Melanie L. Carpenter

Melanie L. Carpenter is a shareholder at Woods Fuller in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, focusing on employment law and civil litigation. Since 1996, she has represented clients in employment-related lawsuits, insurance defense matters, and business disputes. Her practice involves assessing contested issues, preparing for litigation, and advocating for clients when workplace or commercial disagreements require formal legal proceedings or negotiated resolution.

Melanie received a B.S. from Iowa State University and a J.D. from the University of South Dakota. She served on the moot court board during law school and later clerked for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota in Rapid City. These experiences provided exposure to legal research, advocacy, and federal court procedure before she developed her litigation practice.

Her experience spans employment matters, civil lawsuits arising from business disputes, and defense of insurance-related claims. She has worked on cases in which the allegations, legal duties, and factual records require close review before the parties can determine how best to proceed. Her longstanding practice with Woods Fuller supports clients facing employment conflict, business litigation, and the practical demands of contested proceedings.

Melanie has received peer recognition in Great Plains Super Lawyers and related publications. She is a past president of the South Dakota chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and belongs to state and national trial and defense lawyer associations. Her community work includes service on the EmBe board of directors. Melanie L. Carpenter brings extensive courtroom experience and a service-oriented approach to employment and litigation matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith P.C.
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota
• Past President, South Dakota Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association
• Board of Directors, Since May, EmBe (2023)
• Board Member, Sioux Falls Civil Service
• Board President, Great Plains Zoo
• Board Member, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center
• Judge, High School Gymnastics
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
• Coach, Girls’ Softball

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Education

• University of South Dakota
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Iowa State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges