Donald Porter Email & Phone Number

Tried at least 28 jury trials to verdict in the last several decades; member of same law firm for 25+ years; enjoy challenging the scientific basis for testimony by experts; SD Supreme Court affirmed a defense verdict in 2017 jury trial in which I was the lead trial attorney defending only remaining party in a subdivision construction defects suit. City of Rapid City v. Big Sky LLC and Doyle Estes 805 NW2d 714 (SD 2018).The experience refreshed my thinking on core concepts of litigation, costs and especially the ever present challenge to simplify. Following the old mantra "begin with the end in mind" helps. Though our adversary in this case asked for a million plus dollars (with no pretrial settlement offers) the defense verdict reflected adherence to core principles.The expedited discovery schedule of one year required constant organization (we began with five parties); always reminding ourselves to "begin with the end in mind". The recent SD Supreme Court decision, the 2nd on this case, finally ended the litigation. Close collaboration in our office worked - an able second chair; our appellate specialist; managing partners practice courts, and a hard working supportive staff - together we won the case.Trial experience is rewarding but expensive. Such experience can provide a client a real appreciation of risk. Mediation too has better context: trial experience underlies confidence in the ability to go to trial as well as knowledge of real costs and objective risk. Specialties: Civil litigation

Listed skills include Civil Litigation, Insurance Law, Personal Injury, Torts, and 15 others.

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  University Of Notre Dame

  Economics Of Underdeveloped Areas