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Careers

Staff Attorney - Rapid City Office

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

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  • 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?

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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.

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If you’re passionate about advancing justice and making a difference, we encourage you to apply today!

 

How to Apply


Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Kate Korthour, Director of Human Resources, at kkorthour@dpls.org.

 

Closing Date

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Open until filled.

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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. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

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Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson Office

Part-Time Position | 17 Hours Per Week | 34 Hours Per Pay Period

 

Are you an attorney looking for meaningful work with a schedule that offers flexibility? Dakota Plains Legal Services is seeking a part-time Staff Attorney to provide quality civil legal services to individuals, families, and communities in and around Fort Thompson, South Dakota.
 

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.
 

About the Position


The Fort Thompson Staff Attorney provides civil legal assistance to eligible clients throughout the office's service area, which includes Brule, Buffalo, Hyde, and Lyman counties. The position may also involve representing clients in matters before the Crow Creek and Lower Brule tribal courts.


The Staff Attorney will independently manage assigned cases and provide legal representation and advocacy based on client needs and organizational priorities.
 

Responsibilities may include:

 

  • 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; and

  • Collaborating with DPLS staff and community partners to help address the legal needs of clients and communities. 

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​Qualifications
 

Applicants must:

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  • Hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree;

  • Be licensed to practice law in South Dakota, eligible for admission to practice in South Dakota by reciprocity, or qualified to sit for the next South Dakota Bar Examination;

  • Be able to independently manage assigned cases and responsibilities;

  • Possess strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and

  • Demonstrate an interest in public interest law and serving low-income and Native American clients and communities.

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Schedule


This is a part-time position working 17 hours per week (34 hours per pay period). DPLS operates on a four-day workweek, Monday through Thursday.


Compensation 

 

Depending on experience.

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Why Join Us?


At DPLS, your work has a direct impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout our service area. This part-time position offers an opportunity to use your legal skills in meaningful public interest work while maintaining a flexible schedule.

 

How to Apply


Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Kate Korthour, Director of Human Resources, at kkorthour@dpls.org.

 

Closing Date

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Open until filled.

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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. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

Legal Secretary – Sioux Falls Office

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

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Are you organized, dependable, and someone who enjoys a fast-paced workday? Dakota Plains Legal Services is seeking a Legal Secretary to join our Sioux Falls office. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with people, managing multiple priorities, and being an important part of a team serving our communities.

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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

​

  • Work Schedule: Enjoy a four-day work week with 8.5-hour days, giving you every Friday off. 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.

  • Salary: Based on experience.

 

About the Role

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As the Legal Secretary in our Sioux Falls office, you will help keep a busy legal office organized and running smoothly. You will provide day-to-day support to attorneys, paralegals, and advocates, prepare legal documents and correspondence, assist with administrative tasks, and help individuals through the application and intake process.

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This is a fast-paced, people-focused position that requires strong organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to shift between priorities throughout the day.

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Key Responsibilities:

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  • Provide administrative and secretarial support to attorneys, paralegals, and advocates.

  • Prepare legal pleadings, correspondence, and other documents at the direction of an attorney or paralegal.

  • Assist applicants with the application and intake process.

  • Communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, applicants, and members of the public.

  • Maintain confidentiality of client and organizational information.

  • Help manage day-to-day office needs and keep administrative processes organized.

  • Perform additional administrative duties as directed by the Managing Attorney.

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What We’re Looking For

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  • Education: High school diploma required.

  • Experience: Two years of experience in a law firm or similar office environment preferred.

  • Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy, fast-paced environment.

  • Technology: Familiarity and experience with commonly used word processing software and data management programs.

  • Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work professionally with the public.

  • Confidentiality: An understanding and appreciation of the importance of client confidentiality.

  • Teamwork: A positive, dependable approach and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

 

Why Join Us?

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At DPLS, the Legal Secretary is an important part of the team and often one of the first people our applicants and clients interact with. Your work helps attorneys, paralegals, and advocates serve clients effectively while helping ensure people seeking legal assistance are treated with professionalism and respect.

If you enjoy staying organized, helping people, and being part of a team where no two days are quite the same, we encourage you to apply!

 

How to Apply

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Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Kate Korthour, Director of Human Resources, at kkorthour@dpls.org.

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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. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

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