About Donald
Donald McCarty is an attorney based in Brookings, South Dakota, specializing in personal injury, business law, and social security disability cases. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1996. During his final year, McCarty was recognized as the George S. Mickelson Scholar, an honor awarded for outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to public service. This accolade reflects his dedication to the legal profession and the community. After passing the South Dakota Bar, McCarty began his legal career as a law clerk for the First Judicial Circuit. This position provided him with inexperience in the courtroom and a deeper understanding of judicial processes.
Following his clerkship, he established his private practice in Brookings, where he is known for his expertise in various areas of law. Over the years, he has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as President of the Young Lawyers Section and multiple terms as a Bar Commissioner for the State Bar of South Dakota. His ongoing involvement as a member of the State Ethics Committee shows his commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in the legal profession. In addition to his legal practice, McCarty has a distinguished military career. He has been a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard for over 28 years, currently serving as a Command Judge Advocate with the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military service includes a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, where he served as a Judge Advocate. During this deployment, he was appointed as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and United States Claims Commissioner, responsible for settling claims filed against the U.S.
Government. For his exemplary service, McCarty was awarded the Bronze Star, evidence of his dedication and sacrifice. McCarty is also committed to legal education, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Dakota School of Law. In this role, he teaches Military Law, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of legal professionals. His practice encompasses many legal areas, including family law, criminal law, personal injury, business litigation, and workers' compensation. This diverse expertise allows him to effectively serve a broad clientele and address various legal challenges. He is admitted to practice in all South Dakota courts, as well as the U.S.
District Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. McCarty's office is conveniently located at 1441 6th Street, Suite 200, Brookings, South Dakota 57006. Clients can reach him by phone at 605-692-7775 or via email at donmccarty@lawinsd.com. His extensive background in law and military service positions him as a advocate for those he represents.
