Thomas M. Frankman

Thomas M. Frankman

South Dakota Litigation Attorney

My Story

Tom is one of the members of the firm’s litigation section who assists clients with a wide range of civil litigation matters. Over the course of a year, Tom will provide advice, counsel and representation to clients in matters such as contract and business disputes, general business litigation, family law, insurance defense, and a wide variety of other such litigation. He has tried over 65 jury trials to conclusion.

Tom 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 was named to the 2022 Best Lawyers® Lawyers of the Year in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and has also been selected by Best Lawyers® in the area of Commercial Litigation, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Tom is also ranked in the top 5% of practicing attorneys in South Dakota by Great Plains Super Lawyers in the areas of Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, and Personal Injury- General.

Tom has served on a variety of boards, including the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls, local chapter of the American Red CrossDakotAbilities, Good Shepherd Center (now Bishop Dudley Hospitality House), and others.

Position: Of Counsel
Direct: (605) 357-1217
Email: tfrankman@dehs.com

Tom Frankman Super Lawyers

Professional Experience

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP
Of Counsel: 2021 – present
Partner: 1988 – 2020
Associate: 1985 – 1987

Pruitt & Matthews
1977-1984

Law Clerk, Seventh Judicial Circuit, Rapid City, SD
1976-1977

Education

St. John’s University 
(B.A., 1973) 

University of South Dakota School of Law 
(J.D., 1976)

Professional Memberships

State Bar of South Dakota
Minnehaha County and American Bar Associations 
South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association
South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association (Member, Board of Governors, 1984 – 1986)
Defense Research Institute
American Board of Trial Advocates- Member National Board of Directors
South Dakota Chapter (ABOTA) – Past President

Licensure

Admitted to Practice (State): 
South Dakota, 1976 

Admitted to Practice (Federal):
United States District Court, District of South Dakota, 1978
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1983

Accomplishments

Protecting what you’ve built.

Phone Numbers

Driving Directions

Davenport Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP

206 West 14th Street
P.O. Box 1030
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1030