PIERRE, S.D.—Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Kellen B. Willert to serve as a circuit judge in South Dakota’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald.
Willert brings experience in private practice, municipal law, estate planning, complex litigation and military law.
He graduated cum laude from South Dakota State University and earned his law degree with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law.
Willert began his legal career as a law clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit before entering private practice in Belle Fourche.
In addition to his legal career, Willert serves as a lieutenant colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
Rhoden said Willert’s legal background, military service and experience made him well suited for the position.
Willert said he plans to approach the role with impartiality and a focus on applying the law with integrity and fairness.
South Dakota’s circuit courts serve as the state’s trial courts, handling criminal proceedings and civil litigation. The Unified Judicial System also includes the South Dakota Supreme Court and the State Court Administrator’s Office.