Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Litigation

State of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee health insurance option with no premium

Generous vacation and sick leave accrual

Eleven paid holidays

Job summary

A government agency is seeking an Assistant Attorney General for its Criminal Litigation Division. This full-time position in Sioux Falls focuses on prosecuting felony cases and offers meaningful courtroom experience. Newer and experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply. Candidates should possess a Juris Doctor degree and be ready to handle substantive responsibilities in a challenging environment. The role promises strong mentorship and a supportive atmosphere for professional development.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota, or ability to obtain licensure promptly.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute felony criminal cases in South Dakota state courts.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in charging decisions.
• Work closely with law enforcement agencies throughout investigations.
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, and other legal filings.
• Collaborate with experienced prosecutors and receive mentoring.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Writing skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school

Job description

Job ID: 34667 - Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Litigation

Agency: Office of Attorney General

Location: Sioux Falls

Salary: $90,000 - $105,000

Pay Grade: L1 or L2

Closing Date: Open until filled

This is a 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 is seeking an Assistant Attorney General to join its Criminal Litigation Division. This is a trial‑focused position intended for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom experience, strong mentoring, and the opportunity to handle serious and varied criminal cases in public service.

Attorneys in the Criminal Litigation Division prosecute cases on behalf of the State of South Dakota where statewide interests, complexity, or public integrity concerns are present. The work is challenging, consequential, and mission driven. This position is well suited for newer but talented attorneys, including private practitioners, as well as experienced prosecutors, who are seeking to build or deepen trial skills, exercise sound prosecutorial judgment, and serve the public.

The Division’s work is guided by core principles we emphasize throughout our office: fairness, integrity, professionalism, and the responsible exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Our goal is not volume, but doing the right work, the right way, for the right reasons.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prosecute felony criminal cases in South Dakota state courts, including regular jury trials, evidentiary hearings, and contested motions.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in charging decisions and case strategy, consistent with the Office’s mission.
• Work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout investigations and prosecutions.
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, and other legal filings.
• Appear in court across the state as needed to represent the interests of South Dakota.
• Collaborate with experienced prosecutors and receive ongoing mentoring and feedback.

Mentorship and Professional Development

• Hands‑on trial experience.
• Direct mentoring from senior prosecutors.
• Opportunities to work on a diverse and evolving caseload, including violent crime and multi‑county matters.
• Exposure to complex legal and evidentiary issues that build long‑term litigation skills.

Salary range is between $90,000 - $105,000. This range reflects a trial‑focused, development‑oriented role with significant mentoring, and courtroom responsibility.

Licenses And Certifications

• Juris Doctor () degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota, or ability to obtain licensure promptly.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Criminal litigation, or courtroom experience (experience level flexible).
• Interest in trial advocacy and public service.
• Ability to manage responsibility, discretion, and a demanding caseload.

Interested Applicants Should Submit

• A resume
• A cover letter describing interest in public service and trial work
• A legal writing sample
• Three professional references

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 $0 premium employee health insurance option 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 here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3F1

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

“An Equal Opportunity Employer”