Assistant Attorney General – Civil Division

State Bar of South Dakota; South Dakota; On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office seeks an Assistant Attorney General to join the Civil Division in Pierre. The role focuses on administrative law and representing public health boards and agencies, providing counsel at the intersection of law, policy, and public health.

You will draft opinions, handle hearings, advise on open meetings and public records laws, and represent agencies in court. Applicants must have a JD, be licensed in SD or able to obtain licensure, and demonstrate

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota or able to obtain licensure promptly.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to state public health boards, commissions, and agencies, including licensing boards and regulatory bodies.
• Handle administrative hearings, including contested case proceedings, disciplinary actions, and rulemaking matters.
• Draft legal opinions and policy guidance related to public health regulation and enforcement.
• Represent agencies in state and federal court proceedings, including appeals of administrative decisions.
• Advise on compliance with state and federal laws, including due process, open meetings, and public records laws.
• Collaborate with agency staff, investigators, and other stakeholders on enforcement actions and regulatory initiatives.
• Assist in developing and interpreting legislation impacting public health and administrative governance.

Skills

Writing skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Assistant Attorney General – Civil Division

By SD Attorney General’s Office

8/6/2026

Agency: Office of Attorney General

Location: Pierre

Salary: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00

Pay Grade: L1-L2

Closing Date: September 1, 2026

Full-time position with the Office of the Attorney General. For more information on the Office of the Attorney General, please visit http://atg.sd.gov.

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented attorney to serve as an Assitant Attorney General with a primary focus on adminstrative law and representation of public health boards and agencies. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, policy, and public health, providing legal counsel on matters that directly impact the health and safety of South Dakota residents.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide legal advice and representation to state public health boards, commissions, and agencies, including licensing boards and regulatory bodies
• Handle administrative hearings, including contested case proceedings, disciplinary actions, and rulemaking matters
• Draft legal opinions and policy guidance related to public health regulation and enforcement
• Represent agencies in state and federal court proceedings, including appeals of administrative decisions
• Advise on compliance with state and federal laws, including due process requirements, open meetings laws, and public records laws
• Collaborate with agency staff, investigators, and other stakeholders on enforcement actions and regulatory initiatives
• Assist in developing and interpreting legislation impacting public health and administrative governance

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have a juris doctorate from an accredited law school, be licensed to practice law in South Dakota or can promptly obtain licensure, and have excellent writing, research, and communication skills. Assistant Attorneys General must uphold the highest degrees of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience. In addition, the office offers a structured path for career advancement and pay growth on a merit basis. On top of a set salary, the State of South Dakota has an exceptional benefit package including retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and paid training opportunities. More information on our benefits package can be found at: http://bhr.sd.gov.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume containing three references, and a writing sample of no more than ten pages by September 1, 2026.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.