John H. Raforth

John H. Raforth, Business Attorney in Rapid City, South Dakota

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Practicing business in Rapid City since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
2 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

John H. Raforth is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Rapid City, SD
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Business · Estate Planning · Probate
  • Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Rapid City, SD.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About John H. Raforth: John H. Raforth is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters John takes on

John concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

John 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 John agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

John takes estate planning 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 John agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

John takes probate 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 John agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

John takes tax 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 John agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet John H. Raforth — business lawyer in Rapid City

John H. Raforth is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. John has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

University of Denver Tax Law Journal, 1987-1988. Listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. Certified Public Accountant, Colorado, 1988. Author: "Dickman v. Commissioner: Broadening the Scope of the Federal Gift Tax," 30 South Dakota Law Review 678, 1985. Co-Author: Alaska Chapter, State Limited Partnership Laws (Aspen), 1990-1995; Alaska Attorney's Desk Manual, "Alaska Limited Partnership Law." Co-Author: Alaska Chapter, State Limited Liability Company Statutes (Aspen), 1993-1995.

How John handles business matters

University of Denver Tax Law Journal, 1987-1988. Listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. Certified Public Accountant, Colorado, 1988. Author: "Dickman v. Commissioner: Broadening the Scope of the Federal Gift Tax," 30 South Dakota Law Review 678, 1985. Co-Author: Alaska Chapter, State Limited Partnership Laws (Aspen), 1990-1995; Alaska Attorney's Desk Manual, "Alaska Limited…

The kind of cases John takes

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of South Dakota

    J.D. University · 1985

  • Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

    B.A. University · 1982

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Alaska

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • South Dakota

    1985 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. University in University of South Dakota and B.A. University in Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. University in University of South Dakota and B.A. University in Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

John's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

    bar_fellowship

Locations

John H. Raforth's office in Rapid City

John's primary office is at 333 West Boulevard, Suite 400, Rapid City, SD, 57701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, L.L.P.

333 West Boulevard, Suite 400

Rapid City, SD 57701

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John H. Raforth — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

5.0

2 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John H. Raforth — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 John

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John H. Raforth

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?

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

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in South Dakota typically take?

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

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

    John 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 — John 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 John?

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

  • Is John accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

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

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

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Rapid City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.