Welcome to Paulsen & Raterman Law

Meet Kaleb Paulsen from Paulsen & Raterman Law in Sioux Falls, SD

  • After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, emphasizing in Economics from the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota, Kaleb went directly to law school. He earned his Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law, where he was an active and dedicated member of the community. His commitment to helping veterans with their legal needs earned him the prestigious William F. Day Pro Bono Award in 2018.

  • Kaleb’s military service began at age 17 when he enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard. Over the years, he has completed a tour in Afghanistan with the 1742nd Transportation Company and another in Iraq/Kuwait with the 1889th RSG out of Montana. Kaleb continues his services to this Country and the State of South Dakota as a Judge Advocate. During law school, Kaleb interned with Jeff Larson Law in Sioux Falls and Helsper McCarty Rasmussen in Brookings, SD. After graduating, he worked as an associate at Lockwood & Zahrbock Kool Law Office. Later, after accepting a position as a child support referee for the State of South Dakota, Kaleb decided to open his own practice, Paulsen Law, now Paulsen & Raterman Law, with a goal of offering clients more personalized service and availability.

  • Kaleb focuses his practice on Criminal and Family Law-including divorces, child custody matters, surrogacy matters, guardianships and conservatorships, adoptions, child support and protection orders. Drawing from his personal experiences, legal training, and education, he provides clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and achieve swift, effective resolutions. He is dedicated to helping clients navigate legal challenges with honesty and clarity, always placing their needs first.

  • Outside of his legal career, Kaleb is passionate about his continued service to our country and actively participates in veteran organizations. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, playing football and rugby, working out, and unwinding with a good movie. Kaleb believes in working hard, being transparent with clients—even when the truth is tough—and firmly holds that "We all deserve happiness."

Biography & experience

With expertise in family law (divorce, child custody, child support, protection orders, adoptions, and guardianships), criminal defense, surrogacy law, and military law, Kaleb has successfully handled various legal matters and achieved notable results throughout his career.
Education - University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion SD, Juris Doctor, May 2018
  • Veteran's Legal Education Group, President
  • Criminal Justice Education Project, Vice President
  • Family Law, Recruitment Chair
  • Trial Team
  • William F. Day Pro Bono Award 2018
Associate Attorney - Lockwood & Zahrbock Kool Law
  • Worked with 200+ family & criminal law clients
  • Litigation & child support expertise
Trial Defense Services - Captain 0-3 - SD Army National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters
  • Serve as Trial Defense Services for the entire SD Army National Guard
  • Represent service members during separation proceedings, nonjudicial punishment, and legal advice
  • Supervise & manage Trial Defense Section
  • Litigation

Community Service

Kaleb is honored to serve his community to the best of his abilities in order to make Sioux Falls, and South Dakota as a whole, the best place to work, grow, and raise a family. These are some of the organizations Kaleb dedicates time to:
  • Veteran's Legal Education Group
  • Make-A-Wish South Dakota
  • Black Hills Veteran March and Marathon
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
  • Special Olympics
  • USA Boxing