We have a very active practice representing clients before governmental regulatory agencies. Our lawyers have appeared, on behalf of our clients, before the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, the Department of Revenue and Regulation, and the Division of Insurance, to name but a few. We have also been called upon to represent state agencies, such as the Division of Insurance, and have represented the State of South Dakota before federal agencies.
No law firm in South Dakota has more experience in defending claims against governmental entities. We represent the City of Sioux Falls (the state’s largest city), Minnehaha County (the state’s most-populated county), the State of South Dakota, and a number of other cities and counties throughout South Dakota. We specialize in defending civil rights claims brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. We have an excellent record of getting cases dismissed before trial. When pretrial efforts fail, however, we have been extremely successful in the courtroom. We have prevailed in many appeals to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the South Dakota Supreme Court, often establishing new precedent in the process. A representative few include: Christina A. v. Bloomberg, 315 F.3d 990 (8th Cir. 2003); Olson v. Bloomberg, 339 F.3d 730 (8th Cir. 2003); Bender v. Regier, 385 F.3d 1133 (8th Cir. 2004); Gregoire v. Class, 236 F.3d 413 (8th Cir. 2000); and Andrews v. Fowler, 98 F.3d 1069 (8th Cir. 1996).
In addition to defending against civil rights claims, Woods Fuller frequently represents counties and cities throughout the State of South Dakota, as well as the State itself, in all manner of civil actions, including both tort and contract claims.
Candidates for political office often contact our firm seeking advice on the application of state and federal election laws to their campaigns. We advise what they need to do to comply, help to monitor compliance, and assist in preparing reports required by the applicable election laws.
Our lawyers represent city, county and state entities in condemnation actions. The firm also represents private entities with condemning authority, such as railroads, pipeline companies and utilities. Our representation is not limited to the condemning authority, however. We are able to protect the interests of clients whose property becomes the subject of a condemnation action.
For many years, Woods Fuller attorneys have been representing a number of statewide clients during the legislative session. Our firm has professional relationships with national lobbying organizations and is often called upon to provide representation before local and state governmental bodies. Our attorneys present and promote the views of individuals, businesses and industries on measures under consideration by the South Dakota Legislature. The South Dakota Legislature convenes each January in the state capitol in Pierre, South Dakota. During these seven or eight week sessions, our attorneys lobby for clients’ concerns. Although the legislative session in South Dakota is short, there has recently been a significant increase in legislative activity between sessions. Our governmental relations and lobbying services are available at all times.
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