Wendy Kloeppner

Sioux Falls Litigation Attorney

Wendy Kloeppner is an experienced attorney with over two decades of legal experience in criminal and civil litigation. Her distinguished career includes serving as a State's Attorney in Lake, Hughes, Meade, and Butte Counties in South Dakota. In these roles, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, managed grand jury and preliminary proceedings, and provided legal counsel to county officials. Wendy's leadership extended to guiding legal teams, managing annual budgets, and representing the South Dakota Department of Social Services in abuse and neglect proceedings.

Wendy’s knowledge is complemented by her significant contributions to legal policy and community welfare. She has been an active member of several influential task forces and advisory boards, including the South Dakota State's Attorney's Association, the South Dakota Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, and the South Dakota Unified Judicial System Committee on Indigent Defense. Her role as Director of the Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing for the South Dakota Department of Commerce and Regulation further underscores her adeptness in legislative analysis and drafting, as well as her capacity to act as a liaison between agencies and the legislature.

Wendy holds a Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law, with an emphasis on Constitutional Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bemidji State University. Her scholarly contributions include published works in the South Dakota Law Review and various professional presentations. She has also engaged in continuing professional education, notably completing an introduction to International Criminal Law through Case Western Reserve University.

Wendy’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and commitment to justice make her a formidable presence in the legal field. Her dedication to upholding the law and advocating for businesses, municipalities, counties, and government entities alike stands as a testament to her professional excellence.

LICENSED IN: South Dakota, United States Supreme Court

Wendy’s “Why”

Wendy is known for “telling it like it is.” She values civility and fairness in her interactions with others. She tries not to take herself too seriously and is the first to laugh at herself (she encourages you to laugh with her). In her spare time, she likes to walk her cat, Hansel (yes, he walks on a leash), and spend time improving the landscaping at her home (any hints/ideas are appreciated!). She enjoys the outdoors, especially lakes and beaches. It should not be a surprise to learn that she is a true crime junkie! She has even attended CrimeCon and plans to go again. She hopes to someday learn to speak Spanish and Italian, and to remember her German language skills.

Practice Areas:

• Litigation & Trial Law
• Employment
• Government Affairs
• Regulatory Affairs
• Local Government & Municipal Law

Experience:

State's Attorney (Appointed & Elected), Office of the State's Attorney

• Lake County, South Dakota, Madison, South Dakota (February 2018 – 2024)
• Hughes County, South Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota (April 2013 – February 2018)
• Interim State’s Attorney, Butte County, Belle Fourche, South Dakota (January 2004 – June 2005)
  • Prosecute all criminal, juvenile and abuse & neglect cases, including conducting jury trials, grand jury and preliminary proceedings. Represent County Boards of Commissioners in civil matters and provide legal advice to County officials.

Deputy State's Attorney, Office of the State's Attorney

• Hughes County, South Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota (June 2009 – April 2013)
• Meade County, South Dakota, Sturgis, South Dakota (February 2007 - June 2009)
• Butte County, South Dakota, Belle Fourche, South Dakota (January 2003- February 2007)
  • Prosecute all criminal, juvenile and abuse & neglect cases, including conducting jury trials, grand jury and preliminary proceedings. Represent County Boards of Commissioners in civil matters and provide legal advice to County officials.

Director. Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing, South Dakota Department of Commerce and Regulation, Pierre, South Dakota (September 1999 - January 2003)

• Oversee twenty-two professional and occupational boards. Act as liaison between agency and legislature during session, perform lobbying and testify before committees. Analyze and draft legislation. Review decisions of the Human Rights Office.

Law Clerk, Supreme Court of South Dakota, (Justice John Konenkamp) Pierre, South Dakota (August 1998 - July 1999)

• Draft memos on issues facing the court. Complete legal research for assigned justice. Assist in the writing of conference and final opinions of the court.

Community Involvement:

• President, Young Lawyers Section, South Dakota Bar (2007 - 2008)
• Member, Board of Bar Commissioners, South Dakota Bar (2008 - 2009, 2012- 2013)
• Member, Board of South Dakota State's Attorney's Association (2014-2016, 2018 -2019, 2021 -2024) (elected position)
• Member, South Dakota Jolene's Law Task Force (2015 -2016) (appointment to Task Force made by South Dakota Governor Dennis Dauguard)
• Member, Advisory Board, South Dakota Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, University of South Dakota (2016-June 2024)
• Member, South Dakota Unified Judicial System Committee on Indigent Defense

(2015 -2019)

• Member, South Dakota Legislature House Bill 1064 - Indigent Legal Services Task Force (appointment to Task Force made by the South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley) (March- October 2023)
• Member, South Dakota Open Meetings Commission (appointment to Commission made by the South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley) (January 2024 - June 2024)