Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney

Minnehaha County; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 98,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO from day one

Extended sick leave

South Dakota Retirement System

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking a Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney to join our team of prosecutors. You will handle misdemeanors and low-level felonies, present cases in court, conduct legal research, and file documents with the court, collaborating with law enforcement and agencies.

New attorneys get exposure to courtroom trial work; the office offers paid holidays and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life

Qualifications

• Graduation from a college of law and JD degree; SD bar admission or eligible to take the bar.
• Ability to prosecute cases with strong legal research and writing skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee a caseload of misdemeanors, low-level felonies, and juvenile cases; prepare and file legal documents.
• Review reports, determine charges, issue subpoenas, interview witnesses, and assist with juror selection.
• Stay current on criminal law changes and engage with agencies and the public as needed.
• Represent the State in programs and events; train volunteers and staff as directed.

Skills

Legal research

Court procedures

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independence

Technology literacy

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Admission to SD Bar or able to take bar examination

Recent law school graduate

Tools

Case management software

Job description

This position is located in Sioux Falls, SD

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office is now accepting applications for Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney positions to join our team of prosecutors. Minnehaha County prosecutors play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, working closely with law enforcement, probation, parole, juvenile justice centers, and various community agencies.
With a caseload that keeps you constantly engaged, our office offers a challenging opportunity for attorneys who want to make a difference in their community by supporting victims of crime and ensuring due process for the accused. New attorneys also regularly participate in exciting courtroom trial work.
Consider a rewarding career with us in a fast-paced office environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, PTO available from day one, an extended sick leave program, inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS), and a deferred compensation plan!

This posting will remain open until filled. Application review begins on August 19, 2026.

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

How You Will Make an Impact

• Manage and oversee a caseload consisting primarily of misdemeanor cases, low-level felony cases, juvenile violation cases, and juvenile abuse and neglect cases. Present these cases for legal proceedings, conduct legal research, and prepare, draft, and file legal documents and correspondence.
• Review offenses, police reports, and evidence to determine appropriate charges. Prepare, send, and track subpoenas for witnesses and records. Conduct witness interviews for legal proceedings and select jurors.
• Stay updated on changes in relevant law, statutes, and proposed legislation and policy pertaining to criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile abuse and neglect. Draft proposed legislation and appear before legislative committees.
• Engage in communication, correspondence, and collaboration with parties involved in cases, including victims, parents, school personnel, attorneys, court personnel, and law enforcement, regarding procedures and actions for those cases. Respond to inquiries from the public and the media.
• Provide recommendations for custody, parental rights, sentences, and restitution.
• Represent the State’s Attorney’s Office at public, private, and inter-governmental programs and events. Serve on boards, panels, and task forces as directed.
• Train and educate volunteers, law enforcement, and social workers on their roles and duties regarding legal issues and court process duties. Train interns and supervise clerical staff and interns.

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; or be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next available South Dakota bar examination; 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. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.

Working knowledge of civil and criminal law and methods and practices of pleadings, court procedures, and rules of evidence. Working knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices utilized in legal research. Working knowledge of general law and established precedents. Ability to prosecute cases. Effective verbal and written communication in the preparation and presentation of legal matters. 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, and the public. Present a professional appearance and communicate with others in a respectful and approachable way.

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].