Brendan V. Johnson

Brendan V. Johnson is a partner at Robins Kaplan LLP, a member of the firm’s Executive Board, Chair of the National Business Litigation Group, and Co-Chair of the Government and Internal Investigations Group. He works from the firm’s Sioux Falls and Minneapolis offices on high-stakes litigation, investigations, and Native American law matters. His background as a former U.S. Attorney provides significant experience with government enforcement and complex disputes.

Brendan earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2001 and a B.S. from the University of South Dakota in 1998. His legal career includes federal prosecution, firm leadership, business litigation, investigations, and tribal matters. As U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, he also held national Department of Justice leadership assignments involving Native American issues, national security, terrorism, and cybercrime.

Brendan has handled significant civil and public-law matters, including a multimillion-dollar medical-malpractice wrongful-death verdict and litigation connected to a landmark opioid settlement for Tribal Nations. His representative work also includes sports and name-image-likeness matters, federal disputes involving tribal interests, and investigations. This experience reflects a practice spanning jury trials, complex negotiations, government-facing disputes, and cases involving major institutional or public consequences.

Brendan V. Johnson has received recognition from Chambers, Best Lawyers, and trial-law organizations, including a 2024 South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year honor. His practice combines federal enforcement experience with complex civil litigation and Native American law. He helps clients navigate investigations, high-stakes disputes, negotiations, and courtroom proceedings where legal strategy, government relationships, and significant financial or institutional interests may converge.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Robins Kaplan LLP
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota

Licensed State

• Minnesota
• New York
• South Dakota

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of South Dakota
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges