Russ Janklow

Russ Janklow is a highly regarded attorney specializing in personal injury and civil litigation in South Dakota. Over his career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials and appeared several times before the South Dakota Supreme Court. Known for his tenacity and skill, Russ has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010.

In 2014, Russ was honored as the “Lawyer of the Year” in Sioux Falls for plaintiffs’ personal injury litigation, a prestigious award determined entirely by peer review. He has also been named a South Dakota Super Lawyer annually since 2007, a distinction awarded to the top 5% of practicing attorneys in the state.

Born in Vermillion and raised in Pierre, South Dakota, Russ completed his undergraduate studies at Creighton University in 1985, earning both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. He then obtained his law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1989. Following his graduation, Russ served as a Law Clerk for the South Dakota First Judicial Circuit Court in Yankton from 1989 to 1990.

In 1990, Russ joined Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith in Sioux Falls, where he practiced until 1995. He then became a partner at Johnson, Heidepriem, Janklow & Abdallah, remaining there until September 1, 2008. At that time, he co-founded the Janklow Law Firm, Prof. L.L.C with his father, where he continues to practice as the owner.