2023 Committees

Jessica Huyck, ACP, holds an A.S. in Legal Studies from Colorado Technical University where she graduated with highest honors, as well as a B.S. in Sociology-Human Resources from South Dakota State University. She earned her Certified Paralegal (CP) credential from NALA in 2010 and later her Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential. Following her graduation, Jessica was hired as a paralegal for Fite & Pierce Law in Brookings where she gained invaluable experience working for her attorney who at the time also served as a magistrate judge, child support referee, bankruptcy trustee, and property manager.

In 2014, Jessica made a career change and was hired at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings as the university's Legal Affairs Specialist. In her current position, she performs legal research and document drafting, provides legal assistance to SDSU’s Vice President & General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel, and serves as manager and editor of SDSU’s policy manual. Jessica has been a member of SDPA since learning about it from a college professor in 2009 and has served on various committees within the organization. She was selected as SDPA’s Member of the Year for 2014-2015 and previously served as SDPA President from 2017-2018. In spring of 2018, she graduated from the Leadership Brookings program as a representative for SDSU.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spin classes and volunteering within her community. She resides in Brookings with her three daughters and enjoys supporting them in their various interests and activities.

Autumn is a South Dakota native, raised in Lake City. She moved in 2008 to Sioux Falls, where she later obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Forensics, graduating summa cum laude from Colorado Technical University. Autumn joined the South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA) in 2015 and utilized its study group to self-prepare for the National Association of Legal Assistant’s (NALA) Certified Paralegal exam and earned the CP credential in 2016; received SDPA's Member of the Year Award for 2018-2019; and obtained NALA’s ACP credential in Trial Practice in 2022.  Autumn enjoys working in civil litigation and employment law.  In her spare time Autumn enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Alfie, and travelling to new places.

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Jessi Stucke, ACP, CEDS, was born in Sioux Falls, SD, and raised in Sheldon, IA, Sioux Falls, and Aberdeen.  After graduating from Aberdeen’s Central High School, she attended the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD).  She returned to Aberdeen in 2005 and was the 2011 recipient of the Dale Stein Award upon graduation from Leadership Aberdeen, a program of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce.  Jessi joined Richardson, Wyly, Wise, Sauck & Hieb in 2014 and works primarily with Jack H. Hieb.  She is a two-time recipient of SDPA's Member of the Year Award (2018 and 2023), and she also received national recognition from NALA in 2023 as a recipient of an Affiliate Award.  The award recognizes members of affiliated associations for their contributions to the goals and programs of their NALA Affiliated Association.

Jessi and her husband, Chris, have a son, Evin, and a daughter, Adeline.  Away from the office, she enjoys curling, trapshooting, archery, and gaming.

Certifications

• 2016 – Certified Paralegal (CP) – NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants)
• 2021 – Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP), Trial Practice – NALA
• 2023 – Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP), E-Discovery – NALA
• 2023 – Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) – ACEDS (Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists)

Associations

• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), 2016 – Present
• South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA), 2016 – Present
• Leadership Aberdeen Graduate, 2011 (Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce)

Awards

• NALA Affiliate Award 2023
• SDPA 2023 Member of the Year
• SDPA 2018 Member of the Year
• 2011 Dale Stein Leadership Award, Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Aberdeen

Professional Service

• SDPA President – 2021-2022
• SDPA 1^st Vice President – 2020-2021
• SDPA 2^nd Vice President – 2019-2020
• Chair, SDPA Newsletter Committee and Co-Editor, 2017 – Present
• Chair, SDPA CLE Luncheon Committee, 2019 – Present
• Co-Chair, SDPA Membership Committee, 2021 – Present (general member in 2020)
• SDPA Nominations & Elections Committee, 2022 – Present
• SDPA Website Committee, 2017 – Present
• SDPA Education Committee, 2020

Public Service

• Treasurer – Aberdeen Curling Club, 2020 – Present
• Council Vice President – Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2021 – Present
• Treasurer – Holgate Middle School PTA, 2021-2023

Dixie earned her Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Nettleton Community College in 1997, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies in 2002 from National American University in Sioux Falls. She became a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) through NALA in September, 2004. Dixie has worked as a paralegal since 1998 in the areas of immigration, family law, personal injury, employment law, and probate. In 2006, Dixie began working for Mary H. Burd, Burd and Carper Law Office, in Sioux Falls, in the area of family law.

She became a member of SDPA in 2002 and has served on the following committees: Charge Up (2003-2007); Education (Co-Chair 2015-2016); and Membership (Co-Chair 2003-2004, Chair 2005-2007 and 2013-2014). She has served in the following roles: NALA Liaison (2005-2006 and 2014-2015); 2nd Vice President (2006-2007); and President (2008-2009 and 2020-2021). She later served as Interim Secretary for 2021-2022. Dixie has been a NALA member since 2004, and has been a member of the Bar Association's Second Circuit Women in Law since 2014.

When Dixie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their daughter, Alexis. She also enjoys camping, gardening, and fishing, as well as volunteering in Sioux Falls for the Children’s Inn, Habitat for Humanity, and The Banquet.

Vicki joined Duncan Law Firm in Sioux Falls office in July, 2009.  She assists attorneys Drew Duncan and Amanda Engel.  After 25 years working with attorneys, Vicki achieved a personal goal of earning her Certified Paralegal designation in May 2007 through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and later obtained the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) designation in Family Law in 2022.  She was voted SDPA's Member of the Year for 2008-2009.  She has also served on various SDPA committees as well as representing the association as NALA Liaison, Second Vice President, and First Vice President prior to serving as President. She has attended two national NALA education conferences.

Vicki is a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Second Circuit Women in Law and the South Dakota Trial Lawyers’ Association.  She works primarily in the areas of governmental and regulatory business, business law and domestic relations.  Vicki enjoys spending time with family and friends, and enjoys watching hockey in the winter and riding motorcycle in the summer.

Vicki’s practice philosophy is to provide each client with the best possible personal, professional service, and to treat clients as she would wish her family be treated.

Jennifer X. Frederick, CP graduated from SDSU in 2001 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She spent over twelve years with Spears Law Office, PC, during which she earned the “Certified Paralegal” designation from NALA, and assisted with a successful Circuit Court Judge campaign.  In 2015, she worked a short time at the Law Office and Mediation Center of Ronald Frauenshuh, until accepting a position with Schoenbeck Law, PC.  Jen joined SDPA in 2007, and was an inaugural member of SDPA’s 360⁰ Leadership Academy.  Jen was awarded by her peers with the 2011-2012 SDPA Member of the Year award, and she has remained active in SDPA, currently serving as co-chair on the Newsletter Committee.  Jen is active in various community organizations, but what she enjoys most is spending time with her husband and precious grandsons.

Jessica Huyck, ACP, obtained her degree in Legal Studies from Colorado Technical University in 2010, graduating with highest honors. She earned her Certified Paralegal (CP) status from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) in 2011 and her Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) status from NALA in 2013 in the specialty area of commercial bankruptcy. Jessica worked as a paralegal for a general practice firm in Brookings following her graduation in 2010 and until the start of 2014, at which time she began her employment with South Dakota State University as a Legal Affairs Specialist in the Office of General Counsel. Jessica has been a member of SDPA since 2009 and has served on various committees within the organization, including the Education Committee, Public Relations Committee and Website Committee. Jessica was elected SDPA’s Member of the Year for 2014-2015. Jessica also successfully completed the Leadership Brookings program in 2018. She regularly volunteers within her community, including her various roles with the First United Methodist Church of Brookings. Spending time with her husband and three daughters is Jessica’s favorite thing to do when she’s not at the office.

Becky Purington, ACP, is an Advanced Certified Paralegal for Black Hills Service Corporation in Rapid City, South Dakota, focusing primarily in governmental law.  She worked previously for Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, specializing in employment, personal injury, and governmental law.  She earned her Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Western Dakota Technical Institute in 1999 and her Certified Paralegal status in 2000 from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).  She has served on many committees and has been elected to numerous leadership positions within the South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA) over the years, including serving as President for 2007-2008.  Since 2005 she has been chairman of the Advisory Committee for Paralegal Studies at Western Dakota Technical Institute's Paralegal Program and is a frequent speaker to their paralegal students.  Becky is also a strong supporter of the Pennington County Teen Court program and is a regular volunteer for that organization.

Christi was born in Aberdeen, SD and raised in Warner, SD. She received an Associate of Science Degree from Northern State University. While living in North Dakota, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Business Management from Minot State University. She joined Richardson, Wyly, Wise, Sauck & Hieb in 2003 as the bookkeeper/receptionist before becoming a paralegal. Christi obtained her Certified Paralegal designation in 2007 and her Advanced Certified Paralegal specialization in Trial Practice in 2010. Christi worked primarily with Stacy Johnson prior graduating cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2021. She remains with Richardson Law Firm as an associate, and her practice areas include family law, estate planning, probate, criminal, Indian law, and landlord/tenant. Christi and her husband, Jesse, have two children, Tya and Jackson.

Dixie earned her Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Nettleton Community College in 1997, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies in 2002 from National American University in Sioux Falls. She became a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) through NALA in September, 2004. Dixie has worked as a paralegal since 1998 in the areas of immigration, family law, personal injury, employment law, and probate. In 2006, Dixie began working for Mary H. Burd, Burd and Carper Law Office, in Sioux Falls, in the area of family law.

She became a member of SDPA in 2002 and has served on the following committees: Charge Up (2003-2007); Education (Co-Chair 2015-2016); and Membership (Co-Chair 2003-2004, Chair 2005-2007 and 2013-2014). She has served in the following roles: NALA Liaison (2005-2006 and 2014-2015); 2nd Vice President (2006-2007); and President (2008-2009). Dixie has been a NALA member since 2004, and has been a member of the Bar Association's Second Circuit Women in Law since 2014.

When Dixie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their daughter, Alexis. She also enjoys camping, gardening, and fishing, as well as volunteering in Sioux Falls for the Children’s Inn, Habitat for Humanity, and The Banquet.