Turner J. Blasius

Turner grew up in the small town of Kimball, South Dakota. He went on to attend South Dakota State University, where he played football for the Jackrabbits and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business (magna cum laude) with a minor in Agronomy, followed by a master’s degree in Economics (summa cum laude).

Turner continued his education at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, where he quickly stood out as a leader. He served as Class President, Law School Ambassador, and a member of the Disciplinary Board, while also working as a research assistant to Agricultural Law Professor Tyler Moore. Turner also participated on the USD Moot Court Board, where he honed his oral advocacy and writing skills, leading his team to a second-place finish at the Frank A. Schreck Gaming Law Moot Court Competition in Las Vegas. He graduated magna cum laude, ranking in the top 10% of his class.

Following law school, Turner clerked for two federal judges in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. He first clerked for the Honorable Mark A. Moreno, and later served as an inaugural clerk for the Honorable Eric C. Schulte. These experiences refined his strategic, detail-oriented approach to litigation and advocacy.

Today, Turner practices law with Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, and Ashmore, LLP in the firm’s Pierre office, where he is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges.

Outside the office, Turner enjoys life with his wife and their two boys. Together, they can often be found fishing, hunting, playing sports, or cheering on the Jackrabbits.