Sam Kerr’s professional career spans over 35 years. After graduating from college, he taught high school English in Harding County, South Dakota, and later taught high school English and journalism in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1989, he left the education sector to attend law school.
Upon returning to Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1992, he served as a litigator for over 9 years. He represented a wide variety of clients, including education institutions, the state of South Dakota, and various municipalities and businesses. Sam won trials for the state and private clients and also successfully represented clients through motions practice, negotiated settlements, and mediation. In 2001, Sam re-entered the education sector where he served in a number of roles at a private, doctoral-level university for almost 14 years—including provost, chief operating officer, general counsel, and faculty member.
Sam returned to private law practice in 2016. He concentrates his practice at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun on education law, labor and employment law, administrative law, and litigation. He primarily represents public and private K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, and accrediting bodies, as well as employers from a variety of industries.
Sam’s commitment to education law is reflected in his own educational background, which includes Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degrees from Black Hills State University, a Master’s of Education degree from South Dakota State University, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law, and an Education Doctorate from the University of South Dakota.
