Ross M. Skinner

Ross was born and raised in Rapid City, and the law has been intertwined with his life beginning at an early age. With his father being an attorney, he grew up in courtrooms, watching trials and learning firsthand what it means to stand beside someone when their future is on the line.

He graduated cum laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato and earned his law degree from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. While in law school, he competed nationally on the trial team, volunteered as a legal intern for the Honorable Judge Schreier, and worked closely with his father and brother on case research and trial preparation. Today, he serves as co-counsel in trials and prepares every case with the expectation that it may be presented to a jury. Needless to say, trial is not something he is afraid of.

His practice focuses primarily on criminal defense. He understands that when someone is charged with a crime, their freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. He believes every client deserves a lawyer who will slow the process down, examine the facts carefully, and make sure their side of the story is fully and powerfully told; because behind every charge is a person with a family, a job, and a future. His role is to protect constitutional rights, hold the government to its burden, and ensure that his client is seen as more than a case number.

In addition to criminal defense, he assists clients with estate planning and civil matters involving parental rights-areas where thoughtful preparation and strong advocacy are equally important.

As the third of nine children, he learned early the importance of listening, standing firm, and fighting when necessary. He is determined, empathetic, and persistent. When rights are violated or a family's future is at risk, he is prepared to stand with his clients and advocate relentlessly on their behalf.