Dec. 29, 2025: A cermony will be held for South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Robert Gusinsky on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Rapid City. Gusinsky fills a vacancy on the Supreme Court with the retirement of Justice Janine M. Kern. Gusinsky’s formal swearing-in ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. MST in the Pennington County Courthouse Rotunda, 315 St. Joseph St., in Rapid City. Gusinsky was born in Latvia. After emigrating with his parents through Israel and Germany, he settled in California and became a U.S. citizen. Gusinsky received his undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering in 1990 from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He worked as a commercial airline pilot and flight instructor before changing course to pursue law. Gusinsky received his juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1996. Following graduation, Gusinsky practiced as a trial lawyer at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz Lebrun and later at Clayborne, Loos, Strommen Gusinsky in Rapid City. He next served as an assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2007 to 2013, when Gov. Dennis Daugaard appointed him a circuit court judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Gusinsky became presiding judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in 2024. Gusinsky was appointed to the South Dakota Supreme Court by Gov. Larry Rhoden and began his duties on Dec. 9, 2025. He represents the Supreme Court First District, which consists of Custer, Meade, Lawrence and Pennington counties.   Nov. 6, 2025: South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky of the Seventh Circuit to serve as a supreme court justice for the First Supreme District. This vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Janine Kern. The First Supreme District consists of the counties of Custer, Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington. Judge Robert Gusinsky was born in Latvia. After emigrating with his parents through Israel and Germany, he settled in California and became a U.S. citizen. Gusinsky enjoyed his earlier career as an airline pilot before changing course to pursue law. He enrolled at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 1993. Following graduation, he practiced as a trial lawyer at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz Lebrun and later at Clayborne, Loos, Strommen Gusinsky in Rapid City. Gusinsky went on to serve in the U.S. Attorney’s Office before being appointed to the Seventh Circuit bench by former Governor Dennis Daugaard. In 2024, the Chief Justice named Gusinsky the presiding judge of the Seventh Circuit. “I am deeply humbled, honored, and grateful for the trust placed in me by Governor Rhoden,” said Judge Robert Gusinsky. “I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of South Dakota and pledge to uphold the law that governs our State with fairness, integrity, and dedication.” “Robert Gusinsky has been an excellent judge for the last 12 years in a busy circuit. He is hard working, highly skilled, and well respected,” said Justice Janine Kern. “I am honored to pass the baton to him. I know he will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice.” Judge Robert Gusinsky is married to his wife Ronda. They have two children and two grandchildren. ...read more read less