PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 7, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Judge Cheryle Gering Reappointed as Presiding Judge of First Judicial Circuit
PIERRE, S.D.—Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen announced today the reappointment of the Honorable Cheryle Gering as Presiding Judge for the First Judicial Circuit. Judge Gering’s reappointment follows the reselection of Jensen as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Pursuant to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at the chief justice’s pleasure. Presiding judges are administrative heads of their respective circuits. The First Judicial Circuit consists of Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook, Turner, Union and Yankton counties.
“Judge Gering’s steadfast leadership and dedication continue to strengthen the First Judicial Circuit,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “Her tireless work ensures that justice is served fairly and efficiently, and her unwavering commitment to professionalism is exemplary.”
Judge Gering received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 1988 and her juris doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1991. She worked as a trial lawyer in private practice from 1991 until she was appointed a circuit court judge for the First Judicial Circuit in 2011. Judge Gering was originally appointed as presiding judge by retired Chief Justice David Gilbertson in 2017.
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For a photo of Judge Gering, click here.
About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.