Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun joins the State Bar of South Dakota in recognizing Thomas G. Fritz for 50 years in the practice of law
Tom has not only had a significant influence on the success and development of Lynn Jackson, but he has also greatly impacted jurisprudence in South Dakota.
Tom graduated law school in 1971 and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Andrew W. Bogue, U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota, Western Division, from 1971 to 1972. Judge Bogue was appointed to the bench in April of 1970, making Tom one of Judge Bogue’s first law clerks. Tom credits his time working for Judge Bogue in developing his skills as a trial lawyer.
Tom joined Lynn Jackson in 1972 and remains a valued and trusted member of the firm. Tom is generous with his time and talents, with a focus on making each member of the firm a better lawyer and a better person. Tom has as guiding principles, personal and professional ethics, and civility. Tom recognizes that lawyers must serve clients with dedication, professionalism, and dignity. He practices those qualities on a daily basis. Tom once wrote about the importance of mentoring, and observed that every lawyer has an obligation to be a model, an exemplar to those that follow.
Tom actively promotes service to the legal profession, the legal system, and the law, tirelessly giving of his time. Listing all the organizations benefitting from Tom’s service would be daunting, but the following are just a few of his highlights. In addition to his leadership within the firm, Tom served as a State Bar Commissioner from 1980 to1983. Tom then expanded his influence on the legal profession by representing South Dakota in the American Bar Association, as a Member of the House of Delegates, from 1983 to 1998, and on the Board of Governors from 1995to 1998. From 1997 to 1998, Tom served all of the lawyers in the State as President of the South Dakota Bar Association. In 2007, Tom was named South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year. This esteemed honor was awarded by Tom’s peers.
Lynn Jackson is proud to call Thomas G. Fritz a treasured and trusted friend, mentor, and colleague, and the firm congratulates Tom on his 50 years of service and influence on the legal profession.