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

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

Does Mike offer a free consultation?

Mike charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mike's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Mike'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. Mike gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mike take my case if I'm outside Pierre?

Mike 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 — Mike 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 Mike?

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

Is Mike accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Mike Shaw, Appellate Attorney in Pierre

Quick answer

Mike Shaw is a partner based in Pierre, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and Government. Mike has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Pierre, SD
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Appellate · Entertainment · Government

Handles Appellate, Entertainment, and Government matters from Pierre, SD.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mike takes on

Mike concentrates on appellate, entertainment, government, insurance, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mike handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Pierre, South Dakota

Mike takes appellate matters in Pierre, 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 Mike agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Pierre, South Dakota

Mike takes entertainment matters in Pierre, 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 Mike agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Pierre, South Dakota

Mike takes government matters in Pierre, 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 Mike agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Pierre, South Dakota

Mike takes insurance matters in Pierre, 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 Mike agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Pierre, South Dakota

Mike takes personal injury matters in Pierre, 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 Mike agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mike Shaw — appellate lawyer in Pierre

Mike Shaw is a partner based in Pierre, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and Government. Mike has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mike Shaw was born in Canton, South Dakota, on July 18, 1957, and was raised in Pierre. He attended the University of South Dakota and later graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree. Mike continued his education at the School of Law, University of South Dakota, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1987. While in law school, he was a member of the Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity and was president of the Student Bar Association, 1986 to 1987. He was admitted to the South Dakota Bar in 1987 and was admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota in 1988. Mike served as law clerk to the Honorable James W. Anderson, presiding judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit for the State of South Dakota, from 1987 to 1988 and joined the firm in June, 1988. He is a member of the South Dakota State Bar Association, the South Dakota Defense Trial Lawyers Association, and the International Association of Gaming Regulators.

Mike is an of-counsel attorney at the May Adam Firm in Pierre. He has extensive lobbying experience and significant experience in administrative law focusing on regulatory practices, routinely appearing before State Regulatory agencies such as the SD Division of Insurance and the Division of Banking, representing companies and agents.

Mike has served on a variety of boards under appointment by various Governors. Governor Mike Rounds appointed him to the Risk Pool Advisory Board. The Advisory Board assisted and advised the Risk Pool Governing Board, the entity responsible for managing and directing South Dakota’s recently created Risk Pool, the State-operated health insurance for high-risk individuals. Mike also worked extensively on the legislation creating the Risk Pool which was passed during a special legislative session in June 2003. Mike was also nominated by Governor William Janklow to the Governor's Task Force on Workers' Compensation. The Task Force did a detailed study on the laws of workers' compensation in South Dakota and made specific legislative recommendations to the South Dakota Legislature. As a result of that Task Force, significant changes in the laws of workers' compensation were enacted. In the past, Mike has also lobbied extensively in the areas of workers' compensation, health insurance, and property casualty insurance.

How Mike handles appellate matters

Mike Shaw was born in Canton, South Dakota, on July 18, 1957, and was raised in Pierre. He attended the University of South Dakota and later graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree. Mike continued his education at the School of Law, University of South Dakota, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1987. While in law school, he was a member of the Delta Theta…

Who Mike represents

Mike reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, entertainment, and government matters in Pierre and the surrounding South Dakota area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of South Dakota
J.D. · 1987
Western Kentucky University
B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Mike's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
South Dakota
1987 · ACTIVE

Mike studied at J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.A. in Western Kentucky University.

Law school and academic background

Mike completed J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.A. in Western Kentucky University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mike runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mike Shaw's office in Pierre

Mike's primary office is at 503 South Pierre Street, Pierre, SD, 57501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP

503 South Pierre Street

Pierre, SD 57501

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mike Shaw — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mike Shaw — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Pierre, 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 Mike

Mike 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. Mike confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mike'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 Mike Shaw

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

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

Mike Shaw, Appellate Attorney in Pierre, South Dakota

Quick answer