About Tara - The Law Offices of Tara Estwick

Tara Estwick Law

Meet Tara Estwick

Tara L. Estwick is the Owner and Managing Member of Tara Estwick Law Offices. With a distinguished career over two decades, Tara has built a reputation as a knowledgeable, compassionate, and strategic legal advocate. Her practice focuses on providing limited-scope representation and legal consulting in criminal law, estate planning, special needs law, and family law, offering clients clarity and direction without the burden of a large retainer. Her hourly-based consulting services empower individuals with tailored legal advice.

Professional Background Tara began her career as a Criminal Trial Attorney at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office, defending indigent clients in complex misdemeanor and felony cases. She later established the Law Offices of Tara Glasford, where she handled many cases, including business law, estate planning, criminal defense, and family law. Tara’s experience includes arguing cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court, preparing appellate briefs, and conducting high-stakes litigation at state and federal levels.

She has served as Assistant Vice President and Trust Advisor at Union Bank & Trust, providing estate and trust management focusing on compliance and client relationships. Her legal expertise is further demonstrated through her work as a Magistrate for the Virginia Supreme Court, where she conducted impartial hearings on search warrants, bail, and civil issues.

Education & Training Tara earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law. She later obtained a Master of Science in Accounting from Liberty University, specializing in forensic accounting. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Tara has dedicated herself to continuous learning, contributing as an adjunct professor at several institutions, where she shares her wealth of knowledge in law, accounting, and business.

Legal Community Involvement Tara is an active member of the legal community and is admitted to practice in South Dakota, the District of Columbia, and the United States Supreme Court. Her professional affiliations include the State Bar of South Dakota and the D.C. Bar.

Community Service & Personal Life With a commitment to social justice, Tara has served on the board of her local food bank, advocating for the fundamental rights to affordable housing and food. Her passion for helping those struggling with addiction led her to serve on the board of Zoe Freedom Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals battling substance abuse. As a mother of seven, including two children on the autism spectrum, Tara has a personal affinity for special needs law and actively supports initiatives that advocate for families and children with special needs.

Tara also has a deep passion for homeschooling. She homeschooled her youngest son and is currently homeschooling her youngest autistic daughter, which has become a significant and fulfilling part of her life. This experience enriches her understanding and advocacy for families navigating similar journeys.

Tara’s dedication to her clients and community matches her strategic approach to solving complex legal issues. Her unique combination of legal expertise and heartfelt commitment to service makes her a trusted advisor for clients facing critical legal decisions. Her personal and professional background fuels her solid commitment to making a difference, one case at a time.

When Tara is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities. She lives on a 5-acre horse farm with her husband and youngest daughter in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where they raise goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. In her free time, she enjoys working with her animals, engaging in homesteading activities, and taking on DIY projects around the farm. She also loves traveling and visiting her older children and her granddaughter.