Tom Nicholson
Tom was born and raised in Winner, South Dakota, received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota, and also graduated from the USD School of Law in 1978. Since 1979 he has been in private practice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is a partner in the law firm of Nicholson Law. He has the top designation of an AV peer rated lawyer in Martindale-Hubbell. Tom believes in a logical, practical approach to solving problems; he looks at the circumstances and works with clients to find common sense solutions. Unnecessary expense and posturing do not help the client. He enjoys practicing with his daughter, Melissa, and other firm lawyers and they work well together. That relationship allows them to use a team approach when practical. Tom has worked hard since 1979 to develop positive relationships with clients, other attorneys and judges. He has experience in numerous types of lawsuits dealing with fraud, franchises, trusts, business disputes, land disputes and divorce with substantial assets. He also has extensive experience in business related matters. Most of his work is in the following areas:
- Litigation
- Construction Law
- Business / Corporation / Real Estate Law/ Contracts
- Substantial Injuries / Wrongful death
- Divorce with considerable assests
- Estate / Probate / Wills
LICENSED TO PRACTICE BEFORE:
- South Dakota trial courts and agencies
- Supreme Court of South Dakota
- U.S. District Court
- 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Unitied States Supreme Court
Professional and Community Involvement (Current and Previous):
- President of the State Bar of South Dakota 2012-2013
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Search Committee USD Law School Dean (2012)
- Governor’s Criminal Justice Initiative (2012)
- State Bar of South Dakota (Member)
- South Dakota Trial Lawyers’ Association
- American Bar Association
- State Bar Disciplinary Board (co-chair 2007-2008)
- South Dakota Bar Examiners (1988-2002)
- Judicial Compensation Committee
- Judical-Bar Liason Committee
- Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
- Compentancey Committee
- Sioux Falls Inns of Court
- Tort & Insurance Practive Section of the ABA
- Law School speaker on character and fitness
- Seminar presenter on personal injury for the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
- Chairman of the Civil Service Board for the City of Sioux Falls
- Board of Directors of Dow-Rummel Retirement Home (President 4 Terms)
- American Indian Services (Original Board Member)
- Sioux Falls Literacy Council (Original Board Member)
- Sioux Council Boy Scouts of America Board Member
- Westward Ho Country Club Board Member (President in 1991)
- South Dakota Humanities Foundation Board Member
- Youth soccer and basketball volunteer coach for approximately 10 years
- Mentor at Sioux Falls Lincoln High School
Several other school and church boards and committees
Practice Areas
- Litigation
- Construction Law
- Business / Corporation / Real Estate Law/ Contracts
- Substantial Injuries / Wrongful death
- Divorce with considerable assests
- Estate / Probate / Wills