Michael Sabers is a seasoned litigator with over two decades of experience in complex civil litigation, with a primary focus on family law, commercial disputes, shareholder conflicts, and business litigation. Known for his strategic thinking and competitive spirit, Michael has built a reputation as a trusted advocate both in and out of the courtroom.
Michael represents a wide range of clients—from professionals and business owners to ranchers and farmers—in high-stakes divorce and family law matters involving complex property division, valuation disputes, alimony, child support, inherited assets, and prenuptial agreements. His extensive litigation experience and measured approach make him a reliable guide through even the most contentious legal battles.
In addition to his litigation practice, Michael is frequently retained as a private mediator in family law cases, often at the request of fellow attorneys who value his insight and even-handedness. He brings a steady, practical perspective to mediation, helping parties find resolution in difficult circumstances.
A native of South Dakota, Michael earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Saint John’s University in Minnesota. He received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law, where he was published in the South Dakota Law Review and served as Managing Editor. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Justice Steven Zinter before beginning private practice in Rapid City in 2001.
Michael comes from a family steeped in the legal tradition—his father served as a Justice on the South Dakota Supreme Court, and his sister currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge. His upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for the law, a strong work ethic, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Outside the office, Michael finds balance in the outdoors with his wife, Cathy (a corporate attorney at Black Hills Energy), and their two daughters. Whether at the lake cabin, on a trail run, or riding motorcycles through the Black Hills, he values the perspective and clarity that time away from the courtroom provides.
Michael is licensed to practice in both State and Federal courts in South Dakota. He is a longtime Sustaining Member of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association and an active member of the Pennington County Bar Association. He has also spoken to local legal and business groups on topics including trial advocacy, valuation, and expert testimony.
Areas of Practice
- Complex Divorce Litigation
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Property Valuation
- Asset Valuation
- Child Custody
- Estate Disputes
- Real Estate Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Workers’ Compensation
- Shareholder Disputes
- Lender Liability
- Insurance Litigation
- Lawyer Discipline
Bar Admissions
- South Dakota, 2001
Education
- University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
- J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence – 2000
- Law Review: South Dakota Law Review, Managing Editor, 1999 – 2000
- Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN
- B.A. magna cum laude – 1997
- Major: Political Science
Published Works
- The Eighth Circuit’s Misinterpretation of Flores in Christians v. Crystal Evangelical Free Church, South Dakota Law Review, Vol. 45, Issue 2, 1999
Representative Cases
- Neimitalo v. Seidel: Represented a client first in a divorce, and then in a successful civil tort action against former spouse that included an appeal to the South Dakota Supreme Court, that ultimately resulted in client’s recovery of compensation for such tort claims through settlement.
- Charlson v. Charlson: Represented a client, through an appeal to the South Dakota Supreme Court, in a South Dakota declaratory judgment action involving a Minnesota divorce case wherein the interpretation and application of the terms of a premarital agreement were to be governed by South Dakota law.
- Smith Angus Ranch, Inc. v. Hurst: Represented a ranch entity in an action against an officer for breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing through an intermediate appeal to the South Dakota Supreme Court and ultimately in a successful settlement of the claims.
- Andersen v. Andersen: Successfully represented a client up to and including oral argument before the South Dakota Supreme Court in a divorce, declaratory judgment, and probate action wherein spouse of client passed away prior to a Judgment and Decree of Divorce being entered. 2019 SD 7.
- Epic Outdoor Advertising v. Zoning Board of Adjustment of Rapid City: Successfully represented Epic Outdoor Advertising and favorably settled a zoning and property rights dispute of client in an action against the Zoning Board of the City of Rapid City (2019).
- Lamar Outdoor Advertising v. Epic Outdoor Advertising v. City of Rapid City: Successfully defended Epic Outdoor Advertising in a declaratory judgment action brought by a competitor wherein competitor challenged the right of Epic Outdoor Advertising to settle a zoning and property rights dispute with the City of Rapid City (2020 SD 54).
- Holecek v. Sundby, Representing a commercial developer client faced with a quiet title action, Michael obtained an affirmance of a favorable Summary Judgment ruling for his client before the South Dakota Supreme Court. (SD 128 2007)
- Monte Utter v. Employer, South Dakota Department of Labor, Representing an injured claimant, Michael pursued permanent and total disability benefits and ultimately mediated and obtained a favorable outcome for claimant. (SD 2016)
- Fechner v. Case, Working in coordination with a former partner, Michael had the honor of arguing before the South Dakota Supreme Court and obtaining the affirmance of a defense verdict in favor of the client. (SD 2008)
- Johnson v. Cross Roads Auto Body Inc. , Representing an injured worker, Michael obtained the affirmance of the finding of compensability from the South Dakota Supreme Court through the issuance of an Order Directing Issuance of Judgment of Affirmance. (SD 2007)
- Bear Country U.S.A. v. Shareholders, Representing four minority shareholders in a shareholder dispute involving a fair value and minority oppression component, Michael’s clients obtained a judgment value for the respective share buyout in the amount of roughly eighteen million, one hundred thousand dollars ($18,100,000.00) for his four clients. (Seventh Judicial Circuit, State of South Dakota)
- Technology Funding Group, L.L.C. v. The First Western Bank of Sturgis, Representing an ownership group of a local gun maker forced into bankruptcy by its lender, Michael’s client brought a lender liability claim against a local lender and obtained a settlement in the amount of one million, seven hundred thousand dollars ($1,700,000.00) plus a waiver of the lender’s two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) claim in the pending bankruptcy case involving the underlying local gun company. (Federal District Court of South Dakota)
- Ft. Pierre Quality Construction v. Ackley, Working in coordination with a former partner, Michael was able to obtain the reversal of a trial court ruling which pertained the application of an offset for the application of old age social security benefits to a worker’s compensation claimant. (SD 38 2004)
- In Re: Discipline of Russell, Michael had the opportunity to represent and defend a local lawyer through the disciplinary process and ultimately before the South Dakota Supreme Court. (SD 17 2011)
Honors and Awards
- 2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers / Best Law Firm.
- 2023 Recognized by Best Lawyers.
- 2018-2023 5-year Super Lawyer rating by Super Lawyers.
- 2023 10 Best for Client Satisfaction American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
- 2009-2023 Sustaining Member of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- State Bar of South Dakota
- South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ALTA)
Past Employment Positions
- Hon. Steven Zinter, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Law Clerk, 2000 – 2001