Ed grew up on on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, where he attended country school for 8 years. He graduated magna cum laude from University of South Dakota School of Law in 1970 where he served as managing editor of the USD Law Review. Ed clerked one year for U.S. District Court, Judge Fred J. Nichol, and served 3 years as an assistant U.S. Attorney for South Dakota. Ed joined the firm in 1974. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates with rank of Advocate and a past president of the South Dakota Chapter. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as State Chair in 2006 and 2007. He is listed in the Best Lawyers In America (Commercial Litigation), Chambers USA (Business Litigation), and Super Lawyers – Corporate Counsel Edition (Business Litigation). Ed is married and has four grown daughters. He has been involved in many community activities, including Exchange Club, YMCA youth basketball coach and Little League softball coach. Hobbies include hunting, fishing, biking, jogging and grandchildren. Ed has handled a wide variety of types of lawsuits and other legal matters over the years representing both defendants and claimants, as well as numerous state and federal appeals. Ed takes pride in trying to provide the best advice and representation he can and is always looking for a new challenge.
COMMERCIAL DISPUTES AND LITIGATION – Representation in connection with disputes and litigation, including business transactions, ownership and management issues, wrongful termination, tortious interference with contract, non-compete, etc.
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION – representation in litigation involving claims such as construction defects, delay, changes and change orders, failure to pay, defective plans, changed conditions, etc.
ARBITRATION – Recently completed AAA training to serve as an arbitrator. Is now on AAA panels as an arbitrator in commercial and construction disputes and is available for non-AAA arbitration as well. Extensive experience in arbitration as an advocate.
ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER CONTRACTS AND LITIGATION – Advice regarding contract provisions and issues and representation in professional negligence claims and suits.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS – Advice re: contract terms and provisions, including such items as bonds, retainage, default, liquidated damages, termination, etc.
CONSTRUCTION LIENS – Includes preparation and filing of Mechanic’s Liens, Miller Act Liens and Public Works Liens.
ESTATE CONTESTS – Representing heirs in connection with disputes, including claims of undue influence, incapacity, misappropriation of property, etc.
EMINENT DOMAIN – Representing property owners in connection with the taking of property by governmental or quasi-governmental entities.
FIRE LOSS – Representing individuals in pursuing claims for property damage, personal injury or death arising from fires. Past representation includes a number of property damage cases arising from fires, including forest and range fires and representation of the heirs of a decedent killed in a fire.
PERSONAL INJURY/WRONGFUL DEATH – Representing injured parties and their heirs or beneficiaries in pursing claims for personal injury or death arising from the negligence of others.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT – Representing property owners in dealing with governmental entities on a wide variety of issues pertaining to development, including plat approval, variances, road locations, sewer and water, etc. See landmark case of City of Rapid City v. Finn, 668 NW2d 324, 2003 SD 97 (S.D. 2003)
