Governor Rhoden Appoints Judge Robert Gusinsky to the South Dakota Supreme Court
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 4, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031
Governor Rhoden Appoints Judge Robert Gusinsky to the South Dakota Supreme Court
PIERRE, S.D.—Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky of the Seventh Circuit to serve as a Supreme Court Justice for the First Supreme District. This vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Janine M. Kern. The First Supreme District consists of the counties of Custer, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington.
“South Dakota prides itself on honoring our constitution and upholding the rule of law,” said Gov. Rhoden. “Justice Kern has done a remarkable job serving our state with integrity and fairness, and I have no doubt that Judge Gusinsky will pick up the torch with the same commitment and conviction. He is even-keeled and humble, and his background gives him a unique perspective that will strengthen our Supreme Court.”
Judge Gusinsky was born in Latvia. After emigrating with his parents through Israel and Germany, he settled in California and became a U.S. citizen. Judge Gusinsky enjoyed his earlier career as an airline pilot before changing course to pursue law. He enrolled at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 1993. Following graduation, he practiced as a trial lawyer at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun and later at Clayborne, Loos, Strommen & Gusinsky in Rapid City. Judge Gusinsky went on to serve in the U.S. Attorney’s Office before being appointed to the Seventh Circuit bench by former Gov. Dennis Daugaard. In 2024, the Chief Justice named Gusinsky the presiding judge of the Seventh Circuit.
“I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by Governor Rhoden,” said Judge Gusinsky. “I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of South Dakota and pledge to uphold the law that governs our state with fairness, integrity and dedication.”
“Robert Gusinsky has been an excellent judge for the last 12 years in a busy circuit. He is hard working, highly skilled and well respected,” said Justice Kern. “I am honored to pass the baton to him. I know he will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice.”
A photo of Judge Gusinsky can be found here.