Deputy General Counsel

South Dakota State Government; South Dakota; On-site; USD 79,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State Government's Department of Education seeks a full-time attorney to support staff and boards as a Special Assistant Attorney General. The role reports to the General Counsel and includes litigation, advisory work, and contract review.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience, strong written and verbal communication, and a passion for education law. Travel is minimal, and the position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Interest in education law.

Responsibilities

• Representing the department as a Special Assistant Attorney General in administrative proceedings and litigation in State and federal court.
• Providing legal advice and representation to the SD Board of Education Standards, ethics commissions, and other boards.
• Coordinating investigations regarding ethics issues for teachers and administrators.
• Providing legal counsel on interpretation and application of state and federal laws related to education, schools, and public agencies.
• Responding to legal inquiries from school districts and the public.
• Drafting statutes and administrative rules.
• Reviewing contracts, joint powers agreements, and related documents.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Education law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

State Bar admission (SD)

Job description

Job ID: 38267 Agency: Department of Education - Division of Secretary Location: Pierre, SD preferred but will consider state office within South Dakota Salary: $79,200 - $95,700/annually, depending on qualifications Pay Grade: L2 Closing Date: 11/17/2026

The South Dakota Department of Education is seeking a full-time attorney to provide legal services to department staff and associated boards and commissions. This position reports to the General Counsel and is supported by a legal assistant.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing the department as a Special Assistant Attorney General in administrative proceedings and litigation in State and federal court.
• Providing legal advice and representation to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards, teacher and administrator ethics commissions, and other department boards.
• Coordinating investigations regarding teacher and administrator ethics issues.
• Providing legal advice and counsel to department staff regarding interpretation and application of State and federal laws related to education, schools, and public agencies.
• Responding to legal inquiries from school districts and the public.
• Drafting statutes and administrative rules.
• Reviewing contracts, joint powers agreements, and related documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimal travel required.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Education. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit https://doe.sd.gov/.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must be a graduate of an accredited law school, a member of the South Dakota State Bar, and qualify for appointment as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Three or more years of experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and interest in education law.

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.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus An Equal Opportunity Employer