Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, Family Law; view more
Licensed in South Dakota since: 2016
Education: The University of South Dakota School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2024 - 2025 Anthony Teesdale is the owner of Teesdale Law Office, a forward-thinking legal practice in Brookings, South Dakota. He is recognized for clear communication, steady guidance, and a client-centered approach that helps individuals navigate difficult moments with confidence. His work spans criminal defense, family law, estate planning, business formation, educational law, and civil litigation. He also represents university students in Title IX and disciplinary matters, ensuring their rights and futures remain protected.
Raised in New Jersey, Indiana, and Missouri, Mr. Teesdale found his academic home at the University of South Dakota, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor. He began his legal career in Brookings in 2015, sharpening his skills as an associate attorney before opening Teesdale Law in 2022. His practice reflects his belief in service, practical solutions, and long-term planning.
Mr. Teesdale is deeply engaged in his community and in the broader legal profession. He serves as the Third Circuit Bar Commissioner for the State Bar of South Dakota, contributing to statewide leadership and professional development. Locally, he is a volunteer firefighter with the Brookings Fire Department, a member of the Advisory Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Brookings, and the Vice President of the Brookings Curling Club. He also serves on the board of East River Legal Services and supports treatment-focused justice initiatives through his work with the Brookings County Problem Solving Courts and the Drug Court Advisory Council.
His professional involvement includes participation in the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. His Avvo rating of “Excellent” reflects his strong reputation and commitment to the people he serves.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Family Law, Estate Planning & ProbateFocus areas
Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Child Support, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Custody & Visitation, DUI/DWI, Debt, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Estate Planning, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Father's Rights, Felony, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Law, Living Wills, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Name Change, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Paternity, Power of Attorney, Prenuptial Agreements, Probate & Estate Administration, Probation, Prosecution, Same Sex Family Law, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations, Trusts, Wills
- 50% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Family Law
- 10% Estate Planning & Probate
First Admitted: 2016, South Dakota
Bar / Professional Activity
- State Bar of South Dakota - Young Lawyers Section - Secretary/Treasurer, 2024
- State Bar of South Dakota - Third Circuit Bar Commissioner, 2025
- American Bar Association
- South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
- East River Legal Services - Board of Directors, 2024
- State Bar of South Dakota - Law Practice Management Committee - Co-Chair, 2021
- State Bar of South Dakota - Young Lawyers Section - Third Circuit Representative, 2023
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Engel v. Geary | 1 N.W.3d 644 Client, Defendant Husband (in California) was sued for divorce in South Dakota. Through a pro se’ affidavit, Defendant Husband asserted, inter alia, lack of personal jurisdiction. Following a hearing where client appeared pro se and his request for dismissal based on lack of personal jurisdiction was denied, he retained Attorney Anthony Teesdale to make a special appearance to challenge personal jurisdiction. At the trial court level, we filed Motions to Reconsider, Motions to Bifurcate Trial, supported those with various memorandums of law, and made various attempts to get the Court to reconsider the issue of personal jurisdiction and requested that the Court not hold the divorce trial, all while paying particular attention to the various pitfalls that can cause a Defendant to waive their defense of lack of personal jurisdiction by participating in the proceedings. The trial court did not conduct hearings on any of the subsequent motions made through counsel, and rendered a divorce decree and orders relating to division of property, including “specific directives as it relates to the parties’ property, including bank accounts and debts.” Client retained Attorney Anthony Teesdale for the appeal, and after a standard briefing schedule, the SD Supreme Court reversed and remanded on appeal, holding as follows: [¶32.] We therefore conclude that the circuit court erred when it entered orders relating to the division of property and when it imposed obligations on Geary personally. On remand, the circuit court is directed to vacate these directives from the judgment and decree of divorce. The SD Supreme Court held that while the defense of personal jurisdiction is easily waived, the Defendant’s pro se’ affidavit was adequate to preserve it, counsel's legal maneuvering during the pendency of the case at the trial court level did not constitute waiver of personal jurisdiction, notwithstanding the fact the words “personal jurisdiction” were not specifically set forth in client's first pro se affidavit. The decision was unanimous (5-0), with opinion authored by Justice DeVaney., 2023
Pro bono / Community Service
- South Dakota Firefighter Certification The SD Certified Firefighter Course is the foundation of the SD Fire Service Training Program. Course curriculum follows the NFPA 1001 (2019 edition) Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II., 2019
- Since 2019, Tony has been a firefighter with the Brookings Volunteer Fire Department. Handling 200-300 calls each year, the fire department serves not only the City of Brookings but certain areas outside of city limits. The Fire Department trains each Tuesday and is dedicated to providing effective and efficient services to the community. Tony is a proud firefighter on Engine 4., 2019
Educational Background
- University of South Dakota, Bachelor of Sciences Degree, 2008-2012
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Drawing the Waters Around the Islands of Justice: Opportunities in Rural Practice for New Law School Graduates, The Federal Lawyer, 2014
Honors
- Avvo rating of “Excellent”
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2024 - 2025
