Derek A. Nelsen | Sioux Falls Insurance Lawyer

Derek graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2006. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2009. As a testament to his writing and oral advocacy skills, Derek was the only person to simultaneously be a Law Review Editor and Moot Court Board Member during law school. In addition to his accomplishments outside of the classroom, Derek graduated from law school as a Sterling Honor Graduate and was the recipient of the Law School’s prestigious Gavel Award.

After graduating, Derek clerked for the Honorable Justice Judith Meierhenry of the South Dakota Supreme Court from 2009 until 2011. As a law clerk, Derek reviewed over 1,000 appellate briefs, heard approximately 100 oral arguments, and assisted the South Dakota Supreme Court in writing its decisions. He joined the firm after his clerkship ended.

Since joining the firm, Derek has developed a comprehensive litigation practice with a focus on insurance-based and insurance bad faith cases. Derek has tried jury trials across South Dakota, given oral arguments before the South Dakota Supreme Court, and has appeared regularly in South Dakota’s Federal Courts. Derek’s advocacy skills have earned him a reputation for excellence, which has resulted in his retention by other attorneys to assist with high-value and high-stakes cases at trial and on appeal. Derek is admitted to practice in South Dakota, Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Court. Derek is a member of the American Bar Association, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, Second Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and Defense Research Institute. Derek is AV-Preeminent rated for high professional ethics and legal abilities.