LAWYER PROFILE
Brendan Johnson

Brendan Johnson

USA 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Robins Kaplan LLP

Practice Areas

An aggressive advocate, Mr. Johnson has spent his career trying cases, deposing hostile witnesses, and cross-examining experts. His courtroom advocacy led Shared Hope International, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking, to describe Mr. Johnson as a “force of determination, initiative and skill…” Together, his unique background and skill set power his ability to guide clients to solutions that serve not only their legal interest, but also to safeguard their reputation in high stakes litigation. When summarizing the impact of Mr. Johnson’s career with the Justice Department, former Attorney General Holder stated that, “As a lawyer and as a leader, Brendan has set a standard of excellence that will not soon be surpassed. Particularly with regard to public safety challenges on tribal lands, he has served as a key advisor to senior Justice Department officials-including me.”

Career

United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota from 2009 to 2015.

Personal

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D. (2001).

University of South Dakota, B.S. (1998).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Litigation: General Commercial - South Dakota

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Brendan Johnson is a seasoned practitioner who has significant experience of handling high-profile civil rights disputes. He has particular expertise in American Indian law.

Native American Law - USA - Nationwide

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
Brendan Johnson maintains a strong market presence for his work representing clients in complex litigation surrounding issues such as opioids, tribal sovereignty and tribal lending.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We love Brendan. He is a great person and a great lawyer.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan's clarity, honesty and sincerity have always been consistently high. He connects with clients on a very personal level. Brendan has always done his best work to our advantage.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan is phenomenal and has a true heart for justice. He is regarded in the South Dakota Bar as a regional leader in the legal profession and a true trial lawyer.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan is the best litigator I've ever seen in practice.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan Johnson is very professional and service oriented. He was very responsive to our concerns, understood our issues and incorporated clients' suggestions and concerns when developing a strategy.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Brendan is tremendously good and an all round expert.

    Native American LawChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Robins Kaplan LLP (23)

California

Massachusetts

Minnesota

North Dakota

South Dakota

USA - Nationwide

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