Hayes Lawyers

I am a 1999 graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law. While in law school, Iserved as a lobby intern for Tieszen Law Office during the summers of 1997 and 1998.

Upon passing the Bar Examination, I became associated with Carlson Law Office where I practiced until 2001. In 2001, I joined the South Dakota Division of Insurance where I served as a staff attorney. In March of 2002, I began working for JS Midwest Structured Settlements where I assisted trial lawyers in utilizing structured settlements while negotiating civil cases. I am insurance licensed in nine states and...

Scott Swier is the Founder and Managing Member of Swier Law Firm. He also leads the law firm's Business Litigation Practice Group and Education Law Practice Group. Scott is a recognized authority in state and federal legal matters. While serving in private legal practice and as Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Dakota, he has represented individuals, businesses, and government entities before state and federal trial courts, state and federal appellate courts, and state and federal regulatory agencies. As Assistant Attorney General, Scott served as counsel for the State of South Dakota in...

Eric Schlimgen, a Black Hills native has been practicing since 2016 with measurable success. He prides himself on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. Eric understands the challenges and pressure that comes with every case and is here for you, every step of the way.

Dependable, calm, and well spoken, Eric approaches each new case with the attention it needs. Get in touch with him today.

During law school Eric was active on the Moot Court and Trial Team competing in several nation-wide tournaments. While at the University of South Dakota he also obtained a Masters of...

South Dakota Employment and Family Law attorney in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. Beth is local to the Sioux Falls area and has raised her three children in the community. Beth's extensive background helps her clients navigate the drama in business and life. She leverages her past HR experience to dissolve employee issues, cut the drama, and find solutions to prevent them in the future. Beth proactively helps clients protect their business by updating employee handbooks, offering employee training, providing guidance on difficult employment situations, conducting internal investigations, responding to charges of discrimination, and defending lawsuits. She handles cases...

Joel Arends offers his clients substantive experience in a wide range of fields including personal injury, family law, estate planning/probate, real estate, government relations and public policy development. Born and raised in Little Rock, Iowa, Joel Arends graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2000 and received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2006. In 2022 the voters of Lincoln County re-elected Arends to serve a second four year term on the Lincoln County Commission in County Commission District 1. Arends ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility, economic growth, fidelity to taxpayers...

Scott is the founder of Southern Hills Law PLLC in Custer, South Dakota. After graduating in the top third of his class at KU law, Scott practiced civil litigation and advice at the law firm of Riling, Burkhead and Nitcher, Chtd in Lawrence, Kansas from 2006-2008. He worked as an Assistant County Attorney in Dodge City Kansas from 2008-2016 handling all types of cases, including homicide, violent crime, property crime, traffic, and other cases. Mr. James was an integral part of the 2011 Dodge City RICO indictment of the Norteno Street Gang in Dodge city. Scott had the privilege of...

Eric began his journey to the legal field by working as a life insurance agent prior to returning to college. While working with a family that was struggling financially, he learned just how important proper planning is for all families, not just wealthy families. He learned that day of the unexpected death of this family’s teenage daughter. He saw how much their entire family went through because they were not prepared for such a horrific situation. It was that day and that story that made Eric realize that he wanted to help make sure that families didn’t have to go...

Joseph M. Wiltse is one of 650+ attorneys at Ballard Spahr LLP, where he focuses his law practice in the areas of corporate law, real estate law, commercial law, securities law, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents clients in activities such as acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, mergers, entity formation, private securities offerings, financing transactions, and real estate acquisitions and dispositions. Joseph was born and raised in Lisbon, North Dakota. Joseph received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies from the University of Sioux Falls in 2010 and his Juris Doctorate, with honors, from the University of...

Michael Fort provides aggressive and experienced representation in divorce, custody, alimony, criminal and personal injury cases. Prior to becoming an attorney, Michael Fort clerked for the 21st Judicial District's Circuit Court Judges Office. After graduating in the top ten percent of his law school class, Michael was invited to work as an associate attorney at the law firm of Schell, Binkley and Davies. After successfully litigating hundreds of cases, Michael Fort accepted a partnership at Schell and Davies.

Born in South Dakota and raised in NW Iowa, I sought higher education back in South Dakota at SDSU. Following graduation there, I worked for a construction and land development company in the MetroWest area of Boston, MA for 3 years, then returned and obtained a law degree from USD. After a judicial clerkship for the Honorable John B. Jones in the US District Court for the District of South Dakota, I have been in private practice of law in Sioux Falls. My practice involves representing people and companies throughout the region in state and federal courts plus administrative hearings...

Michael Shubeck is a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law. He is a farmer's son and learned the value of hard work helping his father with his cattle and farming operation. He is responsible for recovering millions of dollars for his clients. From the beginning of his practice he has been at the heart of high profile South Dakota litigation. Michael helped defend a prominent South Dakota real estate developer against over one hundred claims of construction defects and fraud. He worked to convince insurance companies of their contractual duties, obtained a favorable settlement, and then...

Daniel Brendtro grew up in rural South Dakota on his family's farm that produced purebred hogs. During his law education Daniel received many honors and was at the top of his class. Since his education he has focused his legal career on commercial and general civil cases. Dan resides in Sioux Falls with his wife Jennifer, where they have three children and an assortment of animal life including the loving family dog. Dan is a committed fan to Hoyas Basketball and participates in many activities including carpentry, running, hiking, reading, managing his fantasy football team, coaching, and playing cards. Dan also...

Anthony Hohn is a litigation attorney at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls, SD. A Sioux Falls native, Anthony joined the firm in 2008 as a member of the firm’s litigation section and became a partner in 2014. His practice includes of a wide variety of litigation, including commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, employment litigation, and condemnation litigation. Anthony interned with the firm in the summer of 2006 and is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, where he served as lead articles editor for the South Dakota Law Review. Following graduation, Anthony...

Brooke Swier Schloss leads Swier Law Firm's Family Law Practice Group and focuses her practice on divorce, child custody, child support, elder law, spousal support, property division, pre- and post-marital planning, and adoptions. Brooke is also the author of the book 15 Tips for Choosing a South Dakota Divorce Lawyer and serves on the South Dakota Bar Association's Family Law Committee. Brooke is a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, where she served on the Board of Editors for the South Dakota Law Review and was a published author. She is a member of the...

Lindsay M. Harris is the owner and managing member of Harris Law & Co. She leads our succession planners in protecting every family and business we serve using forward-thinking solutions derived from exceptional experience. Whether it is creating wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, charitable trusts, or advanced business plans such as family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations, Lindsay’s passion is to ensure that every family and business is protected when life changing events occur. Lindsay has seen first-hand the legal challenges businesses face. From family farms, professional practices, to small and large companies, Lindsay is a...

Aggressive legal representation focusing in the practice of criminal law, family law, divorce, custody, DUI, business law, real estate law, probate and business formations. Also general litigation for a wide variety of disputes. As an experienced trial lawyer with over 20 years of legal practice I can bring the experience needed to help you in dealing with most legal matters.

Growing up on a farm Jeff Cole understood how hard it was to be a farmer so he decided he wanted to fight for farmers to get their fair share in our legal system and became a lawyer. Since he decided to become a lawyer he has a diverse career but now mainly focuses on trials and litigation. He has tried 7 cases to the South Dakota Supreme Court and one case to the US Court of Appeals. He has even won a US Supreme Court Case where he was trial counsel.

There are quite a few people that find themselves struggling through the heartbreak of a personal injury. If you have recently found yourself to be one of them, then you need to make sure that you bring your situation the attentive understanding and care that is so necessary. With more than 25 years of experience, the team at the Even Law Firm will be able to bring your case the attentive understanding and care that is desired. Here, your case will be expounded by the intensive understanding of a legal professional, one who works hard to bring your situation a...

Tim James has more than 30 years of litigation experience. He consults on medical malpractice cases. Tim's experience as a litigator involving many complex cases has resulted in a strong record of success. See more about Tim at www.yankton.lawyer or www.timjameslaw.com.

Kristi has been with Davenport Evans since 1995. Her practice is focused upon representing employers and insurers in all stages of workers’ compensation and employment matters. She regularly provides advice to clients on compensability issues and defenses involved with workers’ compensation claims before litigation is commenced, but also continues to assist them by defending litigated claims before the Department of Labor and on appeal. Employers also look to her for guidance and the aggressive defense of Title VII cases involving claims of harassment and discrimination, claims involving other laws that impact employers, such as the ADA and FMLA, as well...

Experienced former prosecutor will "SEEK JUSTICE FOR YOU!". Successful experienced DUI/DWI trial lawyer.

Stephen Demik specializes in complex civil and criminal litigation, and trials of all types. He is an experienced trial attorney, practicing in state and federal courts for nearly 15 years. He speaks Spanish proficiently. A graduate of University of California, Hastings College of the Law and a faculty teacher at the Trial Lawyers College, Stephen Demik has a wide background in many areas– from civil plaintiffs work to criminal defense, from tribal court to immigration law, from juvenile court to Guantanamo Bay. For over 14 years, he has tried cases in both state and federal court, in both South Dakota and...

Amanda Engel grew up in South Dakota and returned there after a brief excursion into North Dakota for a few years. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Dakota with a B.A. in political science and then University of North Dakota School of Law with cum laude honors. In 2012 she was admitted to practice law in South Dakota.

I am an experienced trial lawyer helping clients with injury accidents, criminal allegations, divorce, custody, or guardianship issues. I enjoy helping clients get through difficult and stressful situations, and sticking up for the powerless when the individuals in power are attempting to take advantage of them.

Kylie is a South Dakota native. She graduated from Drake University School of Business in 2002 and from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2008. After serving as a Judicial Law Clerk for South Dakota's Fourth Judicial Circuit, Kylie began practicing as a divorce attorney at Viken Law Firm and then joined with Linda Lea M. Viken to form Viken & Riggins Law Firm. Kylie is now a family law attorney at Riggins Family Law, Prof. L.L.C.

She focuses her practice exclusively in the area of Domestic Relations Law and has established herself...

I grew up in Isabel, South Dakota. My dad is truck driver; my mom is a school nurse. After completing law school, I completed a one-year clerkship with the Sixth Judicial Circuit of South Dakota in Pierre. Since then, I have engaged in private practice, focusing almost exclusively on civil litigation. I enjoy helping people that have been injured in car accidents or tractor-trailer accidents. Because my dad is a truck driver, and because I drove a truck while working my way through college, I believe that I have a unique insight into the operation...

Charles Gullickson is a Financial Services lawyer at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls, SD. Financial and insurance regulatory matters make up a substantial portion of Chuck’s practice. He devotes a significant amount of time to such banking law matters as lending transactions, loan documentation, bank acquisitions and branching, and Chuck advises banking clients regularly on regulatory matters and oversight of third party vendors and servicers, and credit card lending and securitizations. Chuck also handles various insurance regulatory matters and serves as Executive Director and General Counsel for the South Dakota Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association....

Sioux Falls lawyer Elizabeth Hertz joined Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in the litigation section in 2010, and became a partner in 2016. She received her B.A. from Macalester College in 2004 where she studied classical history and biology. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and clerked for the Honorable James B. Loken of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Elizabeth practices in the areas of commercial and complex litigation, family law, tribal law, professional liability defense, appellate law, plaintiff’s litigation, construction litigation, and intellectual property litigation. Elizabeth currently serves as president...

South Dakota lawyer Matt Van Heuvelen is a partner in the business law section at Davenport Evans. Matt, who is licensed to practice in South Dakota and Iowa, focuses his practice on dynasty trusts and trust administration, business transactions, estate planning, probate, tax planning and fiduciary litigation. Clients he represents include individuals, families, trustees, bank trust departments, trust companies, financial advisors, businesses and charitable organizations. Matt is a member of American Bar Association, the State Bar of South Dakota, the Iowa State Bar Association and the Sioux Falls Estate Planning Council. While in law school at the University of Iowa,...

David R. Hansen grew up in a family of nine children. He grew up in the outdoors of New Mexico and Colorado. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics. After working for a five years as a detention officer in Wyoming, he continued his formal education. He completed law school at the University of Wyoming College of Law. He focused his studies on estate planning, business transactions and intellectual property. At school David was the appointed student director of the Estate Planning Practicum; he was elected President of...

Dixie Hieb is a Financial Services lawyer at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls, SD. Her practice is focused on bank regulatory compliance and trust company formation and operation. Dixie’s regulatory practice covers all facets of consumer disclosures, including those related to credit cards, prepaid cards, student loans, other closed-end loans, and deposit accounts. She has expertise in electronic banking and electronic delivery of disclosures, and she advises clients on CRA issues. Dixie is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Dixie has received a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rating, indicating the attorney is widely respected for high professional achievement and...

Mark Ekse - Registered Patent Attorney and Member of the State Bar of South Dakota. Mark’s practice focus includes licensing, trademark and copyright law. He also represents clients involved in patent disputes, infringement cases and intellectual property cases. Mark represents clients needing legal guidance with registering and protecting software and computer technology, electronic commerce and digital enterprise, as well as trade secret protection and disputes. Mark is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mark currently serves as an adjunct professor of Patent Law and Intellectual Property at the University of South Dakota. He received his undergraduate...

Vince Roche is a Commercial Litigation attorney at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls, SD. Vince focuses his practice on commercial litigation, including trusts and estates litigation, class action defense and defending financial institutions. He also has substantial experience representing clients in arbitration and mediation matters arising out of commercial disputes. Prior to joining the firm in 2008, Vince practiced for five years in Chicago with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Novack & Macey LLP. Since joining the firm, he has obtained dismissal of several multimillion-dollar class action lawsuits against firm clients in both state and...