Rapid City, SD

Timothy Rensch

Timothy Rensch is a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a two-time past president of the Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar. He is also a member of the American Association of Trial Lawyers and a past President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. Specializing in criminal defense, Mr. Rensch has over 30 years of active jury trial experience, handling high-profile murder, rape, drug, DUI, and serious jury cases in South Dakota, as well as personal injury and civil cases. He was honored as the 2017 Trial Lawyer of the Year and Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year.

Verne Goodsell

Mention a 45.5 million-dollar verdict, million-dollar settlements, professional and community awards and positions, and Verne Goodsell’s name will readily register. Concentrating on Insurance Bad Faith, Personal Injury, Birth Trauma, and Medical Malpractice, Verne has a wealth of experience and expertise which has resulted in significant verdicts and settlements. If you need representation to assist with a catastrophic problem and want the playing field leveled, Verne is prepared to do the job.

Gary D. Jensen

Gary represents clients in civil litigation- disputes involving construction, commercial, insurance, health care, and personal injury matters. Gary tries cases to juries and judges in state and federal courts. He argues cases in appellate courts. He handles cases in tribal courts. Gary has held the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. He was selected Trial Lawyer of the Year by 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 the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Commission for eight years from 2013 to 2021, the last two as chair.

Michael K Sabers

Michael Sabers is a seasoned litigator with over two decades of experience in complex civil litigation, with a primary focus on family law, commercial disputes, shareholder conflicts, and business litigation. Known for his strategic thinking and competitive spirit, Michael has built a reputation as a trusted advocate both in and out of the courtroom. Michael represents a wide range of clients-from professionals and business owners to ranchers and farmers-in high-stakes divorce and family law matters involving complex property division, valuation disputes, alimony, child support, inherited assets, and prenuptial agreements. His extensive litigation experience and measured approach make him a reliable guide through even the most contentious legal battles. In addition to his litigation practice, Michael is frequently retained as a private mediator in family law cases, often at the request of fellow attorneys who value his insight and even-handedness. He brings a steady, practical perspective to mediation, helping parties find resolution in difficult circumstances. A native of South Dakota, Michael earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Saint John’s University in Minnesota. He received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law, where he was published in the South Dakota Law Review and served as Managing Editor. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Justice Steven Zinter before beginning private practice in Rapid City in 2001. Michael comes from a family steeped in the legal tradition-his father served as a Justice on the South Dakota Supreme Court, and his sister currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge. His upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for the law, a strong work ethic, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Outside the office, Michael finds balance in the outdoors with his wife, Cathy (a corporate attorney at Black Hills Energy), and their two daughters. Whether at the lake cabin, on a trail run, or riding motorcycles through the Black Hills, he values the perspective and clarity that time away from the courtroom provides. Michael is licensed to practice in both State and Federal courts in South Dakota. He is a longtime Sustaining Member of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association and an active member of the Pennington County Bar Association. He has also spoken to local legal and business groups on topics including trial advocacy, valuation, and expert testimony.

Brad J. Lee

Brad graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2003. After graduation, Brad underwent a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Richard H. Battey, United States District Court Judge, in Rapid City. After his clerkship, Brad joined the law firm of Beardsley, Jensen & Von Wald as an associate attorney. In 2015, the firm changed its name to Beardsley, Jensen & Lee. Brad has served on various boards and organizations, including the Seventh Circuit’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, Pennington County Bar Association (President in 2011), South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors, delegate to American Association of Justice), and the Board of Bar Commissioners for the State Bar of South Dakota. He was awarded Young Lawyer of the Year in 2011-2012 and Exceptional Lawyer of the Year in 2016. In 2021, he received the “Top Attorney 2021” award by Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group® (WILG).

Steven C. Beardsley

For almost 40 years, Steve Beardsley has engaged in a civil litigation practice that includes personal injury, construction law, commercial law, workers compensation, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and product liability. His work has earned Mr. Beardsley an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. After graduating with honors from law school, Steve served as a Law Clerk in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota (1978-80), before entering private practice. An accomplished litigator, Steve has tried lawsuits in both state and federal courts across South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa. He has also tried arbitrations in South Dakota and Colorado. Steve is a member of the American Association for Justice and has served on the American Bar Association’s committees for Trial Techniques, Automobile Technology, and Litigation justice. Steve’s appellate work includes appearing before the South Dakota Supreme Court, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Steve also served on the Board of Governors, South Dakota Trial Lawyers of America (2008-2010), and previously served from 1992 to 1994. Steve was also awarded the South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2021.

Robert J. Rohl

Robert J. Rohl is a trial lawyer licensed in federal and state courts of South Dakota, specializing in personal injury and serious criminal defense. He has secured over $10 million in compensation for clients and has been recognized by National Trial Lawyers Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and Super Lawyers Rising Star. He is a member of the American Association for Justice and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association.