
Shawn M. Nichols, Business Attorney in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Litigation · 3.9/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews
MemberatCadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
Sioux Falls, SD
Practicing business in Sioux Falls since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 3.9 ★
- 18 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Shawn M. Nichols?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Shawn M. Nichols is a member based in Sioux Falls, SD. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Shawn has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.
- Based in
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Business · Litigation
- Handles Business and Litigation matters from Sioux Falls, SD.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Shawn M. Nichols: Shawn M. Nichols is a member based in Sioux Falls, SD. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Shawn has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Shawn M. Nichols
Shawn concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shawn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Shawn takes business matters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shawn agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Shawn takes litigation matters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shawn agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Shawn M. Nichols — Over 23 years of South Dakota business experience
Shawn M. Nichols is a member based in Sioux Falls, SD. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Shawn has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP. Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 18 client reviews.
Shawn M. Nichols is a lawyer practicing general litigation, general business. Shawn M. received a B.J. degree from University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1999, and has been licensed for 23 years. Shawn M. practices at Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP in Sioux Falls, SD.
Working with Shawn on a business matter
Shawn M. Nichols is a lawyer practicing general litigation, general business. Shawn M. received a B.J. degree from University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1999, and has been licensed for 23 years. Shawn M. practices at Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP in Sioux Falls, SD.
Who Shawn represents
Shawn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area.
Credentials
Shawn M. Nichols's legal education and bar admissions
University of South Dakota
J.D. · 2002
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
B.J. · 1999
Jurisdictions
Shawn's state bar admissions
South Dakota
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
Shawn studied at J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.J. in University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Law school and academic background
Shawn completed J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.J. in University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Shawn runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Shawn M. Nichols
Shawn has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Shawn's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association
Member, Young Lawyers, Second Circuit Rep. · membership
Locations
Shawn M. Nichols's office in Sioux Falls
Shawn's primary office is at 200 East 10th Street, Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP
200 East 10th Street, Suite 200
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Shawn M. Nichols — 3.9/5 rating from 18 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Shawn. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Sioux Falls.
3.9
18 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Shawn M. Nichols claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Shawn M. Nichols — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Shawn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Shawn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shawn's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Shawn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Shawn
Shawn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Shawn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Shawn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Shawn M. Nichols
How much does it cost to hire Shawn for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Shawn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Shawn offer a free consultation?
Shawn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shawn's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Shawn's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in South Dakota typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Shawn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Shawn take my case if I'm outside Sioux Falls?
Shawn is licensed in South Dakota. Matters governed by South Dakota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Shawn will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Shawn?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Shawn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Shawn accepting new business clients right now?
Shawn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Pierre in South Dakota
Shawn handles business matters throughout South Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in South Dakota
If Shawn's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Sioux Falls handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





