Gary D. Jensen

Gary, now retired, represented clients in civil litigation—disputes involving construction, commercial, insurance, health care, and personal injury matters.

He tried cases to juries and judges in state and federal courts. He argued cases in appellate courts and handled cases in tribal courts.

Gary held the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. He was selected Trial Lawyer of the Year by the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He was elected by his peers to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates and served as President in 2018.

Gary served on a variety of Boards and Commissions. One of his favorites was the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Commission where he served a maximum of eight years, from 2013 to 2021, with the last two years as chair.

Throughout his career, Gary was totally committed to undertaking every reasonable effort to achieve the best possible result for every client in every case.

Gary's family is very important to him, and he absolutely loves being a grandfather to his six grandchildren.

Gary really enjoys fly fishing and teaching others how to catch a wily fish with a fly. He is not a particularly effective hunter. He's an avid baseball and basketball fan. He enjoys music, particularly on his walk at the end of the day.

Education

• University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1978
  J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence
• South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 1975
  B.S., Bachelor of Science

Professional Associations and Memberships

• South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association 1979 – present
  • Board Member, 1988-1999
  • President, 1990-1991
• State Bar of South Dakota
  • Civil Pattern Jury Instructions, Chairman
    Committee Chairman
  • Negligence and Tort Law Committee, Chairman
• American Board of Trial Advocates, President of South Dakota Chapter

Tribal Courts

• Admitted to Oglala Sioux Nation Tribal Court