Our Legacy

Wynn A. Gunderson is one of the founding attorneys for Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP. Wynn graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1957 with an undergraduate degree in business science followed by his Master’s of Business Administration degree in 1960. In 1971, after receiving a Doctor of Jurisprudence he returned to his home state of South Dakota with his family, where he opened a law office in Rapid City. With a growing list of clients and an expanding practice, in 1973 Wynn brought on J. Crisman Palmer, first as an intern and then, upon graduation, as an attorney. They soon formed a partnership and pursued growth of the firm. As the years passed, more work came and more lawyers were added ultimately expanding to the point where Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore became one of the largest law firms in western South Dakota. Wynn remained very active in the American Bar Association (ABA) and was the only South Dakota lawyer to chair the General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm divisions. He served both as a member of the ABA House of Delegates and on its nomination committee. Wynn was elected to the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys (IAGA) and served on its editorial board for The Gaming Law Reviews.

J. Crisman Palmer, fondly known as “Cris,” was one of the founding attorneys of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, & Ashmore, LLP. Cris earned his B.A. from South Dakota State University and his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law. In 1973, while still attending law school, he began his work with Wynn Gunderson. After graduation and serving in the Army, in the fall of 1974, Cris returned to Rapid City to join Gunderson in practice. Shortly thereafter, in 1975, Cris and Wynn decided to create the Gunderson & Palmer Law Firm. Cris was a pivotal force in growing the firm into what it is today, actively participating in the interview and hiring of nearly every attorney hired up until his retirement. In addition to his reputation as a professional and capable practitioner, Cris also is well known for his contribution to and participation in the South Dakota Bar. Cris served as President of the State Bar of South Dakota, Chairman of the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Parole, a member of the South Dakota State Bar Disciplinary Board, and a member of the South Dakota Judicial Qualifications Commission. Cris also was an active member in various national legal organizations. Cris served as President of the South Dakota Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), as well as a member of the National Board of Directors of ABOTA. Cris was also an active member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) and eventually went on to serve as the Admissions Chair for that organization. Finally, Cris was an active member of the International Society of Barristers (ISOB). Cris and his wife Peggy now spend their time enjoying their retirement by traveling the world and visiting their grandchildren and friends all over the country.

James S. Nelson earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Black Hills State University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota. After law school, Jim served three years in the United States Army as a Captain in the JAG Corps. Jim served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1969–1974. He has been a member of the State Bar of South Dakota, the American Bar Association, the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates, in which he served on the National Board of Directors and as past president of the South Dakota Chapter. Jim is also a former president of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association and the State Bar of South Dakota. Jim was active in the local community, where he was president of The Mount Rushmore Institute and served on the board of directors of the Hope Center. Jim also served on the board of directors of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society and was its president from 1999–2005. He has served on various boards for profit and nonprofit corporations, including insurance companies and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. He was a past president of the Rushmore Mutual Life Insurance Company and Mt. Rushmore Casualty Company.

Daniel E. Ashmore was one of the first attorneys hired at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, & Ashmore, LLP. Dan received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law and was licensed to practice law in South Dakota and North Dakota. Upon first joining the firm in 1983, Dan was tasked with handling all areas of the law and was a pivotal part of creating the litigation practice group at GPNA. Dan is well known throughout the South Dakota bar for his leading role as a workers’ compensation and insurance defense attorney. Dan was an instrumental part in building these practice areas at GPNA and served as panel counsel for a litany of insurance companies in both North and South Dakota throughout his practice. In addition to his extensive civil practice, Dan was selected for inclusion in Chambers USA- America’s Leading Lawyers, The 20th edition of Best Lawyers in the United States for “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Labor & Employment, and Workers’ Compensation Law - Employers, Great Plains Super Lawyers List. Dan was additionally named Best Lawyers' 2013 Rapid City Bet-the-Company Litigation "Lawyer of the Year," Super Lawyers’ 2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America as 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in Practice Area of Insurance Law

David E. Lust attended Dartmouth College earning an undergraduate degree in government followed by law school at the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP in 1999, David served as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Richard H. Battey. He was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), a Commissioner with the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) and chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Trust Administration. David dedicated 10 years as a member of the South Dakota House of Representative, including four years as House Majority Leader. Other groups David was involved with include Elevate Rapid City, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Center for Alumni Relations and Advancements, South Dakota Board of Medical Examiners, State Workforce Advisory Council, Junior Achievement of South Dakota, The Greater Rapid City Economic Development Partnership, Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Black Hills, and the Northern Plains Eye Institute. David was a devoted attorney, friend, husband and father who will be fondly remembered by many. He enjoyed hunting, golfing and fly-fishing and looked forward to annual fly-fishing trips to the Bighorn Mountains that he planned for fellow fishermen, as well as yearly golf excursions with his high school buddies. He particularly valued the friendships he made throughout his life and always made time for people. He cherished his relationships with his parents and siblings and their families and especially enjoyed taking his wife and children back to Aberdeen for family gatherings.