Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender

Minnehaha County; 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 holidays

Generous PTO

Extended sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System

Deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office in Sioux Falls, SD, seeks a Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender to advocate for indigent clients in criminal and juvenile matters, handling all phases from pre-trial to disposition.

Join a litigation team with strong trial capacity and opportunities for courtroom practice; requires JD and SD bar admission or eligibility, plus a commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admission by SD Supreme Court to practice law or eligible to sit for next bar exam.
• Two years of relevant work experience preferred for Senior Deputy role.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors through all phases of litigation.
• Coordinate with paralegals and staff to manage a heavy caseload through disposition.
• Maintain client communications via phone, appointments, and visits; brief clients on investigations and rulings.
• Appear at regularly scheduled court dockets and related appearances.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions/pleadings.
• Interview witnesses and review police reports, transcripts, and correspondence.
• Attend professional development training within and outside the office.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Litigation

Communication

Legal research

Court appearances

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Bar admission in SD or eligible to sit SD bar

Recent law graduate eligible to sit for SD bar

Tools

Legal research software

Case management systems

Job description

This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD

Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender

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].