BOYCE LAW FIRM - Key Persons
Brian K. Kirby is a highly experienced attorney with over 30 years of practice in corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, criminal law, litigation, and trusts and estates. He has a strong focus on representing corporations and business entities at all stages of their operations, from start-ups to mergers and acquisitions. Brian also provides legal counsel to many family-run and closely held businesses on a variety of legal matters.
Brian's extensive experience in business law is complemented by his work with individuals in estate planning, business succession planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and employment issues. He also has a significant white-collar and blue-collar criminal practice and has defended numerous individuals in both state and federal courts.
Brian's clients benefit from his strategic approach to legal representation, whether the matter involves friendly business transactions or contentious litigation. With his depth of knowledge and experience, Brian is an excellent choice for anyone seeking legal assistance in the areas of corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, criminal law, or trusts and estates.
Charlie Larson is recognized as one of the leading South Dakota attorneys in the field of workers' compensation law. Throughout his years with Boyce Law Firm, he has represented dozens of insurers and hundreds of employers in all levels of the court system. Charlie has also helped injured workers navigate their way through the worker's compensation process.
Charlie is passionate about the clients he represents. He prides himself on understanding the client and their expectations and works hard every day to exceed those expectations.
David J. Hieb is passionate about protecting the rights of the civil litigation clients he serves in an array of civil litigation matters. He finds great satisfaction in helping people, irrespective of the exact area of law. David's personable approach, combined with his do-the-hard-work attitude, helps clients during their most difficult moments in life.
Bio
David J. Hieb is a Sioux Falls native and graduate of Roosevelt High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota and graduated with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2018. There, David received multiple Outstanding Performance Awards, competed nationally in the USD Trial and Moot Court Team, and was a Moot Court Board Member.
David served as a Summer Associate for Evans, Haigh, & Hinton of Sioux Falls and following graduation, accepted a position as Law Clerk for the Second Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. As a law clerk, he assisted in trial preparation and helped draft bench memorandums and legal opinions on a variety of complex legal issues. David joined Boyce Law Firm in 2019.
David enjoys a work-life balance, remodeling old homes, playing sports, and spending time with his wife and two young sons.
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
Dylan R. Bakken has a love for advocacy and the law, serving clients in all matters of business transactions and formation, creditor rights, contracts, and real estate. He is determined and driven to help people and constantly strives for preparation, organization, and efficiency. Dylan's clients are his top priority and he is energized when presented a heavy workload or challenge.
Dylan is currently on active military duty through the summer of 2024.
Bio
Dylan R. Bakken moved to Sioux Falls when he was young and graduated from O'Gorman High School. He attended the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration.
While attending Saint Thomas, he participated heavily in the Department of Residence Life as a Resident Advisor and Operations Manager. Dylan also facilitated a student-taught course on non-profit organizations, worked in the Payroll Department, and spent his spring breaks volunteering through a non-profit, Students Today, Leaders Forever (STLF).
Dylan recently graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May 2019. While there, he worked for the University of Nebraska's Office of Sponsored Programs where he analyzed, negotiated, processed, and drafted contracts and grants for the University. He served on the Nebraska Moot Court Executive Board, was a member of the Children's Justice Clinic, devoted a substantial amount of time towards pro bono work and was one of two co-recipients of the Student Award for Outstanding Impact through Pro Bono Service.
Greg Wheeler is a seasoned litigator with a broad-based litigation practice. Greg practiced with a large firm in Atlanta for more than twenty years and served as the managing partner of that firm for eleven years, before returning to his home town of Sioux Falls in 2015.
Greg has spent more than 28 years handling the litigation of construction disputes, professional malpractice claims and environmental and product liability cases. That experience has allowed him to develop an expertise in handling those cases. Greg also handles premises liability, insurance coverage, trucking and auto litigation and other tort and contract litigation.
Bio
Greg Wheeler grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and graduated from Washington High School. Greg obtained a degree from the University of South Dakota and graduated from law school at the University of Nebraska. In 1992, Greg began his litigation career with a litigation firm in Atlanta, Georgia, where he practiced for 22 years before he and his family returned to Sioux Falls and he joined the Boyce Law Firm.
Greg has more than 28 years experience as a litigator and has significant experience in the representation of construction professionals. Greg has handled hundreds of construction claims of all sizes and types through mediation, arbitration, litigation, trial and appeal in the state and federal courts. He represents architects, engineers, surveyors, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors, subcontractors, project owners and insurers not only through litigation, but also through contract and other document negotiations and the resolution of disputes that do not reach litigation. He has also handled hearings before the state licensing boards and provides advice and consultation to his construction clients with respect to risk management. He has spoken at more than 75 risk management seminars.
Greg has also handled numerous malpractice cases against lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals, officers and directors and other professionals. He also has expertise in handling many different types of environmental claims involving air, water and other pollution or the alleged violation of federal or state laws aimed at the protection of the environment.
Greg has handled many product liability and environmental exposure cases, including asbestos and other toxic tort cases. He has also handled hundreds of cases involving premises liability, trucking and auto accidents and insurance coverage issues.
For many years, Greg was an honoree on the Georgia Super Lawyers list in Atlanta Magazine/Law and Politics Magazine and was featured in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Who's Who in Law & Accounting for eleven years. He has been listed as a Great Plains Super Lawyer every year since 2015.
Greg and his wife Dawn have one son, Jake, who is active in sports and school activities.
Education:
J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law (1992), With Distinction, Order of the Barristers
B.S., University of South Dakota (1988)
J.L. Ward Associates, Inc. v. Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Bd. 842 F.Supp.2d 1163 (D.S.D. 2012), arbitration award confirmed at 2013 WL 5424954
Education
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (2004)
B.S., University of South Dakota (2001)
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Legal Secretary / Paralegal
Job Titles:
- Insurance
- Member of the South Dakota Chapter of Women
Kristin Derenge joined Boyce Law Firm in 2022 after gaining several years of experience in South Dakota's state and federal courts. Following law school, she spent one year clerking for the South Dakota Supreme Court, where she assisted the Court in preparing legal opinions for a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Subsequently, she clerked for one year in the Federal District Court of South Dakota, where she continued to assist the Court in preparing legal opinions for various civil and criminal cases throughout different stages of litigation.
Kristin takes great pride in her work, drawing on her extensive experience working with South Dakota state and federal judges to inform her litigation practice. Her primary objective is to provide exceptional legal services while delivering exceptional value to her clients.
Bio
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kristin Derenge hails from a large family. During her upbringing, her aspirations leaned toward becoming a criminologist, with thoughts of pursuing a career in public policy research and criminal justice reform. To facilitate her journey toward this goal, she earned both BA and MS degrees in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Following her college years, Kristin pursued her interest in research and public service by working as a Research Analyst at the Nebraska Department of Labor. Subsequently, she made the decision to return to Sioux Falls and obtained a position as a Financial Crimes Analyst at MetaBank. Kristin's responsibilities at MetaBank included investigating money laundering, tax fraud, elder financial abuse, and various other financial crimes, reporting these offenses to the federal government. Her exposure to complex federal laws and regulations within the banking industry piqued her interest in the law and ultimately led her to pursue a legal education.
Now, as an attorney, Kristin is an active member of the South Dakota Chapter of Women in Law. She is passionate about encouraging young women to explore opportunities within the legal field, helping them find fulfillment and success in their careers within the justice system.
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
Laura Hensley is an experienced litigator in a variety of practice industries, including employment law and consulting, workplace investigations, workers' compensation, and insurance defense. Laura also has experience in litigating bad faith claims and enjoys using that knowledge to benefit her clients. She represents her clients vigorously in all facets of litigation, regularly counseling clients prior to and during litigation in an effort to obtain a positive outcome.
In her litigation practice, Laura believes in a focused, detailed, and strategic approach. She believes that effective communication with her clients and an open dialogue regarding the desired outcome ensures client satisfaction.
Bio
Laura grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated on the Dean's List from Augustana University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government & International Affairs where she played basketball for the Vikings all four years. Following undergraduate studies, Laura attended Creighton University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2005.
Laura believes that the most enjoyable part of practicing law is the relationships she develops with her clients. Because of this, Laura focuses on operating her practice in a collaborative way, listening to what the client wants and consulting her clients on how to achieve that outcome within the bounds of the facts and the law presented. As anyone that has met her will share, Laura enjoys litigating matters on behalf of her clients, never fears confrontation, but understands and appreciates that each case requires a different approach and adapts her practice and communication accordingly.
Laura's practice involves regularly conducting trainings for employers, managers, and adjusters, attending on-site visits to best understand the needs of her clients. Additionally, Laura conducts workplace investigations and works with employers to prevent and manage workplace issues including harassment, discrimination, performance issues, employment policies, FMLA, OSHA, and other related topics. She regularly represents insurance companies in disputes regarding negligence and liability issues and enjoys counseling clients on compliance with workers' compensation and employment laws.
Laura has two boys she adores, and she spends her time happily chasing them around to various sporting events and cheering them on.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Workplace Related Social Media Issues
Lisa Marso provides advising, training, policy and contract drafting, and investigating services to her clients on employment, governmental, church, and insurance benefit law. She regularly represents employers and insurers in court and regulatory proceedings such as discrimination, harassment, wage, and employment contract claims, and LHD insurance matters. Her expertise is evidenced through years of awards such as Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers (top 5% of all attorneys), Chambers & Partners Band 1 (highest of 6 bands) in Employment & Labor Law, and Martindale (rated 5.0/5.0 in Labor & Employment Law). With her near 30-year legal career, Lisa uses her experiences and knowledge to help her clients make solid decisions to better impact their businesses and lives.
Bio
Lisa Marso is a partner in our litigation section, with a primary focus in employment, governmental, church, and life/health/disability law. Her clients also include both the small employer, as well as those who employ thousands of employees. Clients represented include banks, cities and counties, manufacturers, insurance companies, franchisors, and health care providers. She also serves as the appointed City Attorney for Brandon, South Dakota, and for Split Rock Township.
Lisa has particular employment law experience in:
Successfully representing employers and insurers in administrative, civil and appellate claims. In so doing, she has assisted in developing legal precedent that protects both employers and insurers in South Dakota.
Obtaining numerous dismissals of cases involving bad faith allegations against employers and insurers.
Providing training in the workplace, speaking to small and large employers, and conducting pre-litigation investigations to resolve disputes prior to litigation being undertaken.
Labor negotiations on behalf of the employer and assistance to employers in unfair labor practice matters.
In addition to her involvement in employment law such as Title VII, ADA/ADAAA, ERISA, FLSA, COBRA, EPA, PDA, and unfair labor practice matters, Lisa has substantial varied litigation experience. This practice includes discovery, mediation, trials, and appellate work wherein she has been involved in trying over 20 cases, and writing and/or arguing nearly 50 cases to the South Dakota Supreme Court or Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Over 80 cases are published involving a case in which Lisa represented her clients.
Lisa obtained her law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law (1994), graduating in the top 10% of her class. She is admitted to practice law in South Dakota. She obtained her Bachelor's of Art degree from the University of Minnesota, Southwest (1991), graduating Summa Cum Laude. Lisa has lived most of her life in the Sioux Falls area and resides in Brandon, SD with her husband Randy (who retired from education). They have two now-adult children (a social worker, and a physician). She enjoys running, swimming, biking, baking, reading, participating in community events, and spending time with colleagues, friends and family.
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Great Plains Super Lawyer
Michael F. Tobin was raised in Aberdeen, South Dakota. His father, Tom, practiced law in Aberdeen for decades, instilling in Michael from his earliest years a passion for education and the law. Michael graduated from Roncalli High School in 1994 and spent much of his youth playing hockey, tennis and football.
Michael attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with honors with degrees in American History and Government. Michael returned to South Dakota and attended the University of South Dakota School of Law, graduating in 2001 with a variety of honors and awards, including Sterling Honor Graduate and the Lexis/Nexus Award for the highest GPA in the graduating class. Michael also received the Order of Barristers for oral argument and advocacy in Moot Court competitions.
Following his graduation, Michael served as Law Clerk for the Honorable Charles B. Kornmann, United States District Judge for the District of South Dakota. During that two year clerkship, Michael witnessed and assisted Judge Kornmann with dozens of jury trials, providing an invaluable extension of his legal education.
Michael joined the firm in 2003 and is a member of the firm's Litigation Section. Michael's practice is in civil litigation, and focuses upon representing professionals in litigation, especially engineers, architects and contractors. He also represents teachers, schools, lawyers, physicians, and nursing homes. He also represents insurance companies in bad faith litigation and insurance agents and producers in litigation. He also represents trusts and estates in a variety of probate litigation.
Throughout his career, Michael has successfully tried many cases in both state and federal court. He has appeared numerous times before the South Dakota Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Appellate advocacy is a component of his practice that he especially enjoys.
Outside of the office, Michael and his wife Katie focus much of their time on their five children and the variety of activities that they enjoy. On any given evening, you can find Michael at the hockey rink, softball field, soccer field, or basketball court, just to name a few. Michael is a board member of the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls, and is dedicated to their mission of housing and assistance to those in need. Michael also faithfully follows his beloved Fighting Irish, taking too seriously the joys of victory and the agony of defeat. In the rare quiet times that remain, Michael enjoys reading about American history, especially World War II and the American Civil War.
Education:
J.D., University of South Dakota (2001)
Patrick Knecht guides clients through all aspects of real estate, corporate, finance and business matters through his thorough and detailed manner. All of his clients, whether individuals or local, regional or national companies, benefit from Patrick's practical and service-oriented approach to the practice of law.
Paul Tschetter brings a unique approach to client matters with his experience in both transactional work and litigation. Although Paul represents a wide array of clients in commercial transactions and disputes, the primary focus of his practice is the construction industry where Paul has been recognized for his work on behalf of owners, general contractors, design professionals, and subcontractors.
In addition to his broad construction-related practice, Paul maintains a connection to his family's fourth generation farming operation and frequently represents producers and businesses in the agriculture industry. Paul takes pride in his community involvement and is active in a number of civic and professional organizations.
Bio
Paul was raised in Brookings, South Dakota. Paul attended Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning degrees in economics and finance. Following Bethel, Paul attended the University of South Dakota where he earned his law degree and MBA. He joined the firm in 2007 and is a member of both the firm's Litigation Section and Business Section.
Paul primarily focuses his practice in the areas of construction, land use, creditor's rights, and commercial litigation. Paul has brought and defended claims involving a list of issues including construction contracts, construction defects, mechanics' liens, public improvement liens, payment disputes, and zoning and ordinance disputes.
Paul has represented owners in more than $500 million in construction projects throughout eastern South Dakota. As part of his construction practice, Paul has invested significant efforts in negotiating and drafting construction contracts, including documents released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the AGC's ConsensusDOCS. In addition to his construction-related practice, Paul regularly assists lenders in connection with loan workouts, foreclosures, and collection matters.
Paul has a wide variety of commercial litigation experience, including disputes between shareholders and members of closely-held entities. Paul has experience in arbitration and has tried both jury and court trials. He has also been involved in appeals to both the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Outside of the office, Paul is involved in a variety of community activities. He serves on the board of directors for DakotAbilities in Sioux Falls, Breathe Bravely, and Leadership South Dakota. Paul has previously served on the board and as chair of the Carroll Institute as well as Sioux Falls Rotary South. Paul remains an active volunteer judging high school speech and debate activities in South Dakota. Paul served as President of the Young Lawyer Section of the State Bar of South Dakota for the 2016-2017 year. Paul was a participant in both Leadership Sioux Falls (2010-2011) and in the inaugural cohort of Leadership South Dakota (2014-2015).
Paul has been recognized as a Great Plains Super Lawyers - Rising Star each year since 2014 (2014-2018) in construction matters.
Education:
J.D., University of South Dakota (2007)
Joseph N. Spencer III Award - Best Contribution to South Dakota Law Review, Volume 51 for article entitled Kelo v. New London: A Divided Court Affirms the Rational Basis Standard of Review in Evaluating Local Determinations of "Public Use." 51 S.D. L. Rev. 193.
Roger Sudbeck has long been regarded as one of South Dakota's top trial attorneys. Peers and clients praise his jury appeal and easygoing, likable style. Roger handles a broad range of civil cases in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, construction, products liability and commercial litigation.
Roger is known for his diligence and hard work when representing a client. His skills and integrity are unmatched.
Bio
Roger was born on January 29, 1968, in Yankton, South Dakota. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1986 and then attended South Dakota State University. Roger graduated from SDSU in 1990 with a degree in economics with high honors. Following his graduation from SDSU, Roger attended law school at the University of Nebraska where he graduated in 1993 with distinction. Upon graduation from the University of Nebraska, Roger joined the Boyce Law Firm in 1993 and has practiced with the firm continuously since that time. Roger has been a partner since 1999.
Roger has handled a broad range of civil litigation including medical malpractice, construction defects, products liability and personal injury.
Roger is married to Sara and they have four children who have been actively involved in high school and collegiate activities and athletics. Outside of the law, Roger enjoys his kids' activities and all forms of outdoor activities including running, hiking, golf, biking, boating and hunting.
Practice Areas
Construction Practice Group
Job Titles:
- Professionals Network, Member