Austin Law Office Celebrates 100 Years as Watertown’s Oldest and Largest Law Firm

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - One of Watertown’s longest‑standing institutions is celebrating a major milestone. Austin Law Office, founded in 1926, is marking 100 years of continuous operation, making it the oldest active law firm in the city and one of the longest-running in the region.

The firm traces its beginnings to Perry F. Loucks, Attorney at Law, who grew up near Clear Lake and later attended “State College.” Loucks moved to Watertown in 1905 and served as the Watertown City Attorney before opening his own practice. His first office was located in the historic Stokes Building at Kemp Avenue and Broadway. Loucks remained a prominent legal figure in the community until his passing in 1942.

In 1931, Alan Austin joined the firm, beginning a distinguished career that spanned decades. Austin became counsel to the firm in 1980 and remained a central figure until his death on April 25, 2005. The modern-day name — Austin Law Office — honors his longevity and leadership as one of the firm’s foundational attorneys.

Over the past century, the firm has been home to numerous well-known Watertown attorneys, including Harold Lovre, Irv Hinderaker, Bill Hackett, Doug Austin, Paul Hinderaker, Monte Hopper, and Scott Bratland.

Today, Austin Law Office operates from its building at 25 First Avenue Southwest, constructed in 1971. The firm is led by four senior partners: David Strait, Kate Benson, Amanda Thole, and Mitch Koehn. In 2024, the partners committed to expanding the firm’s footprint and future by adding a full second-story addition and launching an aggressive recruitment effort to bring new legal talent to Watertown.

That effort has resulted in a team of ten attorneys, making Austin Law Office the largest law firm in Watertown and the surrounding region. Current associates include Becky Morlock Reeves, Austin Eidahl, Brooklyn Mailey, Justin Larson, Ashlynn Burke, and Caitlin Hoeffner, who will join the firm later this summer.

Beyond legal services, Austin Law Office also operates Austin Real Estate and the Austin Land Exchange, expanding its role in regional business and property services.

The firm’s attorneys and staff have long been active in civic life, contributing to education, youth programs, hospitals, churches, and community organizations. Leaders say that commitment to public service remains central to the firm’s identity as it enters its second century.

A 100-year celebration event is scheduled for Friday, September 11, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Austin Law Office.

Austin Law Office, 25 First Avenue SW, Watertown, SD 57201, 605‑886‑5823, www.austinlawsd.com

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