Experience

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith Law Firm

• United States
• Law Practice
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lawyer | Attorney

  • Mar 1992 - Present

  Sioux Falls lawyer Jean H. Bender is an employment lawyer at Davenport Evans. Jean is extremely active assisting clients with employee benefits issues and all areas of employment law. Jean counsels clients on issues involving sexual harassment, race, sex, age, national origin and disability discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and leave issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Jean proactively counsels clients on issues such as hiring and firing, drug testing, harassment and discrimination investigations, employment policies, and company handbooks. Jean also drafts corporate documents related to employment such as contracts, non-compete agreements, and settlement agreements and releases. Jean also consults with clients on ERISA and other legal compliance issues for employee benefit plans ranging from qualified retirement plans to flexible benefit plans. Jean has assisted a number of clients in correcting plan errors through IRS and DOL voluntary compliance programs such as EPCRS and DFVCP. She also negotiates service contracts with third party providers. Jean has received a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rating, indicating the attorney is widely respected for high professional achievement and ethical standards. She has also been selected by Best Lawyers® in the area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, and has been ranked by Chambers and Partners in the area of Labor & Employment Law. Jean is active in a number of community organizations. She currently serves on the Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners. She is past president of the Brandon Valley School Board and currently serves as president of the Brandon Valley Booster Club. She is also the former president of the board of directors for Volunteers of America, Dakotas. Jean also currently serves on the CASA Board of Directors. She is a frequent volunteer for Junior Achievement and active in her church.



Haynes and Boone, LLP

• United States
• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associate Attorney

  • 1989 - 1991