Jeff Cole
Jeff grew up on a farm a few miles north of Madison, South Dakota, where his parents still live. He and his wife Kim now live in Sioux Falls, though he still longs to live on the farm — he keeps his own tractor there for the occasional visit. After more than three decades in private practice and a career built on trials and litigation, Jeff co-founded Northern Plains Justice with attorney Bill Sims in January 2018.
A Committed South Dakota Lawyer Focused on Your Case
Jeff graduated from Madison High School in 1979, South Dakota State University in 1988, and the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1992. He joined a prominent Sioux Falls law firm as an associate in 1992 and became a partner in 1996, before co-founding Northern Plains Justice with attorney Bill Sims in 2018.
Jeff's legal career has been diverse but is now primarily focused on trials and litigation. He has been lead counsel or co-counsel on several major litigation matters in recent years. He has been in private practice since 1992 and also served as a part-time prosecutor, having been appointed Turner County State's Attorney in 1995. He won election to that office in 1996 and re-election in 2000, and did not seek re-election in 2004.
Jeff has tried to verdict over 30 jury trials and has tried hundreds of court trials. He has also briefed and argued seven reported cases to the South Dakota Supreme Court and one reported case to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Reported Cases
Jeff has briefed and argued the following reported cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit:
- Ward v. Lange, 553 N.W.2d 246 (S.D. 1996)
- Engelhart v. Kramer, 570 N.W.2d 550 (S.D. 1997)
- Estate of Walter O'Keefe, 583 N.W.2d 138 (S.D. 1998)
- Even v. City of Parker, 597 N.W.2d 670 (S.D. 1999)
- City of Marion v. Schoenwald, 631 N.W.2d 213 (S.D. 2001)
- Fink v. Dakotacare, 324 F.3d 685 (8th Cir. 2003)
- Bienash v. Moller, 721 N.W.2d 431 (S.D. 2006)
- Estate of Duebendorfer, 721 N.W.2d 438 (S.D. 2006)
Jeff was also trial counsel for clients who intervened in another noteworthy reported case, Livestock Marketing v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, 207 F.Supp.2d 992 (D.S.D. 2002) — a case that ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court, with Mr. Cole's client prevailing.
Memberships
- American Association for Justice
- South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
- South Dakota Bar Association
Talk to Jeff About Your Case
Whether you're facing a serious litigation matter or need an experienced trial attorney in your corner, Jeff and the team at Northern Plains Justice are ready to help. No fee unless we win your case.
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