An Experienced Attorney

Gina Ruggieri is an excellent Family Law attorney, a skilled lawyer with 9 years of legal experience in South Dakota.  Gina is originally from Pennsylvania and came to South Dakota to work in Indian Country.

She is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court of South Dakota, and before several tribal courts throughout the state. She has served as both a tribal prosecutor, and as a tribal court judge.

Gina is an experienced lawyer with a focus on criminal defense, federal Indian law, family law, and special education law.

Gina attended NYU and later earned her law degree in 2013.  After serving as a pro bono attorney for a legal aid in their domestic violence unit, Gina worked for Dakota Plains on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation. 

After several years, Gina started her own practice and then later joined Southern Hills Law firm in the summer of 2023.  Ms. Ruggieri has dedicated more than half her legal career to public service and is eager to serve her clients in  Hot Springs, and Custer and the Black Hills area.

Recent Awards

Special Education Law

Ms. Ruggieri recently won an important case in Federal Court,   Steckelberg v Chamberlain School District,  4:21-CV-4130-LLP (D.S.D. Jan. 18, 2022) . This was a big win, and a welcome award for the family, and Ms. Ruggieri is very proud that she was able to help her clients in this four year long battle against the school.

Criminal Defense

If you’ve been charged with a crime, we’ll defend your rights and fight for your freedom. Our team has experience in all areas of criminal defense.

Family Law

We provide compassionate and effective representation for all family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and more.

Client Reviews

I have to say I was very satisfied with Scott. His preparation was awesome and he was able to explain his strategy and keep me informed. Everything was on time I never had to wait for answers he was well ahead and represented me and was well prepared. I would highly...

Ron Rhebb

Scott James had excelled job with his experience with laws that meet my expectations to resolved my legal issues. I recommend him for your legal needs. I’m so much appreciated with his services.

Barry Carpenter

Scott James is a fantastic attorney. I can't thank him enough for his creative and brilliant legal strategy in my case. He has the experience and know how to develop and pull together a great legal plan. His fees were very reasonable and his work solid. He has top-notch...

Odin Six

Our Office

We are just north of the main traffic light in Custer, South Dakota in a gray building that used to be First Interstate Bank across from Yes Way Gas Station.

SOUTHERN HILLS LAW, PLLC
40 N. 5th St.,
Suite B

Custer, SD 57730

Phone: (605) 673-2503 Fax: (605) 349-2996

Get in Touch

Fill out the contact form or call us at (605) 673-2503 to schedule your free consultation.
  • Free Initial Consultation
  • You can email us at southernhillslaw@gmail.com
  • Experienced Trial Lawyer

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