Atty. John H. Raforth
University of Denver Tax Law Journal, 1987-1988. Listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA.
Business Law & More Attorney · Serving Rapid City, SD · 41+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About John H. Raforth at a Glance
John H. Raforth is a Partner based in Rapid City, South Dakota, practicing at Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, L.L.P.. They have 41+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1985. Their practice focuses on probate, estate planning, business, and tax. Admitted to practice in South Dakota (1985) and Alaska (1988). Educated at University of South Dakota (J.D. University, 1985) and Concordia College, Moorhead, MN (B.A. University, 1982). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Rapid City, SD and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John H. Raforth
- University of Denver Tax Law Journal, 1987-1988
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA
- Certified Public Accountant, Colorado, 1988
Author
"Dickman v
Commissioner
Broadening the Scope of the Federal Gift Tax," 30 South Dakota Law Review 678, 1985
Co-Author
- Alaska Chapter, State Limited Partnership Laws (Aspen), 1990-1995
- Alaska Attorney's Desk Manual, "Alaska Limited Partnership Law
- Co-Author: Alaska Chapter, State Limited Liability Company Statutes (Aspen), 1993-1995
Practice Areas Explained
John H. Raforth's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John H. Raforth handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Rapid City.
Probate in Rapid City
John H. Raforth is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in South Dakota →
Estate Planning & Probate in Rapid City
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
John H. Raforth is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in South Dakota →
Business & Corporate Law in Rapid City
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John H. Raforth is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in South Dakota →
Tax Law in Rapid City
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
John H. Raforth is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in South Dakota →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Rapid City
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 venue, 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.
Rapid City Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Rapid City-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional South Dakota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Rapid City or all attorneys in South Dakota.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Rapid City Choose John H. Raforth
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John H. Raforth's practice in the field of probate, estate planning, business, and tax.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
John H. Raforth brings 41+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in South Dakota and Alaska, John H. Raforth can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering probate, estate planning, and business, John H. Raforth can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Rapid City
A Rapid City-based practice means John H. Raforth attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John H. Raforth Handles in Rapid City
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John H. Raforth has experience with under South Dakota law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John H. Raforth directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find John H. Raforth Online
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John H. Raforth's Practice Areas & Specializations
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