Meet Us

Janet Olson

Jan graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2001 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota, School of Law in 2005. Jan began her legal career serving the public by working with indigent clients at the Minnehaha County Public Advocate’s Office.

In 2013, she ventured into private practice and found that helping people who are going through a painful divorce or a child custody case is also very rewarding. She is dedicated to helping people through these difficult times.

In 2014, Jan was appointed to be a Child Support Referee. In this capacity, she conducts hearings to determine whether child support should be modified and when appropriate, how much it should be modified.

She has also served on various boards and been involved with many community organizations. She served as defense counsel on the team that started the Second Circuit Drug Court and is involved with the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Jan’s practice concentrates on the areas of Criminal Defense in South Dakota State Court and in Federal Court. She defends people charged with every level of crime from petty theft to DUI to drug conspiracy cases, up to murder. She represents kids charged as juvenile delinquents or CHINS. Jan is also experienced in family law cases including divorce and custody and has handled numerous protection order cases. She represents people going through a divorce and fighting for custody of their children. Jan also enjoys helping people with real estate transactions, drafting a will, and defending parents and children involved in very complicated abuse and neglect cases. She is trained and very familiar with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Her passion is helping her clients and advocating for their rights and interests.

KyLee Manthei

KyLee graduated from the University of South Dakota with double majors in Communications and Political Science.  She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota, School of Law.  

KyLee’s legal career began in Southern Minnesota providing representation to people in divorce and other family law matters.  In 2021, KyLee moved to South Dakota and assisted people at East River Legal Services and later at Dakota Plains Legal Services.  KyLee is licensed in Minnesota and South Dakota.

KyLee brings compassion and experience in the area of family law.  She has knowledge and experience with protection orders, housing issues, and has practiced in tribal court. Since joining Olson Law Firm, KyLee has expanded her practice to include criminal defense.  KyLee understands that no matter what legal problem you have, it is extremely stressful and emotional and she is dedicated to giving your case the utmost attention.