Staff Attorney | Civil Law | Rapid City Office

Dakota Plains Legal Services; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary 70k+

4-day work week

Paid leave

Insurance coverage

401(k) matching

Job summary

Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS) is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide direct civil legal assistance from the Rapid City Office. You will advise, advocate, and represent eligible clients while engaging with communities to improve access to justice for low-income individuals.

The role emphasizes outreach, collaboration with tribes and legal entities, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. A JD from an accredited law school and SD licensure or reciprocity eligibility are

Qualifications

• JD required from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in South Dakota or eligible to obtain a SD license by reciprocity.
• Strong commitment to serving Native American and rural communities, with an interest in poverty law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and representation in civil cases.
• Conduct outreach to ensure legal services are accessible to eligible clients in underserved areas.
• Collaborate with local and state bar associations, tribal entities, courts, and community organizations.
• Supervise non-attorney staff as directed by the Executive Director.
• Maintain compliance with DPLS guidelines and legal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and Regulations.
• Participate in training programs to enhance legal knowledge and skills.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal counsel

Community outreach

Collaboration

Education

JD from accredited law school

Licensed to practice in SD or eligible to reciprocity

Job description

Full-Time Position | 34 Hours Per Week | 68 Hours Per Pay Period

Are you a dedicated attorney with a passion for making a difference? Dakota Plains Legal Services is seeking a committed legal professional to provide comprehensive legal services to underserved communities. If you are driven, organized, and ready to advocate for justice for those in need, we want to hear from you!

About Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS):

For nearly 60 years, the mission of Dakota Plains Legal Services has been to promote equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income clients through quality legal assistance. As a nonprofit organization, we provide legal representation, advocacy, and community education in Indian law, family law, health law, housing law, and income maintenance law. DPLS serves Native American and non-Native clients across South Dakota, with offices located on or near tribal nations.

Benefits We Offer:

• Salary: 70,000+ starting salary for attorneys with 2 or more years of experience.
• Work Schedule: Enjoy a 4-day work week with 8.5-hour days, giving you every Friday. A three-day weekend, every weekend!
• Leave: Generous paid leave and designated paid holidays throughout the year.
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid employee coverage for medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, term life, and AD&D insurance. Vision insurance is also available.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.

About the Role:

As a Staff Attorney in our Rapid City Office, you will provide direct civil legal assistance to eligible clients, including advice, advocacy, and representation in various legal matters. You will also engage in community outreach and ensure that legal services are accessible to underserved areas. Your role will be integral to our mission of ensuring equal access to justice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel and representation in civil cases.
• Conduct outreach activities to ensure legal services are accessible to eligible clients in underserved areas.
• Collaborate with local and state bar associations, tribal entities, courts, and community organizations.
• Supervise the work of non-attorney staff as directed by the Executive Director
• Maintain compliance with DPLS guidelines and legal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and Regulations
• Participate in training programs to enhance legal knowledge and skills.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education: JD Degree from accredited law school.
• Licensing: Licensed to practice, or by reciprocity be able to obtain a license to practice, in South Dakota, or be qualified to take the next South Dakota Bar Exam.
• Experience & Interest: A strong commitment to serving Native American and rural communities, with an interest in poverty law.
• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively.

Why Join Us?

At DPLS, this is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Your work will directly enhance the lives of underserved individuals and communities, providing vital advocacy and support where it’s needed most. Your expertise and dedication will be valued and supported, giving you the opportunity to make a lasting difference every day.

Closing Date:

Open until filled.

DPLS is committed to equal employment opportunities for all workers, regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected class status. DPLS is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws and regulations.