Eric Schlimgen, a Black Hills native has been practicing since 2016 with measurable success. He prides himself on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. Eric understands the challenges and pressure that comes with every case and is here for you, every step of the way.

Dependable, calm, and well spoken, Eric approaches each new case with the attention it needs. Get in touch with him today.

Education

University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota

   
• Juris Doctor – 2016
   
• Honors: Moot Court

Lewis and Clark Law School, Portland, Oregon

   
• Juris Doctor – 2014
   
• Major: Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resource Law

University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota

   
• Masters of Public Administration magna cum laude – 2016

University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota

   
• Bachelors of Criminal Justice & Political Science – 2013

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

   
• B.A. – 2012
   
• Honors: Spanish language immersion program in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Bar Admissions

U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota, 2017

Wyoming, 2017

South Dakota, 2016

Published Works

 “WHAT’S IN A NAME ANYWAY?”: REEVALUATING SOUTH DAKOTA’S CANNABIS STATUTORY SCHEME, South Dakota Law Review, Volume 63 Issue I, 2018

Classes/Seminars 

Pennington County Defense Bar Monthly Lecturer, 2019: The Pennington County Defense Bar is a collection of attorneys who meet for the purpose of advancing the practice of Criminal Defense. I spoke on the topic of the discrepancies of South Dakota's Marijuana Statutes related to my Law Review Article.

Pennington County Public Defender's Office Monthly Lecturer, 2019: The Pennington County Public Defender's Officer has a monthly lecture series on developments in the area of Criminal Defense. I was the speaker regarding the defense of marijuana cases, specifically regarding the discrepancies in South Dakota's current statutes as two definitions of marijuana apply--choosing the right definition is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor.

Take Back the Night Foundation, 2017: Panelist on forum for dating and domestic violence at Black Hills State University.

Honors & Awards 

The National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense, 2020, 2019

University of South Dakota 30 Under 30 Class of 2019

South Dakota State Bar & Access to Justice Pro Bono Service Award, 2018, 2019,

Costello Porter Annual Trust & Wills/Estate Planning Essay Winner, 2015

University of South Dakota Omicron Delta Kappa, Circle President, 2013

University of South Dakota Outstanding Student Leader Award from South Dakota Board of Regents, 2013

University of South Dakota Criminal Justice Faculty Appreciation Award, 2013

Oneta H. Card Government Cooperation Scholarship, 2012

University of South Dakota Mock Trial Advocate Award, 2012

Mary B. Elden Internship Award, 2010

Who’s Who Amongst American Colleges and Universities Distinction, 2013

Professional Associations & Pro Bono Activities

Black Hills Mountain Bike Association, Vice-President, 2018 – 2020

Pennington County State Bar, Member, 2017 – Present

West Boulevard Neighborhood Association, Member, 2017 – 2020

Volunteer Judge for Pennington County Teen Court, 2017 – 2019

Volunteer Judge for Lawrence County Teen Court, 2016 – 2017

Rapid City Arts Council, Board Member, 2017 – Present

Minnilusa Historical Association, Volunteer, 2018 – 2018

Audio Arts, Board Member, 2017 – 2018

Rapid City Arts Council Emerging Artists, Member, 2017 – 2018

Rapid City Chamber Young Professional Program, Member, 2016 – Present

South Dakota Commission For National and Community Service, Governor Appointed Commissioner, 2011 – 2015

Volunteer Ask-A-Lawyer State Bar of South Dakota Program, 2018 – Present

Volunteer for Unified Judicial System Access To Justice, 2018 – Present

Pennington County Teen Court Program, Judge, 2017 – Present

Cheisman Center for Democracy, Mock Congressional Hearing Judge, 2017

Lawrence County Teen Court Program, Judge, 2016 – 2017

Black Hills State University Student Diversion Program, Facilitator, 2016 – 2017

South Dakota High School Athletic Association Oral Interpretation & Debate Tournament, Judge, 2016

Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, Judge, 2016