Kenneth E. Barker

Kenneth E. Barker is an experienced trial attorney known for representing clients in complex litigation involving personal injury, wrongful death, wildland fire claims, insurance disputes, products liability, professional liability, and commercial matters. His practice emphasizes careful case preparation, persuasive advocacy, and practical strategies designed to help injured individuals, families, and businesses pursue accountability.

Mr. Kenneth earned his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1985 and his B.S. from South Dakota State University in 1982. While completing his undergraduate studies, he earned Dean’s List honors and majored in economics and political science, building a strong foundation for litigation practice. Admitted in South Dakota and Wyoming, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, he has built a broad litigation career spanning state and federal forums. His representative work includes automobile collision claims, fire-related litigation, medical and professional liability matters, premises liability, spinal and brain injury claims, condemnation, fraud, and Federal Employers Liability Act cases.

Mr. Kenneth’s professional development reflects a long commitment to trial advocacy. He has presented on jury strategy, demonstrative evidence, difficult client issues, expert testimony, power-line fire litigation, and Oil Creek Fire litigation. These programs show his focus on simplifying complex facts, strengthening courtroom presentation, and helping juries clearly understand the central issues. Beyond casework, he has contributed to the legal profession through published writing on federalism, jury selection, and automobile collision trials. His memberships include the State Bar of South Dakota, the Wyoming State Bar, the American Bar Association, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Kenneth E. Barker is board-certified as a Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His honors include continuous recognition in The Best Lawyers in America since 2001 and Super Lawyers since 2007, along with peer-selected Personal Injury–Plaintiffs Lawyer of the Year recognition for the Rapid City area. Through decades of litigation, he has helped clients achieve meaningful results in cases involving serious injuries, fatal losses, property damage, and business disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Barker Law Firm, LLC
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota, Lawyer Referral & Negligence & Tort Law
• Member, Wyoming State Bar
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, South Dakota Trial Lawyers
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• President, Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce (1988)
• President, Butte County Bar (1990)

Licensed State

• South Dakota
• Wyoming

Education

• University of South Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• South Dakota State University
  BS in Major: Economics & Political Science

Awards & Badges