Atty. Justin Bell

Atty. Justin Bell

JUSTIN L. BELL was born and raised in Huron, South Dakota.

Pierre Pierre 17 yrs experience 17 year
Call (605) 220-7165 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Justin Bell at a glance

Justin Bell is a Partner based in Pierre, South Dakota, practicing at May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP. They have 17+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2009. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, estate planning, business, real estate, and tax. Admitted to practice in South Dakota (2009), U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota (2009), U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (2012), and United States Supreme Court (2018). Educated at University of South Dakota (J.D., 2008) and Indiana Wesleyan University (B.S., 2005). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of South Dakota American Bar Association South Dakota Defense Lawyer Association. Serands clients in Pierre, SD and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • JUSTIN L. BELL was born and raised in Huron, South Dakota
  • After graduating from Huron High School, Justin attended Indiana Wesleyan University, graduating magna cum laude with a BS in in Political Science/Pre-law and Finance
  • He then obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota in 2008
  • In law school, he was published within the South Dakota Law Review, was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, and coached the Vermillion High School debate team
  • Following law school, Justin was a law clerk for the Judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit until 2009, at which time he joined the May Adam Law Firm
  • Justin is an AV-Rated attorney with a practice focusing on civil and commercial litigation, governmental liability, business and estate planning, administrative law (focusing heavily on state taxation issues), and criminal defense
  • Mr. Bell's practice also includes a significant lobbying practice before the South Dakota Legislature
  • Justin is a member of the State Bar of South Dakota, the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, the South Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Eighth Circuit Bar Association
  • He is admitted to practice before the courts of the State of South Dakota, the United States Federal Court for the District of South Dakota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court
  • He also serves as a Commissioner on the State Bar of South Dakota Bar Commission (which governs and manages the business and affairs of the State Bar) and serves on the Federal Practice Committee for the District of South Dakota (which serves as liaison between the federal bench and bar)
  • Justin, his wife, and two children are active in the Pierre community and members of Faith Lutheran Church
  • Justin also serves on the South Dakota State Fair Commission and South Dakota State Fair Foundation
  • In addition, he is active in Republican Party politics at the state and local level and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and taking advantage of the recreation that Central South Dakota has to offer

Practice Areas Explained

Justin Bell's Areas of Practice

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

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Justin Bell is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in South Dakota →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Justin Bell is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in South Dakota →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Justin Bell is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in South Dakota →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Justin Bell is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in South Dakota →

Tax Law

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.

Justin Bell is one of 85,302 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax 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 Pierre 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 Pierre or all attorneys in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Justin Bell

Where is Justin Bell's law office located?
Justin Bell's law practice is located in Pierre, South Dakota. The firm is May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Justin Bell handle?
Justin Bell focuses on criminal defense, estate planning, business, real estate, tax. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in South Dakota.
How long has Justin Bell practiced law?
Justin Bell has 17+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2009.
Where did Justin Bell go to law school?
Justin Bell earned their education at (J.D., 2008); (B.S., 2005).
How can I contact Justin Bell for a consultation?
You can contact Justin Bell 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 Justin Bell received?
Justin Bell's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of South Dakota
- 2008
B.S.
Indiana Wesleyan University
- 2005

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

South Dakota
Admitted: 2009
U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota
Admitted: 2009
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
Admitted: 2012
United States Supreme Court
Admitted: 2018

Reviews

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