Part-Time Public Interest Staff Attorney

Dakota Plains Legal Services; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS) seeks a part-time Staff Attorney to provide civil legal services to individuals, families, and communities in the Fort Thompson, South Dakota area. The role focuses on serving low-income and Native American clients across service counties, with opportunities to advocate before tribal courts.

The staff attorney will independently manage cases, perform research, draft documents, and collaborate with DPLS staff and partners. A J.D.

Qualifications

• JD degree required.
• Must be licensed to practice law in South Dakota or eligible for reciprocity.
• Or qualified to sit for the next SD Bar Examination.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing and counseling clients.
• Conducting legal research and preparing legal documents.
• Managing assigned cases from intake through resolution.
• Negotiating and advocating on behalf of clients.
• Representing clients in court and other proceedings.
• Maintaining accurate and timely case records and documentation.
• Collaborating with staff and community partners to address legal needs.

Skills

Legal research

Client interviewing

Advocacy

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS) seeks a part-time Staff Attorney to provide civil legal services to individuals, families, and communities in the Fort Thompson, South Dakota area. The role focuses on serving low-income and Native American clients across service counties, with opportunities to advocate before tribal courts.

The staff attorney will independently manage cases, perform research, draft documents, and collaborate with DPLS staff and partners. A J.D.