About Keith
Keith A. Gauer is a partner at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, a well-respected law firm located at 206 West 14th Street in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Licensed to practice law in South Dakota since 1995, he has built a robust career specializing in banking, creditor-debtor rights, and business law. His extensive knowledge and experience have made him a trusted advisor to numerous clients in the financial services sector. In 1995, Keith earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Creighton University School of Law, where he distinguished himself academically. Prior to his legal education, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in 1992.
This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his successful legal practice, which focuses on representing banks and companies involved in the development, marketing, and distribution of financial products. His expertise encompasses many national financial products, including credit cards, prepaid cards, and student loans. Keith's practice also addresses complex payment systems issues. He regularly counsels clients on matters related to Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions, electronic check clearing, and wire transfers. In addition to his work with financial services, he has an established creditor’s rights practice. This includes representing lenders in loan documentation, foreclosures, loan workouts, and bankruptcy cases.
His knowledge of both the legal and financial landscapes allows him to provide effective solutions tailored to his clients' needs. Recognized for his professional excellence, Keith holds an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, which signifies the highest level of legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. He has also earned accolades from Best Lawyers® in the areas of Corporate Law and Litigation – Banking and Finance. In 2025, he was honored as the Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Corporate Law, evidence of his dedication and expertise in the field. Keith remains actively involved in the legal community. He is a member of the State Bar of South Dakota, the American Bar Association, the Minnehaha County Bar Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed; he has been recognized by Chambers USA for his work in Corporate/Commercial and Corporate/Commercial: Bankruptcy/Restructuring Law. In 2025, Great Plains Super Lawyers ranked him in the top 5% of practicing attorneys in South Dakota in the areas of Banking, Bankruptcy, and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law. Keith's experience and recognition position him as a prominent figure in South Dakota's legal community.
