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

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

Does Steven offer a free consultation?

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

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

Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?

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

Is Steven accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Steven C. Beardsley, Appellate Attorney in Rapid City

Quick answer

Steven C. Beardsley is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Construction, and Insurance. Steven 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 · Construction · Insurance

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

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Steven C. Beardsley

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

Appellate cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Steven takes insurance 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Steven takes litigation 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Rapid City, South Dakota

Steven takes personal injury 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Steven C. Beardsley — Over 48 years of South Dakota appellate experience

Steven C. Beardsley is a partner based in Rapid City, SD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Construction, and Insurance. Steven 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.

For 34 years Steven Beardsley has engaged in a civil litigation practice that includes personal injury, construction law, commercial law, workers compensation, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and product liability. His work has earned Mr. Beardsley an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell. After graduating with honors from law school, Steve served as a Law Clerk in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota (1978-80), before entering private practice. An accomplished litigator, Steve has tried lawsuits in both state and federal courts across South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa. He has also tried arbitrations in South Dakota and Colorado. Steve is a member of the American Association for Justice and has served on the American Bar Association's committees for Trial Techniques, Automobile Technology, Litigation and Criminal Justice. In addition, Steve serves on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He is a long-standing member of the Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel. Steve served on Board of Governors, South Dakota Trial Lawyers of America (2008-2010) and previously served from 1992 to 1994.

Working with Steven on a appellate matter

For 34 years Steven Beardsley has engaged in a civil litigation practice that includes personal injury, construction law, commercial law, workers compensation, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and product liability. His work has earned Mr. Beardsley an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell. After graduating with honors from law school, Steve served as a Law Clerk in U.S. District Court,…

Clients Steven works with

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

Credentials

Steven C. Beardsley's legal education and bar admissions

University of South Dakota School of Law J.D. 1978 Thomas Sterling Honor Society
—
South Dakota State University
B.S. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Federa
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1984 · ACTIVE
South Dakota
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at — in University of South Dakota School of Law J.D. 1978 Thomas Sterling Honor Society and B.S. in South Dakota State University.

Law school and academic background

Steven completed — in University of South Dakota School of Law J.D. 1978 Thomas Sterling Honor Society and B.S. in South Dakota State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Steven C. Beardsley

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Steven C. Beardsley's office in Rapid City

Steven'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 Steven C. Beardsley — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. 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 Steven C. Beardsley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Steven C. Beardsley — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven 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 Steven

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Steven'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 Steven C. Beardsley

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

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

Steven C. Beardsley, Appellate Attorney in Rapid City, South Dakota