Mike Abourezk

Biography

Mike represents consumers in cases of insurance bad faith and corporate malfeasance. He is the only South Dakota lawyer ever admitted to the Inner Circle of Advocates. Membership, which is limited to 100 of the nation’s top lawyers, is by invitation only.

The South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association named Mike Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2004. That same year the American Association for Justice presented Mike with the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award for his role in “the case that best tells the Story of American Civil Justice,” in which he represented a group of cancer patients in a nationwide class action lawsuit for wrongfully withholding insurance benefits.

In 2004-2005, Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College named Mike Abourezk the Mid-West Warrior of the Year. This award recognizes trial lawyers at the top of their profession who use their skills fighting for those who need help the most.  Nearly ten years earlier, Mike graduated from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. Distinguished trial attorney Gerry Spence formed the Trial Lawyers College to share his experience and methods for success with lawyers dedicated to winning justice for the poor, the injured, the forgotten, and the defenseless.
Then in 2009, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association presented Alicia Garcia and Mike Abourezk with the Toast of the Trial Lawyers Award, for their continuing work without pay to secure treatment for cancer patients
Mike is listed in the Best Lawyers in America, as well as named one of the Lawdragon Top 500 Lawyers in America. The International Law Directory Martindale-Hubbell awarded Mike its highest rating of AV. The AV rating indicates very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar. Martindale-Hubbell defines an AV Rating as signifying that the lawyer has reached the heights of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.

In 1979, Mike graduated from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, with minors in Mathematics and Economics. In 1982, Mike graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law, having earned his Juris Doctor Degree.

Mike has achieved numerous jury verdicts and settlements. In addition, he regularly shares his knowledge by teaching other lawyers and insurance claims adjusters.  He has presented at many seminars in South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, New York, and Washington.