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Four generations of attorneys, practicing law since 1906, built a legacy that has become one of the largest law firms in the state of South Dakota.
Coming from a family with two generations of attorneys before them, Richard Cutler and his son, Kent, founded Cutler Law Firm in 1997, located in downtown Sioux Falls. Today the firm has more than 20 attorneys working in nearly every field of law to help clients in South Dakota and nearly every surrounding state.
“I’m proud to work at Cutler Law Firm,” says Business Manager Shawn Noem. “All of our attorneys are so passionate in their care for clients, and they are so detailed. They are approachable and take the time to get to know their clients.”
The firm has built a reputation for helping people through life’s ups and downs while remaining anchored in the community. Each summer, the steadily growing firm adds two associate attorneys, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and get a feel for the firm. Many join the team permanently that fall.
Expanding to help more people
In addition to covering a large geographical area, the firm helps in many areas of law, including financial matters, establishing trusts, personal injury lawsuits, agriculture, construction processes, and more.
“Some clients are coming in during a real rough part of their life and need our help,” Shawn says. “Other times it might be a fantastic time in their life. We get to help people through all the ups and downs, and our attorneys always have their clients’ best interests in mind.”
Connections and community
A neighbor first suggested Shawn pursue a paralegal position with the firm over a decade ago. Although she did not join Cutler Law at the time, the business manager, who was approaching retirement, contacted her six years later. Shawn became the new business manager and has enjoyed her work over the past five years.
Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state, but Shawn says it still has the small-town feel she appreciates. The area offers a lively atmosphere, with new activities happening regularly. Cutler Law Firm sits downtown along the Big Sioux River with a view not only of Sioux Falls, but the place Shawn calls home.
Not like what’s on TV
Cutler Law Firm relies on Golden West Technologies for its cybersecurity strategy and technology leadership services. Every day, the firm must be able to file documents digitally with the court system, meaning all client information needs to remain safe and secure.
“Working in a law office really isn’t like what you see on TV shows,” Shawn says. “It’s often a lot of paperwork, and there’s absolutely no way we can be down for a day. So many things that are electronic now, so it’s nice to have someone concentrating on your cybersecurity and the stability of the computers.”
When a computer crashed earlier in her career, Shawn had to restore backups herself. She says it’s reassuring to know those days are behind her. Now, the firm’s quarterly meetings with Golden West Technologies focus on specific areas where they can improve and on the changing cybersecurity landscape.