litigation.

Dan is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, the South Dakota Defense Attorneys Association, and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. Dan was also inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2015, a fellowship extended only by invitation, after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality. Dan holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating given) and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, Great Plains Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA, the latter of which has identified him as “an excellent trial lawyer.”

Prior to law school, Dan was a two-time Academic All-American basketball player and a three-time all-conference performer. He spent one year playing professional basketball in Limerick, Ireland. In law school, he served as president of the moot court board. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota prior to joining Bangs McCullen.

The small poster in Dan’s office shows a dimly lit basketball court, and states: “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Whether playing professional basketball in Ireland or coaching one of his eight children, the lessons from basketball are still important to Dan today: Team work. Discipline. Hard work. Passion. Competition. These traits form the cross-over from basketball to litigation. When he is not working or coaching, Dan can be found reading history, hiking, or shooting baskets in his driveway.

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation
Healthcare & Medical Malpractice Law
Insurance Law
Professional Liability Defense

Emily M. Smoragiewicz

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, Sterling Honors Graduate (2014)
B.A., Political Science & English, University of South Dakota (2011)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

About

Emily joined the firm in 2016 as an associate in our Rapid City office. Her litigation practice includes professional negligence defense, general civil litigation, health care law, and business litigation. Emily has successfully represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals and the South Dakota Supreme Court. In addition to serving her clients, Emily is also dedicated to serving the Rapid City community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Working Against Violence, Inc. Emily also looks forward to her weekly lunch delivery route serving the clients of the Meals on Wheels Program.

While in law school, Emily was actively involved with the Trial Team and Alternative Dispute Resolution programs, giving her a unique perspective on both intense trial work and the value of settlement in the legal system. After law school, she spent a year clerking for the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Rapid City, which prompted her to put down roots in the Black Hills and ultimately join us at Bangs McCullen. In her free time, Emily enjoys cooking, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Practice Areas

Business Litigation
Civil Litigation

Eric J. Pickar

Education

B.S., Psychology, South Dakota State University (2000)
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (2003)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

About

Eric joined our Rapid City office in 2003, shortly after graduating from law school. Eric is a litigator, with an emphasis on family law and criminal defense, but he also maintains a diverse civil practice. He is a member of the Pennington County Bar Association, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association of Justice, and the American Bar Association.

During law school, Eric was a published editor of the South Dakota Law Review, a member of the Trial Team, and President of Delta Theta Phi. In addition, he was an editor for Moot Court, a member of the law school disciplinary board, and he taught for the USD English Department.

Eric and his wife, Jessica, enjoy hiking, traveling, and working outside in their bountiful vegetable and flower gardens. A native of Wisconsin, Eric is also an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.

Practice Areas

Family Law
Landlord Rights & Remedies
Business Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Construction Law
Real Estate Law
Criminal Defense

Laura E. Hauser

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, cum laude (2018)
B.A., Political Science, Northern State University, magna cum laude (2015)

Admissions

South Dakota

About

Growing up on a ranch, Laura was instilled with a strong work ethic and impeccable attention to detail. This drive and dedication ultimately led her to law school, where she served as Vice President of the USD Moot Court Board, a member of the USD Trial Team, and a Graduate Assistant. During her 2L summer internship at Bangs McCullen, Laura realized her calling was to assist clients with their estate and business needs. As such, Laura joined our Rapid City office after graduation. Her practice focuses on the areas of estate planning, probate, and business law.
Laura is a member of the South Dakota Bar Association, Pennington County Bar Association, and the West River Estate and Financial Council. In her free time, she enjoys golfing or hiking with her husband and son.

Practice Areas

Business & Corporate Law
Property Law
Trust & Estate

T. Cale Fierro

Education

J.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Law, with distinction (2020)
B.S., University of Wyoming (2017)

Admissions

South Dakota
U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota

About

A Rapid City native, Cale has established deep roots in the community. After graduating from Stevens High School, he ran track at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before transferring to the University of Wyoming. Cale then returned to UNL for law school, where he participated in the Allen Moot Court Competition and spent a semester in the Criminal Clinic, handling criminal cases through the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office.

After his second year of law school, Cale worked as a summer intern at Bangs McCullen. Following law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Daneta Wollmann, Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. Cale joined the firm as an associate attorney in August of 2021.

Cale’s practice focuses primarily on estate planning, corporate formation, business and real estate transactions, and employment law.

Cale resides in Rapid City with his wife, where they enjoy exploring the beauty of the Black Hills. In his free time, Cale can be found exercising or reading Stephen King and John Grisham.

Practice Areas

Estate Planning & Probate
Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Employment Law
Real Estate Law

Connor Donohoe

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, magna cum laude, Sterling Honors (2021)

B.S., Molecular Biology (2014)

Admissions

South Dakota

About

Connor, a Rapid City native, joined Bangs McCullen in 2022. His practice focuses on estate planning, probate, corporate formation, and business transactions. Prior to joining the firm, Connor served as a law clerk to the Honorable Mark Moreno, Federal Magistrate Judge for the District of South Dakota.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Connor spent a year responding to disasters around the country as part of a FEMA Corps team before transitioning to the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management, where he developed a variety of statewide disaster response plans. Thereafter, he returned to academia as a law student, where he had the pleasure of working as a judicial intern to the Honorable Karen Schreier, Federal District Judge for the District of South Dakota. He also served as Lead Articles Editor for the South Dakota Law Review and obtained academic awards in Evidence, Federal Income Tax, Federal Tax Procedure and Enforcement, and Cyber Law.

Outside of work, Connor enjoys snowboarding, tennis, and any other activity that lets him explore the phenomenal Black Hills.

Practice Areas

Corporate Law & Business Transactions
Estate Planning & Probate
Regulatory Compliance

Matthew J. Lucklum

Education

University of South Dakota, B.B.A., Finance, 2014.

University of South Dakota School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2019.

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota.

About

Matt grew up in Huron, South Dakota. After graduating from Huron High School, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of South Dakota. Before attending law school, he worked in finance in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for three years. In that time, he became a registered securities broker by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

While attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, Matt was an active member of the school’s moot court board and trial team where he competed against other law schools in national competitions. Matt graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the USD School of Law in May of 2019. Before joining Bangs McCullen Law Firm as an associate attorney, he worked at the Pennington County Public Defender’s Office representing indigent clients in state criminal court. Matt’s practice areas include civil litigation and criminal defense. He is an active member of the Pennington County Criminal Defense Bar, the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, and currently serves as the President of the Pennington County Bar Association.

Practice Areas

State and Federal Criminal Defense
Business Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Construction Law
Real Estate Law
Landlord Rights & Remedies

Education

J.D., University of St. Thomas School of Law, summa cum laude (2020)
B.A., Augustana University, Business (Emphasis in nonprofits & government/international affairs), magna cum laude (2013)

Admissions

South Dakota

About

Erin joined the Rapid City office in 2021, after completing a clerkship with the South Dakota Supreme Court.

During law school, Erin served as a writing fellow, research assistant, and the law school’s student body president. During her tenure as student body president, her advocacy efforts for students with disabilities and efforts to bring together the St. Thomas community led to her being awarded St. Thomas’ Mission Award for Service and Community. She also worked for the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office where she argued and won a case before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Prior to law school, Erin volunteered for AmeriCorps NCCC, providing aid to communities stricken by natural disasters. Upon completing her AmeriCorps term, she spent three years working in nonprofit development raising funds for a variety of nonprofits and helping individuals leave charitable gifts through their estates. Her desire to serve others led her to pursue a career in the law.

Erin’s practice at Bangs McCullen focuses on healthcare law and professional malpractice defense, general civil litigation, business litigation, landlord rights & remedies, and real estate law.

Outside of work, Erin remains passionate about serving others, volunteering for various Catholic organizations and conservation nonprofits. She resides in Rapid City with her husband (a fellow Augustana Viking), where they take advantage of the beautiful Black Hills by hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, or fishing. When not outdoors, Erin can be found brewing a new batch of beer or baking delicious treats.

Practice Areas

Healthcare & Medical Malpractice Defense
General Civil Litigation
Business Litigation
Landlord Rights & Remedies
Real Estate Law

Terry G. Westergaard, Managing Partner

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (1990)
B.S., Business Administration & Economics, Augustana University (1985)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

About

Terry joined Bangs McCullen’s Rapid City office in 1998, after having spent several years in private practice in Sioux Falls. Terry’s practice focuses heavily on insurance law and business litigation. He has extensive experience in insurance coverage claims and complex insurance litigation. He regularly represents small businesses in various legal matters, including employment issues, property disputes, drafting and negotiating contracts, and litigating contract disputes.

In addition to maintaining a busy practice, Terry is dedicated to professional and community service. He is President of the State Bar of South Dakota (2020-2021), is a former Bar Commissioner, and serves on the State Bar Disciplinary Board. He is a member of the South Dakota State Bar Law School Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. Terry is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Council of the Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Division, where he serves on the following committees: Corporate Sponsors, Tort and Insurance Practice, Member Benefits, and Technology & Resource Center. Terry is the past President of the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, the past President of the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of South Dakota, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Terry is also a member of the Defense Research Institute and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He serves on various local community boards. Terry is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law and he holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Outside of the office, Terry enjoys spending time with his family in the Black Hills. They enjoy camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Practice Areas

Business Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Construction Law
Real Estate Law

Charles L. Riter, Attorney

Education

Northwestern University
University of South Dakota School of Law

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. Tax Court

About

Prior to joining Bangs McCullen, Chuck practiced as an attorney with the Office of District Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has lectured extensively on wills, trust and estate matters as well as tax matters to a wide range of organizations and groups, including the South Dakota Bar Association. Chuck is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Great Plains Super Lawyers and Chambers Leading Lawyers. He is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the American Bar Foundation. He is a member of the Pennington County Bar, State Bar of South Dakota and the American Bar Association, and was a member of the IRS Liaison Committee (1971-1977, 1978-1983).

Practice Areas

Business Law & Corporate Transactions
Estate Planning & Probate

Allen G. Nelson, Attorney

Upon graduating from Sioux Falls College in 1964, Allen Nelson served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army in Vietnam. Al received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the South Dakota Law Review. He was admitted to practice in 1972 and served for one year as a law clerk for Judge Andrew W. Bogue of the United States District Court in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Al is a member of the American Bar Association, South Dakota Bar Association, and the Cooperative Bar Association.

His current area of practice is Cooperative Law.

Terry L. Hofer, Partner

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, Sterling Honor Graduate (1982)
B.A., Mathematics, Pan American University & Huron College, cum laude (1975)

Admissions

South Dakota, U.S. District Court of South Dakota, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court

About

Terry Hofer is a senior partner in our Rapid City office. He engages general civil litigation and trial practice. During his 35 years at Bangs McCullen, Terry has handled most all subject matter areas of the law. He continues work on civil litigation, with a focus on construction, personal injury, and myriad contract issues. Before joining Bangs in 1984, Terry worked for two years as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Andrew W. Bogue.

A Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated attorney, Terry enjoys memberships with the American Board of Trial Advocates, the American Bar Association, the State Bar Association of South Dakota, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, and the Pennington County Bar Association. He is a former President of the South Dakota State Bar Association (2013-14), having served on numerous State Bar Committees and Boards during his career, including the State Bar Disciplinary Board. Currently, Terry is the President of the South Dakota State Bar Association Foundation and a member of the State Bar’s Strategic Planning Committee. He is listed in the Great Plains Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.

Terry believes everyone, especially his clients, has an important story, which enriches life. In addition to the law, Terry’s story includes a small-town South Dakota upbringing, experience as a math teacher and steakhouse & lounge businessman, and interests in hunting, fishing, motorcycling, reading, and most athletics, including golf and baseball. But, even more importantly, Terry’s story shares life with his wife of 43 years, Janet, his two sons, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. In large part, Terry’s story is captured in nutshell form by his late Korean War veteran father: “If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right,” and “If you aren’t five minutes early, you’re late.”

Practice Areas

Business Litigation
General Civil Litigation
Construction Law

Mark F. Marshall, Attorney

Mark F. Marshall grew up in Huron, South Dakota, and was admitted to the practice of law in 1981. The breadth of his work since that time has given him insights from what are usually opposite sides of the spectrum – representing both plaintiffs and defendants, in both civil and criminal matters, and on both sides of the state. He has also experienced the courtroom on both sides of the bench, having served as a United States magistrate judge and a state court magistrate.

A skilled and compassionate mediator, Mark also has a broad vision of one who has been in the neutral position. Mark is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

When not practicing law, he can be found outdoors on his motorcycle, at the golf course, or on the ski slopes.

Karla MacArthur Harris, Associate

Education

J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, with honor (2012)
B.S., Criminal Justice (Sociology Minor), University of South Dakota (2007)
U.S. Army Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individualized Training (2006)
Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army (2013)
Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center Officer Advance Course, U.S. Army (2018)

Admissions

South Dakota

About

Karla joined the firm’s Rapid City office in 2019 after spending nearly 6 years as a deputy state’s attorney for Pennington County and serving as the only female Judge Advocate Officer in the state, representing the South Dakota Army National Guard. During her tenure as a county prosecutor, Karla tried dozens of cases and held the positions of Magistrate Court Prosecutor, Veteran’s Court Prosecutor, and Domestic Violence Prosecutor. Her career as a JAG is equally impressive.

In 2016, Karla was mobilized for an in-country tour with the National Guard Bureau, where she served as Special Victim’s Counsel, representing service members in both the Air and Army National Guards who were victims of sexual assault. Karla has also held assignments as a Judge Advocate of Government Counsel, Special Victims Child’s Counsel, and Legal Assistance Counsel. Karla’s foray into to the practice of law was preceded by a judicial clerkship with the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Rapid City.
Karla’s practice at Bangs McCullen focuses on professional liability defense, civil defense, and the advocacy and protection of veterans’ rights.

Karla resides in Rapid City with her husband and daughter. She is a Major in the South Dakota Army National Guard (Trial Defense) and also serves as an adjunct professor at Western Dakota Technical Institute. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, everything Disney, and vitamin “sea.”

Practice Areas

General Civil Litigation
Healthcare Law & Medical Malpractice Defense