Careers
Join us as an employee with Dakota Plains Legal Services, a non-profit committed to providing access to justice! Interested in interning or being involved as a private attorney? Check out our internships and private attorney involvement.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:​
Legal Secretary – Rapid City, South Dakota
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Legal Secretary position in our Rapid City, South Dakota, office.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
RESPONSIBILITIES: This position would assist the staff who are providing representation for indigent individuals to whom DPLS is court appointed in Pennington County. The legal secretary provides secretarial services to attorneys and also performs administrative duties as directed by the Managing Attorney of the Rapid City Office. Specific duties include but are not limited to: preparing routine court documents, calendaring hearings, opening and closing files, gathering information and uploading to digital files, data entry, and answering phone calls in an attempt to problem solve and/or receive detailed information.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a high school diploma. Familiarity and experience with widely used word processing software, spreadsheets, and other data management programs is required. Applicants must have a good attitude and ability to work with the general public, other professionals, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have an appreciation and a basic understanding of client confidentiality. Two years of experience working in a law firm, or a similar office environment is also required.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Paralegal (Tribal Advocate) – Fort Yates, North Dakota
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a paralegal (tribal advocate) position at our Fort Yates, North Dakota, office. The Fort Yates office serves the counties of Campbell, Corson, Walworth, and the Standing Rock reservation.
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants, through formal education, training, and experience, must have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system, substantive and procedural law, and the ethical considerations of the legal profession which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney; must have strong written and oral communication skills; must be able to handle a significant caseload with regular court appearances; must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients; must be qualified to obtain a license to practice law in the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court. The primary duties of the successful applicant will be to advise and provide legal representation to clients on matters that are within the jurisdiction of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court.
SALARY: Based on experience. DPLS has excellent fringe benefits, including generous leave benefits and employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a four day work week.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
​
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4444, tmortland@dpls.org
​
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Paralegal (Tribal Advocate) – Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a paralegal (tribal advocate) position at our Pine Ridge, South Dakota office.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants, through formal education, training, and experience, must have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system, substantive and procedural law, and the ethical considerations of the legal profession which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney; must have strong written and oral communication skills; must be able to handle a significant caseload with regular court appearances; must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients; must be qualified to obtain a license to practice law in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Staff Attorney – Rapid City, South Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Rapid City, South Dakota office.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary starting at 70,000 plus, based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients. Some same day travel is required.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Staff Attorney PCAP – Rapid City, South Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Rapid City, South Dakota office providing legal representation for indigent criminal defendants to whom DPLS is court appointed in Pennington County.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary starting at 70,000 plus, based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe
benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients. Some same day travel is required.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland,
Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489,
Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Staff Attorney – Pine Ridge, South Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Pine Ridge, South Dakota office.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary starting at 70,000 plus, based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients. Some same day travel is required.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Staff Attorney – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Sioux Falls, South Dakota, office.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary starting at 70,000 plus, based on experience. DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits of 6 weeks paid leave, and 15 paid holidays. Employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). DPLS observes a 34 hour 4-day work week and offers matching 401(k).
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients. Some same day travel is required.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services at tmortland@dpls.org, or by mail at PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-444.
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Staff Attorney – Sisseton, South Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
​
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a nonprofit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Sisseton, South Dakota office. The Sisseton office serves the counties of Grant and Roberts, along with the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Courts.
​
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with an emphasis on family law. Additionally, the applicant should expect to make regular appearances in state and tribal court. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients.
​
SALARY: Starting at $70,000 plus, depending on experience. Staff work a 4-day work week, and DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits and employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability).
​
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
​
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856- 4444, tmortland@dpls.org.
​
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Staff Attorney - Mission, South Dakota
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
​
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Mission, South Dakota, branch office. The Mission office serves the counties of Gregory, Jones, Mellette, Todd and Tripp along with the Rosebud Reservation.
​
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients.
​
SALARY: Starting at $70,000 plus, depending on experience. Staff work a 4-day work week, and DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits and employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability).
​
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
​
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4444, tmortland@dpls.org.
​
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
STAFF ATTORNEY – Fort Yates, North Dakota
​
Are you passionate about racial justice and holistic legal advocacy? Join our team, and make a long-term impact!
​
DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney in our Fort Yates, North Dakota, branch office. The Fort Yates office serves the counties of Campbell, Corson, Walworth, and the Standing Rock reservation.
​
QUALIFICATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants must have a JD degree and be 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; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; and must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients.
​
SALARY: Starting at $70,000 plus, depending on experience. Staff work a 4-day work week, and DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits and employer paid employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability).
​
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.
​
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4444, tmortland@dpls.org.
​
Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.