About Our Lawyers

Position: Partner

Address:
206 West 14th Street
PO Box 1030
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1030

Email: rhayes@dehs.com

Direct: 605-357-1260

Banking and Financial Services Law

Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights

Real Estate

Robert E. Hayes

Bob has long been recognized for his expertise in the field of creditors rights law, a fact reflected not only by his having served for years on the State Bar’s Debtor Creditor Committee but accumulating nearly a decade as chair of that committee. The recognition is not just local, as Bob is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of bankruptcy and debtor-credit rights law. Bob is also one of several attorneys in the firm who advise school districts on a wide range of matters. He is also relied upon by clients for his experience in real property law.

Bob has served on or assisted a variety of community organizations. His involvement also includes professional organizations. Bob was president of the State Bar of South Dakota for 2002-2003, a position elected by Bar members at the annual convention. Bob has also served as a director and Vice President of the USD School of Law Foundation, President-Elect of the State Bar Foundation, and Chairman of the South Dakota Bar Association Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law.

Professional Experience

  • Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP
    Partner: 1980 – present
    Associate: 1977 – 1979
  • Law Clerk to Honorable Fred J. Nichol, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, South Dakota

Admitted to Practice (State):

  • South Dakota, 1976

Admitted to Practice (Federal):

  • United States District Court, District of South Dakota, 1976
  • United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1977
  • United States Supreme Court, 1980
  • United States Court of Claims, 1988
  • United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, 1989

Professional Memberships

  • State Bar of South Dakota (President, 2002-2003)
  • Minnehaha County and American Bar Associations

Education

  • University of South Dakota (B.A., 1973; J.D., Sterling Honor Graduate, 1976)
  • Phi Beta Kappa