About Jeff
Jeff Cole earned his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University in 1988 and completed his legal studies at the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1992. He finished law school the same year he entered practice. The sequence is simple and direct: education followed by a steady career in the region he trained in.
Soon after graduating, Cole joined Northern Plains Justice, LLP. Records show his affiliation with the firm beginning in 1992 and continuing through his subsequent years in practice. He holds the title of partner at the firm. That early commitment to one firm has given him continuity in the courtroom and consistency for clients over time.
Cole is admitted to practice in the State of South Dakota and before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Much of his work takes place in those forums. He handles matters that proceed to trial and those that move into the appellate process. He files briefs, argues on appeal, and litigates in state court when cases require it.
Within the firm, Cole carries the responsibilities typical of a long-serving partner. He manages litigation files, prepares pleadings and appellate briefs, and appears at hearings. He also works with colleagues on strategy and case preparation. Those duties place him at the center of contentious proceedings and procedural work alike.
Cole’s career spans more than three decades. That tenure has given him a familiarity with local rules and federal appellate procedure. He has seen changes in case law and in how courts handle filings and oral argument. That historical perspective informs how he approaches a file today, from the initial complaint to any eventual appeal.
Outside of court dockets, Cole’s day-to-day practice involves client counseling, drafting court documents, and courtroom appearances. He maintains an office at Northern Plains Justice, LLP and continues to represent clients in matters brought in South Dakota courts and before the Eighth Circuit. He currently practices at Northern Plains Justice, LLP, representing clients in proceedings before South Dakota courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
