Atty. George J. Nelson

Atty. George J. Nelson

George's practice areas include DUI Law, Family Law, and Personal Injury Law. Representing you with a high level of commitment, experience and skill, George takes the time needed to research your case and provide the best legal representation in the Western South Dakota area.

Rapid City Rapid City 40 yrs experience 40 year
Call (605) 593-8856 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About George J. Nelson at a glance

George J. Nelson is a Member based in Rapid City, South Dakota, practicing at The Law Office of George J. Nelson. They have 40+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1986. Their practice focuses on divorce, car accidents, dui/dwi, child custody, and wrongful death. Admitted to practice in South Dakota (1986), U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota (2002), U.S. Federal Court of Claims (2019), and United States Supreme Court (2020). Educated at University of South Dakota (J.D., 1986) and South Dakota State University (B.S. Political, 1983). Recognitions include CV Notable. Active member of South Dakota Bar American Bar Association South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar Pennington County Bar Association ABA Tort. Serands clients in Rapid City, SD and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • George's practice areas include DUI Law, Family Law, and Personal Injury Law
  • Representing you with a high level of commitment, experience and skill, George takes the time needed to research your case and provide the best legal representation in the Western South Dakota area
  • The Law Office of George Nelson is available to represent you in the following Western South Dakota Counties: Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, Custer, Fall River, and Jackson
  • Working Experience 3/00 to Present, Practicing Attorney, Rapid City, SD Private attorney in western South Dakota, handling a variety of civil and criminal cases
  • For the past few years, primarily focused on personal injury and family law litigation, as well as criminal defense
  • Civil jury trial experience has ranged from wrongful death automobile and motorcycle accidents to products liability claims and contract disputes
  • Personally tried 67 jury trials since being licensed in 1986, along with hundreds of civil and criminal court trials. 9/93 to 2/00m General Counsel/Corporate Secretary/Vice President, Concorde Gaming Corporation, Rapid City, SD General Counsel and corporate officer for a public corporation and its subsidiaries
  • Responsible for: all commercial law proceedings
  • stock purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements and other acquisition agreements
  • coordinating outside legal counsel
  • drafting and reviewing management contracts, employment contracts, non-compete agreements, leases, securities filings, small claims matters, and other corporate documents
  • compliance with all jurisdictional gaming and securities regulations, including state gaming regulations and Securities Exchange Commission filings
  • representing the corporation in litigation and arbitration
  • and, advising the board of directors on existing and potential litigation. 3/90 to 8/93, General Manager First Gold Inc., Deadwood, SD Oversaw all lodging, gaming, campground, transportation, food and beverage operations
  • Responsible for hiring and firing management personnel
  • The Company employed approximately 100 people. 11/86 to 2/90, Deputy States Attorney Pennington County State Attorney's Office, Rapid City, SD Assisted the state's attorney in criminal prosecutions. 6/85 to 10/86, Associate Denholm & Glover Law Firm, Brookings, SD Legal intern and associate lawyer after law school graduation
  • Completed numerous civil research projects for law partners during law school and after graduation Memberships and Affiliations Member of the South Dakota Bar, American Bar Association, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, Black Hills Criminal Defense Bar, Pennington County Bar Association, ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section

Practice Areas Explained

George J. Nelson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases George J. Nelson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

George J. Nelson is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in South Dakota →

Car Accidents

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

George J. Nelson is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in South Dakota →

DUI / DWI Defense

Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.

George J. Nelson is one of 29,976 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in South Dakota →

Child Custody & Visitation

George J. Nelson is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in South Dakota →

Wrongful Death

George J. Nelson is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in South Dakota →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in South Dakota

Practicing law in South Dakota. Legal matters in South Dakota are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Rapid City are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Dakota state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Dakota brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Dakota courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional South Dakota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Rapid City or all attorneys in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about George J. Nelson

Where is George J. Nelson's law office located?
George J. Nelson's law practice is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The firm is The Law Office of George J. Nelson. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does George J. Nelson handle?
George J. Nelson focuses on divorce, car accidents, dui/dwi, child custody, wrongful death. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in South Dakota.
How long has George J. Nelson practiced law?
George J. Nelson has 40+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1986.
Where did George J. Nelson go to law school?
George J. Nelson earned their education at (J.D., 1986); (B.S. Political, 1983).
How can I contact George J. Nelson for a consultation?
You can contact George J. Nelson directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has George J. Nelson received?
George J. Nelson's notable recognition includes: CV Notable.

Education

J.D.
University of South Dakota
- 1986
B.S. Political
South Dakota State University
- 1983

Awards

CV Notable

Bar Admissions

South Dakota
Admitted: 1986
U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota
Admitted: 2002
U.S. Federal Court of Claims
Admitted: 2019
United States Supreme Court
Admitted: 2020

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