About Dean A.
Dean A. Fankhauser graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2014. He finished law school after a course of study that prepared him for practice in the Midwest. The degree set him up to begin work across state lines in both Iowa and Nebraska. He has built a steady professional trajectory since that early chapter in his legal education.
He entered private practice soon after graduation. In 2015 he joined Fankhauser, Farrens & Rachel, PLC as a partner. That role put him in the daily work of representing clients, managing files and contributing to firm strategy. The experience as a partner at a smaller firm gave him hands-on exposure to case preparation and client counseling.
By 2021 he stepped into a managing partner role at Vriezelaar, Tigges, Edgington, Bottaro, Boden & Lessmann Law Office. The position broadened his responsibilities. He oversaw administrative matters and played a key part in coordinating the firm’s lawyers and staff. Two years later he moved into the managing partner role at Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLP, where he continues to serve in firm leadership.
Fankhauser is admitted to practice in both Iowa and Nebraska. That jurisdictional reach allows him to handle matters that cross state lines and to advise clients whose legal needs span the region. Colleagues describe him as steady and practical in his approach to casework. He tends to favor clear organization and thorough preparation. Those habits inform how he handles litigation calendars, client meetings and settlement talks.
Across his career he has balanced leadership responsibilities with client representation. He has handled the operational side of running a law firm while also maintaining an active caseload. The trajectory from partner at a boutique firm to managing partner at a multi-lawyer practice shows a progression in both management and practice responsibilities. He currently practices at Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLP, handling matters in Iowa and Nebraska and overseeing the firm’s local operations.
