Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender

Siouxland Heritage Museums; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 98,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office seeks a Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender committed to vigorous advocacy for indigent clients in criminal and juvenile matters. The role offers a high-trials environment and broad courtroom exposure within a collaborative litigation team.

The position includes a robust benefits package, a biweekly salary in the posted range, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and casework across all phases of litigation.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice in SD or eligibility to sit for SD bar; or be a recent law graduate eligible to sit for the SD bar.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors through all phases of litigation.
• Coordinate with paralegals and staff to manage heavy caseloads.
• Maintain client communications by phone, appointments, and visits; inform clients of investigations, negotiations, and rulings.
• Appear at court dockets and hearings for assigned cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions and pleadings.
• Interview witnesses and review documents and transcripts.
• Attend professional development trainings.

Skills

Driver's license

Legal ethics

Court procedural knowledge

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office is looking for a dedicated Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender with excellent advocacy skills who is committed to ensuring justice to indigent clients appearing in the criminal and juvenile justice system. We are currently seeking an applicant who is interested in becoming part of an experienced litigation team that has a high capacity for trials and offers an expansive opportunity for courtroom practice.

A comprehensive benefits package includes paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous PTO program; extended sick leave program; inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan!

This posting will remain open until filled. Review of applications begins on July 21st, 2026.

The hiring range is $3,780.00 to $4,376.00/biweekly.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Advocate on behalf of individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors through all phases of litigation to include pre-trial, trial, and litigating all aspects of the case through disposition.
• Coordinate efforts with a support team of paralegals and other staff to ensure the responsible handling of a demanding caseload through disposition of the case.
• Maintain client communications by telephone, office appointments, and institutional visits. Keep client apprised of investigations, negotiations, and court rulings.
• Appear at regularly scheduled court dockets and appearances related to an assigned caseload.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions and pleadings.
• Interview witnesses and review legal documents, police reports, transcripts, and related correspondence.
• Attend professional development training both within and outside the office.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

Graduation from a college of law and attainment of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Admission by the Supreme Court of South Dakota to practice law in the State of South Dakota; be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next bar examination offered in South Dakota; or be a recent law school graduate, eligible to sit for the next available South Dakota bar examination. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Possession of a valid driver’s license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.

Working knowledge of civil and criminal law, court procedures, and the principles and practices of legal research. Ability to work with a diverse population and be attentive to the needs of the clientele. Working knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices utilized in legal research. Working knowledge of general law and established precedents. Effective verbal and written communication in the preparation and presentation of legal matters in hearings, courts of law, and meetings with others. Ability to work independently within general policy guidelines and legal parameters. Knowledge of and skill in using technology and related software systems. Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, other agencies, clients, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

Consideration for appointment as a Senior Deputy Public Defender requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

EEO Statement

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at [phone].

Insurance

• Coverage effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Available for employees and dependents.
  

Health/Prescription - Minnehaha County's health benefit plan offers low deductibles with two network options for coverage: Avera or Sanford. The county pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.

Dental - Minnehaha County offers dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services.

Life Insurance - Minnehaha County provides a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee along with and additional $15,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. Additional term life insurance and AD&D may be purchased by employees for themselves and dependents through payroll deduction.

Retirement

Retirement Plan - Minnehaha County participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match (8% for certified law enforcement). Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.

Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth IRA) basis through our supplemental retirement program.

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off - approximately 128 hours (16 days) per year

Holiday Leave - 11 days per calendar year

Extended Sick Leave - approximately 48 hours (6 days) per year

Flexible Spending Plan

Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - Minnehaha County offers FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.

Eye Med Vision Policy

Eye Med Insight Network - Minnehaha County offers a vision plan for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums with a frame or lens allowance of up to $130 per year and an annual eye exam. Chose from many participating retailers such as Pearle Vision, Target Optical, LensCrafters and many others!