Lawyers from Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP in Sioux Falls, SD have again been ranked Tier One by Chambers USA. In South Dakota, rankings are given in five categories: Corporate/Commercial Law, Corporate/Commercial: Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate. The following is a roster of ranked Davenport Evans lawyers in each area of practice.
Chambers USA 2023 rankings for Davenport Evans lawyers include:
Corporate/Commercial – South Dakota
What the team is known for:
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP is a highly reputable group that acts in the insurance, financial and banking regulatory sectors. Full-service firm with a strong bench of specialized attorneys. Represents a diverse range of local and national clients on complex M&A and other corporate transactions. Also particularly noted for its strengths in bankruptcy work, federal and state tax matters, and trust and estates issues.
Notable practitioners
Senior Statesman: Robert Hayes is a veteran practitioner in the South Dakota legal market. He operates a wide-ranging practice which includes representation in corporate and general business matters. He also has expertise in creditors’ rights law as well as real estate transactions.
“Bob is a great attorney.”
Jonathan Brown is a distinguished practitioner who focuses his practice on commercial transactions. His expertise covers acquisitions, sales and joint ventures.
“He does great work and has a common-sense and practical approach.”
Senior Statesman: Charles Gullickson operates an extensive commercial practice and offers valuable regulatory advice to a host of clients. He regularly works on lending transactions, as well as corporate acquisitions.
Senior Statesman: Douglas Hajek is a leading lawyer who advises on corporate law and public finance matters. He works on a host of transactional and regulatory issues.
“Strong presence in corporate/commercial work. He’s a good lawyer who gets things done.”
Terry Prendergast often counsels clients on issues relating to trusts and estates. His sector expertise covers education and insurance.
“He’s a strong lawyer with lots of experience.”
Senior Statesman: P. Daniel Donohue is recommended for his work on trust matters. He also handles real estate and commercial work.
“Strong lawyer in the corporate world. He does a lot in the trust industry.”
Keith Gauer has a premier practice which includes advising on transactions. He has further capabilities in bankruptcy matters.
“He understands problems and can get right to the point.”
“Keith is an outstanding attorney in the area of debtor/creditor work, as well as contract drafting.”
Dixie Hieb often assists clients in the financial sector with regulatory concerns. She has expertise in issues relating to student loans and credit cards.
“She is very strong in the banking world. Very bright and accomplished.”
Bankruptcy/Restructuring – South Dakota
Senior Statesman: Robert Hayes is a veteran practitioner in the South Dakota legal market. He operates a wide-ranging practice which includes representation in corporate and general business matters. He also has expertise in creditors’ rights law as well as real estate transactions.
Keith Gauer has a premier practice which includes advising on transactions. He has further capabilities in bankruptcy matters. “Keith is an outstanding attorney in the area of debtor/creditor work, as well as contract drafting.”
Labor & Employment – South Dakota
What the team is known for
Varied portfolio of work with particular strength in workers’ compensation and employee benefits. Represents a wide variety of clients, including large insurance companies, self-insured employers and small businesses, as well as educational institutions. Offers both strategic advice and litigation experience.
Strengths
Sources praise the group as a “high-quality firm.”
Notable practitioners
Jean Bender is a leading practitioner who regularly advises on discrimination investigations and employment policies. Her expertise also covers employee benefit matters.
“Top notch and very responsive.”
Litigation: General Commercial – South Dakota
What the team is known for
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP is a preeminent litigation practice with a versatile and experienced bench. Regularly sought after for its counsel in product liability, insurance, employment and trusts litigation. Acts for a diverse client roster including corporations, healthcare providers and financial institutions.
“Davenport Evans contains some of the best attorneys I’ve ever worked with.”
“It has a number of very talented litigators.”
Notable practitioners
Eric Schulte remains a top commercial litigator. He has extensive experience of handling contract disputes as part of his broader contentious practice.
“Very good lawyer who is prominent in the Bar. He’s also very easy to work with.”
Mitchell Peterson is sought out by local companies and institutions for his litigation counsel. He handles disputes arising from commercial transactions, as well as professional negligence, contractual and construction disputes.
Real Estate – South Dakota
What the team is known for
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP has a distinguished real estate group with a strong bench. Handles sophisticated real estate assignments and financings, including transactions, leases and mortgages. Work includes documentation and liaison with governmental regulatory agencies.
Notable practitioners
Jonathan Brown is noted for his skills in real estate matters, including commercial leasing and condominium work. His clients include developers and lenders.
“He’s a very strong and good lawyer. He’s got lots of experience and is reasonable and competent.”
“Brown is absolutely one of the best around. He gets to the heart of the matter and negotiations.”
Senior Statesman: P. Daniel Donohue is a seasoned real estate attorney with expertise in trust and probate law. His clients include high net worth individuals and companies.
“He is a very strong attorney.”
Senior Statesman: Robert Hayes has a strong reputation in the market for advising on real estate finance matters. He has further skills in work related to bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is one of the state’s largest law firms. The firm’s attorneys provide business and litigation counsel to individuals and corporate clients in a variety of practice areas. For more information about Davenport Evans, visit www.dehs.com.