Mission Statement
The mission of Dakota Plains Legal Services is to promote equal access to justice and improve the lives of our low income clients through quality legal assistance. We provide legal representation, advocacy, conflict resolution, and community education options to meet the legal needs of our Native American and non-Native clients and our community. This includes Indian law, family law, health law, housing law, and income maintenance law. All DPLS offices are located on or near tribal nations in South Dakota and North Dakota, and DPLS has an especially proud history of effective advocacy addressing the unique needs of our Native American clients.
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DPLS is a non-profit, private corporation providing legal services to eligible low-income clients on nine Indian reservations and thirty-four counties in North and South Dakota. DPLS receives funds from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and, for purpose of LSC, is classified as a Native American Program. DPLS also receives a Basic Field Grant each year.
Our Offices
DPLS has eight offices serving thirty-four counties and nine tribal nations throughout the states of South Dakota and North Dakota. To contact any of the DPLS offices, please go to the Contact Us page.
Board of Directors
DPLS is governed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is made up of private attorneys and client representatives from across the DPLS service area. The Board of Directors sets the program priorities for DPLS. Learn more about the DPLS Board of Directors and how to become a board member on the Board of Directors page.
Annual Priorities Report
Please find the DPLS Annual Priorities Report for 2022 below.
Tax Information
Each year, DPLS files a Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service. The 990 provides information on DPLS's mission, programs, and finances.
Client and Applicant Grievance Procedure
DPLS provides the following grievance procedure for any applicant or client who feels that a DPLS office has unfairly denied an applicant/client legal services, or if a client is not satisfied with the services they have received.