- DivorceWe strive to give our clients a realistic perspective on family law disputes and how they can be resolved efficiently, cost-effectively and with as little impact on familial relationships as possible. This process begins with information. When you work with us, you will work with an attorney who can give you an overview of what to expect and how disputes like yours are typically resolved either in settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings
- Child SupportMike is admitted to practice in all courts in the State of South Dakota, United States District Court, United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and a number of tribal courts in South Dakota. Mike practices primarily in the area of civil litigation, representing clients in lawsuits involving contracts, business, construction, real estate, probate, employment and personal injury, both as plaintiffs and defendants, as well as domestic relations cases involving divorce, property division, custody and visitation. In 2004, Mike was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Dakota to prosecute child support enforcement actions in Pennington County. He also practices municipal law, and has been the City Attorney for Summerset, South Dakota since 2010.
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Criminal DefenseOur clients come to us for legal representation, but many cases require something more. A divorce case may require an understanding of property valuation. A criminal defense case may demand a thoughtful analysis of police procedure. A lawyer does not gain these skills by simply studying legal statutes. It is through varied life experience and investigation.
- Misdemeanors
- Corporate LawFounded as a firm to provide exceptional legal services for a fair rate and our lawyers have provided the business community or Rapid City and surrounding areas with a full range of guidance for all types of business's since 1955. The firm has been selected for Best Lawyers in America and several lawyers have been selected for individual categories, including Corporate Law, Real Estate, Banking Law, Estate Planning. In reality corporate and commercial law has been the expertise of DeMerssemen Jensen for over 60 years.
- Business DisputesMany legal issues arise out of adversarial situations, like divorces, contract disputes and financial conflicts. Our goal is to educate our clients in these situations and help them see the solutions rather than just the personal and emotional challenges. By shifting focus to what is realistic, we can help our clients find more efficient resolutions at a cost-effective rate.
- Business TransactionsNathan Chicoine is originally from Pierre and is a lifelong South Dakotan. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology and also earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2013. Nathan previously served as a law clerk for the Seventh Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. In 2016, Nathan received the Rising Star Award by the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association. His practice focuses on real estate, business, commercial transactions, and civil litigation. He is licensed to practice law in South Dakota and Nebraska, as well as the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Court.
- Real Estate LitigationOur lawyers have extensive experience in all areas of real estate including acquisition, disposition, developing and structuring ownership for the clients best advantage. We know what our clients want and that is be assured thatevery detail is handled with personal attention. We offer experienced real estate law and litigation representation for clients throughout Rapid City and western South Dakota.
- Real Estate TransactionsHis primary focus however is real estate transactions of all kinds and represents buyers, sellers, developers and investors at every stage of the transaction. He has a South Dakota real estate brokers license and handles acquisition transaction for good clients. He estimates that he has participated in over $250,000,000 of transactions over the years. When General Growth Properties owned both the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls and the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City he handled all of their local matters and succeeded in getting a six-figure sales and use tax refund at the administrative level.
- Land Use and ZoningRoger Tellinghuisen graduated from Black Hills State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1975 and obtained his juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota in 1978. Following graduation from law school, Roger joined the firm of Amundson and Fuller in Lead, South Dakota where he was engaged in private practice. In 1981, he left private practice to join the Lawrence County States Attorney's Office where he prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases. In 1982, Roger was appointed the first full-time states attorney for Lawrence County where he was the chief legal counsel and criminal lawyer for the county providing legal counsel to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning and Zoning Commission and the other county offices. In 1986, he was elected in a statewide election to the office of Attorney General for the State of South Dakota. As the Attorney General, he was the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer for the State of South Dakota. His duties as Attorney General included providing legal counsel to the Governor, constitutional officers, and various boards and commissions. He was responsible for overseeing five legal divisions staffed by 23 attorneys. Following his service as Attorney General, Roger returned to private practice in 1991with an emphasis in civil litigation, business law; real estate law, gaming law and lobbying. Roger recently joined the DeMersseman, Jensen, Tellinghuisen & Huffman, LLP law firm as a partner in 2011.
- Personal InjuryWe serve local, regional and national clients in a practice emphasizing commercial law and banking, lobbying and governmental relations, personal injury, real estate, environmental law, commercial litigation, and employment law.
- Estate PlanningMany people have a difficult time thinking about the future. With all its uncertainties, it can be hard to know what decisions will best protect you in the event of the unexpected. We know that estate planning and probate can be challenging topics. Education and information are our focus in every client interaction. We want you to feel comfortable coming to us with your questions and having a candid conversation about what will best serve your needs.
- Wills
- TrustsFor the last 40 years he has concentrated his practice on commercial and real estate sales, purchases, land development and ancillary matters in addition to an active business/corporate and municipal law practice. He was selected to Super Lawyers in 2011 and was named a top rated real estate attorney in Rapid City in 2015. This year he was again chosen, for the 21st straight year, to be in Best Lawyers in America and for the 23rd edition Rich is listed in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Litigation-Real Estate, Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Rich has enjoyed for over 30 years a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV Lawyer and is also listed in Great Plains Super Lawyers for real estate.
- Probate