Andrew J. Knutson has focused his practice for the last 10 years in the areas of Trusts, Wills, Estate and Elder Planning, Asset Protection, and Business law.

Andrew devotes time to writing and speaking on important issues in these areas.  Notably, he has written and presented several legal education seminars for the State Bar of South Dakota, including “Federal Income Taxation of Estates and Nongrantor Trusts,” “Formation of Limited Liability Companies and Corporations,” and “From Start to Finish – A Basic Estate Planning Guide.” He also recently presented “Trusts Used for Tax Reduction” for the National Business Institute.

Andrew currently serves as co-chair of the Business Law Committee for the State Bar, where he coordinates with other attorneys to draft legislation and educate lawyers on developments in business law.  He has been selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers every year for the last six years.  On the practical business side, he has owned and operated a successful small business for the last eight years with his wife.

Andrew graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law where he was a Law Merit Scholar. During law school, he was a research assistant to Professor Sheldon Kurtz, helping research and edit a book on Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Andrew earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Kelly Benson began her career in law as a legal secretary while finishing up her undergraduate degree at Indiana University.  She went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska.  Along with her J.D., she also gained her Mrs. when she met and married a fellow Husker Law Student, Travis.  When not helping clients through the Probate and Trust Administration process, Kelly enjoys long talks and walks with her family, friends, and Lord. She is also privileged to parent three daughters and two sons and cheer them on in their many academic, sports, music and theater activities.

 “Your ordinary contact with God takes place where your fellow men, your yearnings, your work and your affections are.  There you have your daily encounter with Christ.”  ~St. Josemaria Escriva

Travis Benson has dedicated his professional life to helping individuals and families by listening, gathering information, and advising on a vast range of issues, including legal, fiscal, public policy, and familial.  Prior to joining Thompson Law in 2017, he represented the Diocese of Sioux Falls for fifteen years as legal counsel, lobbyist, and the Director of the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life, working alongside his wife Kelly.  He is a member of both the South Dakota and Minnesota Bar.

Travis is a proud native of South Dakota, growing up on a grain and farrow to finish pig farm five miles east of Trent.  A graduate of Augustana University, he met the love of his life at the University of Nebraska College of Law.  Kelly is a Hoosier, coming from North Central Indiana.  They are the proud parents of five beautiful children.  When not practicing law, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with his children, attending sporting events, camping, reading, and following the Cornhuskers.

“I am excited about the opportunity to assist clients with their estate, trust, and business planning needs.  Midwesterners are some of the most honest, friendly, and hardworking people I know.  I love meeting with clients and helping them plan their family legacy with confidence and the assurance that their loved ones will be cared for now and in the future.”

“It is an honor to be part of the Thompson Law team, where faith principles are not checked at the door, and blessings are counted with clients on a daily basis.”

It has been said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Doug loves helping people protect their families, their values and their wealth.

Doug is one of six children, born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from Washington High School, The University of South Dakota with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, and The University of South Dakota School of Law in 1988. Doug has been practicing law in South Dakota since 1988. Doug has served South Dakota’s courts as a judicial law clerk, the people of Minnehaha County as a deputy state’s attorney, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe as a tribal prosecutor. In private practice, Doug served a variety of clients in a broad field of practice until being drawn to estate planning, elder law and business succession planning.

Doug was the founder and principal of Thesenvitz & Mickelson, LLP for 18 years until one day he got a call from Carolyn Thompson. Doug believes that call was an answer to a very specific prayer of his. He joined Thompson Law, Prof. L.L.C. on May 1, 2018. Now Doug serves families and individuals with wills, trusts, probates and trust administration. He also advises family business clients on a variety of business matters, including formation, maintenance and succession.

“Helping you plan for your family and their protection and future, as well as preserving your family’s harmony, legacy and wealth is my passion. So, now I don’t really work. I help people make their lives better, and that is what I love to do.”