How much does it cost to hire Eric for a adoption case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Eric walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Eric offer a free consultation?

Eric charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eric's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Eric's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in South Dakota typically take?

Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Eric gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Eric take my case if I'm outside Spearfish?

Eric is licensed in South Dakota. Matters governed by South Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Eric will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Eric?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Eric will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Eric accepting new adoption clients right now?

Eric's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Eric Schlimgen, Adoption Attorney in Spearfish

Quick answer

Eric Schlimgen is an attorney based in Spearfish, SD. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Appellate. Eric has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schlimgen Law Firm, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 17 client reviews.

Based in: Spearfish, SD
Experience: over 10 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Appellate

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Appellate matters from Spearfish, SD.
Over 10 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Eric's practice areas in Spearfish

Eric concentrates on adoption, alimony, appellate, business, and child custody. Each area below outlines the kind of case Eric handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Spearfish, South Dakota

Eric takes adoption matters in Spearfish, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Spearfish, South Dakota

Eric takes alimony matters in Spearfish, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Spearfish, South Dakota

Eric takes appellate matters in Spearfish, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Spearfish, South Dakota

Eric takes business matters in Spearfish, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Spearfish, South Dakota

Eric takes child custody matters in Spearfish, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Eric agrees to represent you.

Biography

Eric Schlimgen, adoption attorney serving Spearfish

Eric Schlimgen is an attorney based in Spearfish, SD. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Appellate. Eric has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schlimgen Law Firm, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 17 client reviews. Eric works from Spearfish, South Dakota and takes on adoption matters across the region.

Eric Schlimgen, a Black Hills native has been practicing since 2016 with measurable success. He prides himself on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. Eric understands the challenges and pressure that comes with every case and is here for you, every step of the way.

Dependable, calm, and well spoken, Eric approaches each new case with the attention it needs. Get in touch with him today.

Published Works

“WHAT’S IN A NAME ANYWAY?”: REEVALUATING SOUTH DAKOTA’S CANNABIS STATUTORY SCHEME, South Dakota Law Review, Volume 63 Issue I, 2018

Classes/Seminars

Pennington County Defense Bar Monthly Lecturer, 2019: The Pennington County Defense Bar is a collection of attorneys who meet for the purpose of advancing the practice of Criminal Defense. I spoke on the topic of the discrepancies of South Dakota's Marijuana Statutes related to my Law Review Article.

Pennington County Public Defender's Office Monthly Lecturer, 2019: The Pennington County Public Defender's Officer has a monthly lecture series on developments in the area of Criminal Defense. I was the speaker regarding the defense of marijuana cases, specifically regarding the discrepancies in South Dakota's current statutes as two definitions of marijuana apply--choosing the right definition is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor.

Take Back the Night Foundation, 2017: Panelist on forum for dating and domestic violence at Black Hills State University.

Honors & Awards

The National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense, 2020, 2019

University of South Dakota 30 Under 30 Class of 2019

South Dakota State Bar & Access to Justice Pro Bono Service Award, 2018, 2019,

Costello Porter Annual Trust & Wills/Estate Planning Essay Winner, 2015

University of South Dakota Omicron Delta Kappa, Circle President, 2013

University of South Dakota Outstanding Student Leader Award from South Dakota Board of Regents, 2013

University of South Dakota Criminal Justice Faculty Appreciation Award, 2013

Oneta H. Card Government Cooperation Scholarship, 2012

University of South Dakota Mock Trial Advocate Award, 2012

Mary B. Elden Internship Award, 2010

Who’s Who Amongst American Colleges and Universities Distinction, 2013

Previous Employment

Clayborne, Loos & Sabers, Associate, 2017 - 2020

Fourth Judicial Circuit, Law Clerk, 2016 – 2017

Professional Associations & Pro Bono Activities

Black Hills Mountain Bike Association, Vice-President, 2018 – 2020

Pennington County State Bar, Member, 2017 – Present

West Boulevard Neighborhood Association, Member, 2017 – 2020

Volunteer Judge for Pennington County Teen Court, 2017 – 2019

Volunteer Judge for Lawrence County Teen Court, 2016 – 2017

Rapid City Arts Council, Board Member, 2017 – Present

Minnilusa Historical Association, Volunteer, 2018 – 2018

Audio Arts, Board Member, 2017 – 2018

Rapid City Arts Council Emerging Artists, Member, 2017 – 2018

Rapid City Chamber Young Professional Program, Member, 2016 – Present

South Dakota Commission For National and Community Service, Governor Appointed Commissioner, 2011 – 2015

Volunteer Ask-A-Lawyer State Bar of South Dakota Program, 2018 – Present

Volunteer for Unified Judicial System Access To Justice, 2018 – Present

Pennington County Teen Court Program, Judge, 2017 – Present

Cheisman Center for Democracy, Mock Congressional Hearing Judge, 2017

Lawrence County Teen Court Program, Judge, 2016 – 2017

Black Hills State University Student Diversion Program, Facilitator, 2016 – 2017

South Dakota High School Athletic Association Oral Interpretation & Debate Tournament, Judge, 2016

Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, Judge, 2016

Eric's approach to adoption cases

Eric Schlimgen, a Black Hills native has been practicing since 2016 with measurable success. He prides himself on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. Eric understands the challenges and pressure that comes with every case and is here for you, every step of the way. Dependable, calm, and well spoken, Eric approaches each new case with the attention it needs.…

The kind of cases Eric takes

Eric reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and appellate matters in Spearfish and the surrounding South Dakota area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Eric studied and practices

Lewis and Clark Law School
J.D. Energy · 2014
University of Minnesota
B.A. Honors · 2012

Jurisdictions

Eric's state bar admissions

Wyoming
2017 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2017 · ACTIVE
South Dakota
2016 · ACTIVE

Eric studied at J.D. Energy in Lewis and Clark Law School and B.A. Honors in University of Minnesota.

Law school and academic background

Eric completed J.D. Energy in Lewis and Clark Law School and B.A. Honors in University of Minnesota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Eric runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Eric's legal honors and published work

Eric has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Eric Schlimgen's office in Spearfish

Eric's primary office is at 611 Dahl Road, Suite 1, Spearfish, SD, 57783. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Schlimgen Law Firm, LLC

611 Dahl Road, Suite 1

Spearfish, SD 57783

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Eric Schlimgen — 5.0/5 rating from 17 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Eric. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Spearfish.

5.0

17 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Eric Schlimgen claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Eric Schlimgen — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Eric usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Eric charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eric's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Eric will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Spearfish, South Dakota

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Eric

Eric discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Eric confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Eric's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Eric Schlimgen

How much does it cost to hire Eric for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Eric walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Eric offer a free consultation?
Eric charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Eric's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Eric's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in South Dakota typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Eric gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Eric take my case if I'm outside Spearfish?
Eric is licensed in South Dakota. Matters governed by South Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Eric will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Eric?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Eric will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Eric accepting new adoption clients right now?
Eric's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Spearfish, Sioux Falls and Rapid City in South Dakota

Eric handles adoption matters throughout South Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

Eric Schlimgen, Adoption Attorney in Spearfish, South Dakota