Mae C.M. Pochop is a third-generation attorney at Meierhenry Sargent LLP, continuing her family’s tradition of serving clients and communities throughout South Dakota. Her practice focuses on municipal law, public finance, and real property matters.

Mae serves as city attorney for municipalities in South Dakota, advising elected officials and municipal staff on the wide range of legal issues that arise in local government. Her work includes municipal governance, contracts, real estate and development matters, zoning and land use, and other issues affecting municipal operations. Mae values developing long-term relationships with the communities she represents and providing practical advice that helps local officials accomplish their goals while navigating the legal requirements of local government.

Public finance is also a significant part of Mae’s practice. She works with municipalities and other public entities on bond issuances and other financing matters supporting infrastructure, development, and community needs. Her experience as a city attorney provides a practical perspective on public finance and an understanding of the legal, financial, and operational considerations facing South Dakota communities.

Mae also represents individuals, businesses, developers, and public entities in real property matters. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, leases, easements, and development agreements; resolving title issues; handling quiet title actions; and advising clients on zoning and land use matters.

Outside of the office, Mae enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, golfing, and reading.

EDUCATION

University of South Dakota School of Law 
     Magna Cum Laude
     Sterling Honors Graduate

Gustavus Adolphus College
     B.A., Financial Economics, cum laude
     Women’s Golf Team, two-year captain and All-American  
 

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

South Dakota
United States District Court for the District of South Dakot

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & LEADERSHIP

• National Association of Bond Lawyers
• State Bar of South Daktoa
       President, Young Lawyers Section, 2025-2026
       Director, Young Lawyers Section, 2022-2025
• South Dakota Municipal Attorneys Association
• Second Circuit Women in Law, Past President
• American Bar Association

HONORS & AWARDS

Frederic L. Ballard, Jr. Memorial Scholarship – National Association of Bond Lawyers
Best Brief Award – Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition 2020 
Best Brief Award – Sam Masten Intramural Moot Court Competition 2018
First Place – USD Negotiation Competition
Horace Jackson Award for Exceptional Moot Court Performance
Alan Bogue Award for Exceptional Brief Writing
Dean’s Certificates of Excellence – for High Grades in Property Law, Secured
     Transactions, Family Law, Legal Writing I, Legal Writing II, Foundations of Law, and 
     Legal Research Foundations
 

CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Sioux Falls Public Parking Advisory Board Member