Jelena’s path to law was both unconventional and challenging. Having immigrated to the United States from Serbia at the age of twelve without speaking English, she confronted significant challenges in learning a new language and culture. Despite these obstacles, Jelena was determined to succeed and became the only student in her English Language Learning program's history to test out in under two years. This determination persisted through her academic journey and through her law practice today.

Jelena graduated cum laude graduation from the University of Sioux Falls, and a law degree from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. After law school she was a law clerk for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of South Dakota for a year. She also has experience at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s office and working for a nationwide firm doing federal civil litigation.

Languages:

• Serbian

• Bosnian

• Croatian

Bar Admissions:

• South Dakota

• Minnesota

• Texas