O'Connor, Michael Francis

Kris O'Connell has been with the firm since 1993. Her practice focus is litigation with an emphasis in insurance law and defense, health insurance law and compliance, professional licensure, and family law. She has also been involved in lobbying the South Dakota Legislature.

While in law school, Kris received three American Jurisprudence awards and the West Publishing Company Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award. She served as symposium editor of the 38th volume of the South Dakota Law Review and was active in Women in Law. Kris is listed in Best Lawyers of America 2011 for her work in Health Care Law.

Prior to entering the private practice of law, Kris was a registered nurse in the critical care area. She held the CCRN designation for expertise in critical care nursing. She was active in the American Association of Critical Nurses and served as President of the local chapter, and remains an active member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing.

She is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of South Dakota, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association and DRI. She has been President of the Second Circuit Bar Association and has served as a State Bar Commissioner.

Kristine is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

In 2008, Kris was selected as the Attorney of the Year by the Women In Law organization at the University of South Dakota Law School.  This award recognizes accomplishments and contributions to the practice of law, community service, and the promotion of women in the practice of law. Kris was also recognized in the YWCA's 2009 Tribute to Women for excellence in Government and Law category.