Eric Schlimgen

Eric Schlimgen is an attorney at Schlimgen Law Firm, LLC in Spearfish, South Dakota. He practices criminal defense and family law and handles matters requiring trial preparation and appellate advocacy. Since beginning practice in 2016, he has represented clients facing significant legal decisions and contested proceedings. His work includes addressing evidence, procedural requirements, and the practical consequences that criminal and family law matters can bring.

Eric earned a J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2016, where he participated in moot court. He also received a Master of Public Administration, magna cum laude, from the University of South Dakota in 2016 and completed undergraduate studies in Criminal Justice and Political Science there in 2013. His legal and public administration training supports his understanding of courts and governmental processes.

Eric previously clerked for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and practiced with Clayborne, Loos & Sabers before developing his firm practice. His appellate experience includes South Dakota Supreme Court matters involving criminal charges, estate disputes, and other contested issues. He has also written and presented on South Dakota criminal statutes and family law practice. This work reflects experience in both courtroom advocacy and the analysis of developing legal questions.

Eric is admitted in South Dakota and Wyoming and before the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. He received the South Dakota State Bar Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2023 and has been recognized for pro bono service. His community involvement includes access-to-justice and volunteer legal programs. Eric Schlimgen combines litigation work, appellate experience, and public service in representing clients through difficult legal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, SchlimgenLaw Firm, LLC
• Member, Wyoming State Bar
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota
• Judge, Pennington County Teen Court Program (2017 – Present)
• Member, South Dakota State Bar Family Law Committee (2025)
• Member, Pennington County State Bar (2017 – Present)
• Volunteer, Ask-A-Lawyer State Bar of South Dakota Program (2018 – Present)
• Volunteer, Unified Judicial System Access To Justice (2018 – Present)
• Vice President, Black Hills Mountain Bike Association (2018 – 2020)
• Board Member, Rapid City Arts Council (2017 – Present)
• Governor Appointed Commissioner, South Dakota Commission For National and Community Service (2011 – 2015)
• Member, Rapid City Arts Council Emerging Artists (2017 – 2018)

Licensed State

• Wyoming
• South Dakota

Education

• University of South Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Lewis and Clark Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of South Dakota
  Master of Public Administration (Magna Cum Laude)
• University of South Dakota
  Bachelors of Criminal Justice & Political Science
• University of Minnesota
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges