Justin Bergeson

Justin Bergeson is an associate at Woods Fuller in Sioux Falls whose practice focuses on civil litigation. He handles matters involving government liability, insurance defense, construction law, and commercial disputes. His work requires careful factual development, legal research, and strategic advocacy for clients facing contested claims. He is licensed in South Dakota state court, the District of South Dakota, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, giving him experience across trial and appellate forums relevant to complex civil disputes.

Justin attended Black Hills State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History and was an academic all-conference and all-conference track athlete. He later attended the University of Nebraska College of Law, graduating with distinction and serving on the Moot Court Board. His education strengthened research, writing, oral advocacy, and issue analysis. These skills support his litigation practice, where government liability, construction disputes, insurance matters, and commercial conflicts require close attention to legal standards and a clear presentation of facts.

Justin worked as a congressional staffer for Senator John Thune in Washington, D.C. from 2015 to 2018 before attending law school. He joined Woods Fuller in 2021 and developed a civil litigation practice centered on government liability, insurance defense, construction law, and commercial disputes. His prior public-policy experience adds perspective when cases involve governmental entities or public issues. His litigation work helps clients evaluate claims, respond to lawsuits, develop defenses, and prepare matters for resolution in state or federal court.

Justin Bergeson serves as a volunteer attorney with East River Legal Services and has participated in community organizations in the Sioux Falls area. His combination of public-service experience, legal training, and civil litigation work supports clients facing disputes involving government liability, construction, insurance, and business relationships. He approaches cases with careful research and preparation while keeping the client’s practical objectives in view. His federal and state court admissions support representation through multiple stages of complex civil litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith P.C.
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota
• Volunteer Attorney, East River Legal Services (2024-Present)
• Board Member, South Dakota State Society, Washington, D.C. (2016-2018)
• Member, Christ the King Knights of Columbus (2024-Present)
• Volunteer, Junior Achievement (2023-2025)
• Fundraiser, Sioux Empire United Way (2022-2024)

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Education

• Black Hills State University
  Bachelor’s degree in History

Awards & Badges