Heidepriem, Purtell, Siegel & Hinrichs, LLP

Heidepriem, Purtell, Siegel & Hinrichs, LLP (HPS Law Firm) has established itself as the premier litigation firm for civil rights in the Dakota region. Their history is defined by a willingness to challenge the state's most powerful institutions in environments where such litigation is often politically and legally uphill. Unlike firms that focus on high-volume settlements, HPS is a trial-heavy outfit that specializes in the technical complexities of Section 1983 litigation, specifically targeting systemic failures within police departments and sheriff’s offices.

The firm is recognized for its ability to navigate the federal court system, which is the primary battlefield for constitutional claims. They have a documented history of successfully overcoming "qualified immunity"—the legal shield that often protects officers from accountability. By meticulously dismantling the defense’s version of events through expert forensic analysis and aggressive discovery, HPS has forced transparency in cases involving excessive force and illegal search and seizure that would otherwise have been dismissed.

Beyond the initial trial, the firm’s legacy is cemented by its appellate success. They do not merely stop at a jury verdict; they have successfully defended civil rights victories in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, ensuring that the legal precedents they set—such as those involving Fourth Amendment violations during traffic stops—remain binding law. This combination of trial grit and appellate sophistication makes them the firm that law enforcement agencies and their insurers respect most in the region.