Law Staff
Valerie was born and raised in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. She grew up on a dairy farm, working alongside her family learning the value of perseverance and hard work.
After high school, she went out to make her own way. In Billings, Montana she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. In Vermillion, South Dakota, she earned a Master of Public Administration. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Alabama.
Over the course of her career, she managed a nonprofit providing services to handicapped adults, coordinated state and federal grants on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and worked with elderly adults to find meaningful employment. Valerie has used her skills to start her own companies. She developed and implemented a business strategy for funding and operation of a start-up company specializing in blockchain technology. She currently owns and manages her own commercial real estate business. She retains her partnership share in the family beef and farm operation in Fall River County.
As the business manager for SWORD LAW OFFICE, Valerie is responsible overall management of the office. She oversees long and short-range planning and budget preparations. She also helps consult with our business clients on their startup needs and the continuing business opportunities.
Valerie and Jim have shared many adventures together. It was the values and strength of the people of the Black Hills that brought them home to raise their three children.
Valerie is a native of Fall River County. Valerie and Jim have shared many experiences together but the one that defines them is their love for family and community.
Valerie and Jim have one son in the United States Army, a son at the Business School at the University of South Dakota and a middle school daughter who is a cheerleader.
Merve Olsen joined our law firm as a legal assistant in 2023. Merve graduated from Gazi University. This is the most prestigious university in Turkey. In 2020, she received her Bachelor of Sciense in Business Administration. She continued her studies at Black Hills State University through a cultural exchange program.
Prior joining Sword Law Office, Merve started her own business, Muji Gallery. This company specializes in importing rare and exotic textiles from the Mediterranean East. Her business model focuses on providing high-end, custom textiles to exclusive clients. This niche market has allowed her access to the business community in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota. Merves business acumen has allowed her to seamlessly interact with a variety of clients at Sword Law
Office. Her experiences allow her to manage a wide variety of legal issues. Merve and her husband, Ryan, have made the Black Hills of South Dakota their home. In their spare time
Merve and Ryan can be found on a trail in the Black Hills or at the lake with their dog Jamo.
