Mark J. Arndt
Partner
Mark is a veteran trial lawyer and former prosecutor that joined our firm in 2019. Mark’s practice is primarily devoted to commercial litigation, including the defense of first and third-party insurance claims, high value personal injury and wrongful death claims, and complex construction litigation. Mark’s trial record includes jury trials in both South Dakota state and federal court for causes of action of bad faith claims against insurance carriers, wrongful death claims, and construction claims. Mark has also litigated professional liability claims and commercial trucking claims. Mark has also acted as general counsel for medical specialty groups.
Mark takes pride in providing efficient litigation services for clients through litigation and mediation. Mark’s trial record includes over 35 jury trials with a distinguished list of results. Mark is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the South Dakota Defense Lawyers’ Association, including serving as that group’s President in 2012.
Mark’s pro-bono/community service practice includes representation of Catholic Family Services and their prospective adoptive parents.
Mark grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska, and attended college (undergrad and law school) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mark and his wife (Amy), and their two children have lived in Sioux Falls since 1996. Mark’s hobbies include fly fishing and golf.
Practice Areas
Claims against insurance carriers/bad faith claims
Personal injury
Construction claims
Trucking claims
Professional liability claims
Professional Experience
Evans Haigh & Arndt LLP
Partner 2019 – Present
May & Johnson, P.C.
Partner 2005 – 2019
Associate 2000 – 2005
Lincoln County (S.D.) State’s Attorney’s Office
Deputy State’s Attorney 1996 – 2000
Education
University of Nebraska
(B.A., 1991)
University of Nebraska
(J.D., 1995)
Licensure
Admitted to Practice (State)
Nebraska, 1995
South Dakota 1996
Admitted to Practice (Federal)
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 2005
United States District Court, District of South Dakota, 2001
Professional Honors and Memberships
State Bar of South Dakota
South Dakota Second Circuit Bar Association
South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association (President, 2012)
Defense Research Institute
American Board of Trial Advocates
South Dakota Bar/Judicial Liaison Committee: 2005 – 2016
CIVIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Sioux Falls Youth Hockey Association, Board Member and President (2013 – 14)
O’Gorman High School, Board Member
Girl Scouts of America, Sioux Falls, Board Member
Minnehaha Country Club, Board of Directors
Reported Decisions
South Dakota Supreme Court
- State Auto Ins. Companies v. B.N.C., 2005 S.D. 89, 702 N.W.2d 379.
- Burley v. Kytec Innovative Sports Equip., Inc., 2007 S.D. 82, 737 N.W.2d 397.
- Progressive Halcyon Ins. Co. v. Philippi, 2008 S.D. 69, 754 N.W.2d 646.
- Dakota Plains AG Ctr., LLC v. Smithey, 2009 S.D. 78, 772 N.W.2d 170.
- Law v. City of Sioux Falls, 2011 S.D. 63, 804 N.W.2d 428.
- Kern v. Progressive N. Ins. Co., 2016 S.D. 52, 883 N.W.2d 511.
- Harvieux v. Progressive N. Ins. Co., 2018 S.D. 52, 915 N.W.2d 697.
- Burgi v. East Winds, 969 N.W. 2d 919, 2022 SD 6.
Federal Court
- Goddard, Inc. v. Henry’s Foods, Inc., 161 F. Supp. 2d 1006 (D.S.D. 2001).
- Culhane Commc’ns v. Fuller, 489 F. Supp. 2d 959 (D.S.D. 2007).
- Thach v. Tiger Corp., 2009 WL 2185399 (D.S.D. 2009).
- Thach v. Tiger Corp, 609 F.3d 955 (8th Cir. 2010).
- Taco John’s of Huron, Inc. v. Bix Produce Co., LLC, 569 F.3d 401 (8th Cir. 2009).
- Bjornestad v. Progressive N. Ins. Co., 2010 WL 4687640 (D.S.D. Nov. 10, 2010).
- Bjornestad v. Progressive N. Ins. Co 664 F.3d 1195 (8th Cir. 2011).
- Ebaugh v. PetSmart, Inc., 2012 WL 2576217, (D.S.D. July 3, 2012).
- Mehlbrech v. Acuity, 2012 WL 4718659 (D.S.D. Oct. 3, 2012).
- Fox Drywall & Plastering, Inc. v. Sioux Falls Const. Co., 2012 WL 1457183 (D.S.D. 2012).
- LeBeau v. Progressive N. Ins. Co., 2015 WL 5697364 (D.S.D. 2015).