South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association

The South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association is comprised of attorneys in South Dakota who devote a substantial portion of their practice to the defense of civil actions. Members must also be in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota.

SDDLA is the voice of lawyers engaged in the practice of business law, governmental law, and the defense of civil actions.

Established in 1994, the mission of SDDLA is to educate attorneys, provide a network for advice, establish a high standard of ethics, establish rules and laws calculated to promote the ideals and purposes of the advocate system and to promote justice and efficiency in all matters pertaining to the defense of civil cases.

The first annual meeting of the general membership was held at the South Dakota State Bar Association’s convention in June of 1994. Today, the organization has more than 130 active members who are attorneys in South Dakota.

Contact Information: 

Membership Dues in the SDDLA

Membership dues are paid in January of each year. 

• For attorneys in private or corporate practice in any jurisdiction less than five years: $125
• For attorneys in private or corporate practice in any jurisdiction five years or more: $175
• For government or public sector lawyers: $50
• Full-Time Law Student  $0
• Retired SDDLA Members $0

Committees of SDDLA

Members of the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association (SDDLA) are encouraged to take a more active role in the organization by joining one of the following committees: 

• Executive Committee
• Continuing Legal Education Committee
• Publications Committee
• Education Committee
• Women in Law Committee
• Young Lawyers Committee
• Awards Committee

Past Presidents of the SDDLA

The past presidents of the SDDLA include: 

• 2014          William Garry
• 2013          Jennifer VanAnne
• 2012          Gregory Bernard
• 2011          Mark J. Arndt
• 2010          Roy A. Wise
• 2009          Lisa K. Marso
• 2008          Craig A. Kennedy
• 2007          Craig A. Pfeifle
• 2006          Susan Brunick Simons
• 2004 - 2005    James E. Moore
• 2003 - 2004    Kennith L. Gosch
• 2002 - 2003    Jeffrey G. Hurd
• 2001 - 2002    Thomas J. Welk
• 2000 - 2001    Thomas J. Welk
• 1999 - 2000    John E. Simko
• 1998 - 1999    Patricia A. Meyers
• 1997 - 1998    Patricia A. Meyers
• 1995 - 1996    Robert C. Riter

This article was last updated on Thursday, September 5, 2019.