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Russ Janklow selected as the Trial Lawyer of the Year from the South Dakota Trial Lawyer's Association

Jun 19, 25

In a resounding testament to excellence in advocacy and dedication to justice, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association has named Attorney A. Russell Janklow as its 2024 Trial Lawyer of the Year.

Widely respected in courtrooms across the state, Janklow has long been known for his unwavering commitment to his clients and his fierce pursuit of fairness under the law. This year's recognition honors not just a single case, but a career marked by integrity, leadership, and outstanding legal skill.

Colleagues describe Janklow as a commanding presence—methodical, passionate, and driven by a deep belief in the power of the law to change lives. Whether representing the wrongfully injured or advocating for reforms within the legal system, his work has left a lasting impact on South Dakota’s legal community.

The South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association presents this award each year to an attorney who embodies the highest standards of trial advocacy. In selecting Janklow, the Association cited his successes in the courtroom, his mentorship of younger attorneys, and his enduring contributions to the profession.

Congratulations to Attorney A. Russell Janklow on this well-deserved honor.

It is great to work with the attorneys at Johnson, Janklow, and Abdallah. They always provide excellent advice and service that is second to none.

Mike Miller | former NBA player

The lawyers at Johnson, Janklow, and Abdallah are consistently ranked as the top business lawyers in the state. Our business can always count on them to aggressively fight for our rights and provide straight-forward advice on complex issues.

Mark McNeary | Primrose Retirement Communities, LLC

Lawyers from Johnson, Janklow, and Abdallah regularly participate in legal education by judging intramural student skills competitions; helping prepare our nationally competitive litigation skills teams; serving or leading the South Dakota State Bar's Law School Committee; and, from time to time , providing guest lecturers. The Law School is grateful for the generous participation of lawyers like those from Johnson, Janklow, and Abdallah.

Tom Geu | former Dean, USD School of Law