South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has appointed Judge Robert Gusinsky as the new presiding judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. This appointment follows the upcoming retirement of Judge Craig A. Pfeifle in June 2024. Judge Gusinsky will begin his role on April 1, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition.
The Seventh Judicial Circuit covers Custer, Fall River, Oglala Lakota, and Pennington counties. Judge Gusinsky has been serving as a circuit court judge in this circuit since 2013 after being appointed by Governor Dennis Daugaard. His previous experience includes working as an assistant U.S. attorney from 2007 to 2013 and practicing law privately in Rapid City from 1996 to 2007.
Born in Latvia, Judge Gusinsky moved to the United States at age 13 and became a citizen in 1986. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in aeronautical engineering and later earned his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1996.
Chief Justice Jensen expressed confidence in Judge Gusinsky's abilities: “With a distinguished record of upholding the principles of justice and fairness, Judge Gusinsky brings invaluable expertise and a steadfast commitment to the judicial system,” he said. “I am confident that Judge Gusinsky will be an outstanding leader for the Seventh Judicial Circuit and carry on the tradition of integrity and excellence in the Circuit.”
He also acknowledged retiring Judge Pfeifle's contributions: “I want to thank retiring Judge Pfeifle for his service as presiding judge over the past nine years. His innovative and effective leadership of the Seventh Judicial Circuit will continue to positively impact the Circuit into the future.”
Under Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. They have administrative supervision over their circuits while maintaining full caseloads.
For more information about South Dakota’s Unified Judicial System, visit https://ujs.sd.gov.