Steven C. Beardsley

Steven C. Beardsley, a top attorney with 40 years of experience, focuses on personal injury, construction law, and insurance defense. A South Dakota native, Steve earned his B.S. from South Dakota State University in 1975. In 1978, he graduated with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law with a Juris Doctor. He began his legal career as a U.S. District Court Law Clerk in South Dakota before transitioning to private practice.

Steve’s career spans diverse areas, including personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, brain injuries, and catastrophic burns. He has extensive experience in construction and insurance litigation. This includes bad faith, failure to settle, and complex liability claims. His work also includes wrongful termination, antitrust disputes, and real estate fraud.

Steve is a highly respected trial lawyer with a proven record of success in complex litigation. He has tried cases in state and federal courts throughout South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, and has argued appeals before the South Dakota Supreme Court, the Eighth and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. His dedication and courtroom skill have earned him an “AV” Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and in 2021 he was honored as the South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year.

Steve is committed to advancing legal standards. He has been active in the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. He served on the Board of Governors of the last group. His expertise extends to trial techniques, automobile law, and litigation strategies.

Clients trust Steve’s careful work and deep legal knowledge. His strong advocacy secures them favorable outcomes. His broad experience ensures tailored legal solutions in personal injury, construction, insurance, and business cases. So, he is a trusted ally for individuals and organizations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, PLLC
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar
• Member, Black Hills Claims Association
• Member, National Institute for Trial Advocacy Advocates Association

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Education

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

Awards & Badges