Experience

Former United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan Johnson excels at finding creative solutions to seemingly intractable problems. An aggressive advocate, Mr. Johnson has spent his career trying cases, deposing hostile witnesses, and cross-examining experts. His courtroom advocacy led Shared Hope International, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking, to describe Mr. Johnson as a “force of determination, initiative and skill…”  Together, his unique background and skill set power his ability to guide clients to solutions that serve not only their legal interest, but also to safeguard their reputation in high stakes litigation. 

Mr. Johnson’s experience comes from his time at the Department of Justice as well as his political and public advocacy work. While serving as the United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Mr. Johnson was selected by the Attorney General of the United States to chair the Department of Justice’s Native American Issues Subcommittee and to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. He was also a member of the Justice Department’s Terrorism/National Security and Cybercrime Subcommittees. In addition, he was named one of the nation’s top 40 political rising stars under the age of 40 by The Washington Post, and Campaigns and Election listed him as one of the 500 most influential people in politics. Mr. Johnson was recognized by Chambers USA in Nationwide Band 1 for Native American Law and Indian Country Today named him to their “Hot List” of attorneys. In ranking him in tier one nationally, Chambers USA quoted a recent client saying, "Brendan has excellent judgment. He is one of the most gifted trial attorneys I have seen work." The National Law Journal also selected Mr. Johnson as a 2021 National Litigation Trailblazer.