Dan is requested by peers and clients for his expertise in probate and trust law, particularly in the complex area of trust administration and dynasty trusts. He is not only a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), he is a member of the Board of Directors of the ACTEC Foundation, and served on the South Dakota Governor’s Task Force on Trust Law Reform through 2018.  Dan does more than just assist clients with estate planning and trusts. Clients rely on him for his experience in real estate law, where he is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and in advising small and large business corporations.

As a result of his experience, Dan has received an AV Preeminent^® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, for the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. He has a Band 1 individual ranking in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide and has been ranked by Chambers and Partners in the areas of Corporate/Commercial Law, Real Estate, and Private Wealth law. Dan has also been ranked by Great Plains Super Lawyers in the areas of Estate Planning & Probate, Real Estate, and Business/Corporate Law; and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in Real Estate Law and Trusts & Estates and the 2022 Real Estate and Infrastructure Edition. One market commentator noted, “He is the flag-bearer for our jurisdiction, and I would say he is the best lawyer for trusts in South Dakota,” continuing, “He is very interested in collegiality, very secure in himself and his abilities, and not the kind of lawyer who wants all the glory; he is very inclusive and welcoming, he is amazingly good-natured and very polished, and has always been a good ambassador for our jurisdiction. He is a very classy guy all around and is just a great leader for all of us.”

Dan has long been committed to community involvement, serving on the board of directors for numerous community organizations, including the Children’s Care Foundation, now LifeScape Foundation, and the Sanford Health Foundation. Enumerating just the boards for which he has served as president indicates the breadth of that commitment: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls, Sioux Council (Boy Scouts of America), Junior Achievement of South Dakota, Dakota Gold Soccer Club USA, now Dakota Alliance Soccer Club, and the Sioux Falls Catholic School Foundation Board of Trustees.

Statements on this page do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Position: Of Counsel
Direct: (605) 357-1226
Email: pddonohue@dehs.com