How much does it cost to hire Gary for a appellate case?

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

Does Gary offer a free consultation?

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

How long do appellate cases in South Dakota typically take?

Simple appellate 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. Gary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Rapid City?

Gary 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 — Gary 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 Gary?

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. Gary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Gary accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Gary D. Jensen, Appellate Attorney in Rapid City

Quick answer

Gary D. Jensen is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Gary has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, Professional L.L.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Rapid City, SD
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Construction

Handles Appellate, Business, and Construction matters from Rapid City, SD.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Gary's practice areas in Rapid City

Gary concentrates on appellate, business, construction, creditor rights, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Gary takes appellate matters in Rapid City, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Gary takes business matters in Rapid City, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Gary takes construction matters in Rapid City, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Gary takes creditor rights matters in Rapid City, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Gary takes family law matters in Rapid City, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Biography

Gary D. Jensen, appellate attorney serving Rapid City

Gary D. Jensen is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Gary has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, Professional L.L.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Gary works from Rapid City, South Dakota and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Gary helps clients in personal injury lawsuits, with construction and commercial litigation, insurance disputes, health care issues, and family law matters. He also tries professional negligence cases. Sometimes, a client's situation is very difficult and the chances of winning are not what you would like them to be - they're hard cases. Gary does not shy away from the hard case. If he takes it on, he makes every effort to beat the odds and win for the client. Gary tries cases to juries and judges in state and federal courts. He argues cases in appellate courts, and he handles cases in tribal courts. Gary works with both plaintiffs and defendants at all levels of the legal system. Gary was selected Trial Lawyer of the Year by the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He has held the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. He was elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates. Gary is invited to speak at professional meetings and he was honored to be a faculty member for the Trial Academy conducted by the South Dakota Bar Association for new lawyers. Outside of his law practice, Gary fly fishes and hunts. He's a baseball and basketball fan. Gary has been involved in a variety of community activities, including the Children's Home Society, the Rapid City Community Health Center and Catholic Social Services. Gary is absolutely committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve the best possible result for every client in every case.

Working with Gary on a appellate matter

Gary helps clients in personal injury lawsuits, with construction and commercial litigation, insurance disputes, health care issues, and family law matters. He also tries professional negligence cases. Sometimes, a client's situation is very difficult and the chances of winning are not what you would like them to be - they're hard cases. Gary does not shy away from the hard case. If he takes it…

Who Gary represents

Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and construction matters in Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Gary studied and practices

University of South Dakota School of Law
J.D. · 1978
South Dakota State University
B.S. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Gary's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court R
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1980 · ACTIVE
South Dakota
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE

Gary studied at J.D. in University of South Dakota School of Law and B.S. in South Dakota State University.

Law school and academic background

Gary completed J.D. in University of South Dakota School of Law and B.S. in South Dakota State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gary runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Gary's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Gary D. Jensen's office in Rapid City

Gary's primary office is at 4200 Beach Drive, Suite #3, Rapid City, SD, 57702. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, Professional L.L.C.

4200 Beach Drive, Suite #3

Rapid City, SD 57702

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Gary D. Jensen — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Gary D. Jensen — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Gary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary'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; Gary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Rapid City, South Dakota

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Gary

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. Gary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Gary D. Jensen

How much does it cost to hire Gary for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gary offer a free consultation?
Gary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gary's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Gary's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in South Dakota typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Gary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Rapid City?
Gary 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 — Gary 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 Gary?
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. Gary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gary accepting new appellate clients right now?
Gary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by South Dakota residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Gary D. Jensen. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Pierre in South Dakota

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