Staff Attorney

State Bar of South Dakota; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14 paid holidays plus birthday holiday

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

IRA

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

East River Legal Services is seeking a Staff Attorney to represent clients in housing, family law, protection orders, and related civil matters. The role includes legal advice, brief service, and direct representation, with opportunities for client education and community projects.

You will conduct client interviews, manage case work, and participate in administrative and judicial proceedings. A SD bar admission or eligibility is required; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• JD admitted to practice in South Dakota or be eligible for admission to the SD State Bar.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and responsibilities.
• Proficiency with technology including word processing, spreadsheets, and legal research tools.
• Bilingual ability is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee client interviews, investigation, field investigations, and fact gathering.
• Provide high-quality legal representation or advice in housing, family law, protection orders, and related matters in state court and administrative proceedings.
• Handle a full range of litigation activities including drafting pleadings, depositions, discovery, negotiations, motions, and trial.
• Stay informed of applicable laws and case law to apply new laws properly.
• Keep accurate case records and meet reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with the Legal Team and participate in community outreach.

Skills

JD admitted or eligible for SD bar

Excellent communication

Multi-client management

Team collaboration

Legal research proficiency

Tech proficiency

Bilingual preferred

Education

SD Bar admission or eligible

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Legal databases

Internet-based programs

Job description

Staff Attorney
By East River Legal Services
8/14/2026

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Staff Attorney will represent clients in all areas of law including housing, family law, protection orders, landlord/tenant disputes, evictions, utilities, public benefits, consumer, and other civil matters. The types of services provided include legal advice, brief service, and direct representation. Aside from direct representation, the Staff Attorney may also, from time to time, prepare and deliver client and community education, appear in administrative and judicial forums, and contribute to special legal and community projects.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• Conduct and oversee client interviews, investigation, field investigations, and fact gathering;
• Provide high-quality legal representation or advice to clients on housing, family law, protection orders, and other related matters in state court and administrative proceedings;
• Handle a full range of litigation activities including drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, completing discovery, negotiations, motions practice, and representation of ERLS clients at trial;
• Stay well-informed of the applicable laws and case laws as they develop and change to ensure that East River Legal Services is applying new laws properly;
• Keep accurate records of case activities and provide the necessary information to meet reporting requirements;
• Participate in meetings as part of East River Legal Services and the Legal Team;
• Comply with all regulations, grant requirements, and internal operating and personnel policies;
• Provide education and outreach to members of the community, service providers, and community organizations;
• Work in collaboration with community organizations that provide rental assistance, domestic violence support, and other services available to assist our clients;
• Perform other duties, which may be assigned from time to time by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• JD admitted to practice in South Dakota or be eligible for admission to the South Dakota State Bar;
• Ability to spot legal issues in cases while providing real-time counsel, comfort, and advice;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients and responsibilities;
• Proficient at the use of technology including, but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheets, internet-based programs, database systems, and computer-based legal research;
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently;
• Ability to handle numerous tasks concurrently;
• Skills and experience in interacting with persons of various social, racial, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds;
• Being bilingual is preferred but not required.

Classification: Classified as an exempt employee

Salary:

Starting at $71,500, depending on experience

Benefits include 14 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday, vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, IRA, and travel reimbursement

ERLS’ Sioux Falls office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. We close from 12:00pm-1:00pm for lunch.

East River Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons of color, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.