Douglas Hajek

Doug Hajek, a native of Tyndall, SD, is a distinguished attorney at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls, specializing in corporate law, public finance, and financial institutions. Before transitioning to law, Doug spent ten years in banking, beginning as a commercial lender with US Bank in Rapid City, advancing to manage the company’s commercial loan participation pool in Minneapolis, and later overseeing Western Bank’s mortgage banking operations in Sioux Falls. In 1982, Doug embarked on a new journey, entering law school and graduating in 1985.

Doug's legal practice is centered on assisting banks with regulation, management, and lending. His expertise extends to serving as a contract lobbyist during ten sessions of the South Dakota Legislature, where he played a pivotal role in trust, banking, and insurance legislation. Notably, he was the lead lobbyist for legislation enabling the creation of independent trust companies, contributing significantly to the establishment of private trust companies in South Dakota.

In his public finance practice, Doug acts as bond counsel for cities, counties, public entities, and nonprofits, frequently presenting financing structures and options to public bodies. His professional excellence is recognized with an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. He has been honored by Best Lawyers® in several areas, including Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, and Government Relations Practice.

Doug was named Best Lawyers® 2016 Mergers and Acquisitions "Lawyer of the Year" in Sioux Falls, SD. He is also featured in Chambers and Partners Leading Lawyers for Business in Corporate/Commercial Law and in Great Plains Super Lawyers for Banking. For inquiries, contact Doug Hajek at 605-336-2880 or dhajek@dehs.com.