Erin Schoenbeck Byre

Erin is a South Dakota native.  She was born in Webster and moved to Watertown at a young age. 

Erin attended Augustana University where she graduated with honors with degrees in government/international affairs and business administration with an emphasis in nonprofits.  Following college, Erin spent a year volunteering for AmeriCorps NCCC where she provided aid to communities stricken by natural disasters and earned the President's Volunteer Service Award.  Upon completing her AmeriCorps term, she spent three years working in nonprofit development raising funds for a variety of nonprofits and helping individuals leave charitable gifts through their estates.  Her desire to serve others led her to pursue a career in the law.

Erin attended law school at the University of St. Thomas where she graduated summa cum laude.  During law school, Erin served as a writing fellow, research assistant, and was elected the law school’s student body president.  She also worked for the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office where she argued and won a case before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  During her tenure as student body president, her advocacy efforts for students with disabilities, and her efforts to bring together the St. Thomas community led to her being awarded St. Thomas’ Mission Award for Service and Community.  Outside of work, Erin remains passionate about serving others, volunteering for various Catholic organizations and conservation nonprofits.

Erin started her law career clerking for Chief Justice Gilbertson and Justice Myren.  Following her clerkship, she practiced medical malpractice and legal malpractice defense, construction litigation, and criminal defense before transitioning to the plaintiff’s side of litigation.

Erin lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Wade (a fellow Augustana Viking).  They can usually be found outside with their goldendoodle: hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, or snowboarding.