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Job ID: 28964
Agency: Office of Indigent Legal Services
Location: Rapid City, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; or, Pierre, SD
Salary: $85,000 - $120,000 Annually, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L3
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time position with the Office of Indigent Legal Services. This position is responsible for providing legal representation through the Office of Indigent Legal Services to individuals who cannot afford to hire their own attorney.

This position will initially have a hybrid work location (temporary office or remote work) until the formal office space location is determined. The position may have a hybrid work location for approximately two to three months.

The Office of Indigent Legal Services represents clients on direct appeal from criminal cases, abuse and neglect proceedings, juvenile proceedings, and habeas corpus petitions. The incumbent must be knowledgeable of the laws and regulations related to criminal law and must be able to provide competent legal advice and strategy to clients ensuring they receive professional and effective legal services. Responsibilities include meeting with clients to discuss legal issues; reviewing trial records, transcripts, and court filings; conducting research and preparing written legal briefs; representing clients in oral arguments; and working with other attorneys, court personnel, and other members of the justice system.

This role involves representing indigent clients in direct appeals to the South Dakota Supreme Court, ensuring the protection of the client’s constitutional right to a fair trial. The Office of Indigent Legal Services provides representation services to indigent clients seeking review on direct appeal from criminal cases, abuse and neglect proceedings, juvenile proceedings, habeas corpus petitions, or other services as determined by the Commission on Indigent Legal Services and the statutory authority provided by SDCL 23A-51.

The Public Defender reports to the Chief Defender for the Office of Indigent Legal Services.

Licenses and Certifications:

 

  • A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
  • Admission by the Supreme Court of South Dakota to practice law in the state of South Dakota.

 

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to public defense and an in-depth understanding of criminal law and appellate procedure.

Knowledge of:

  • Trial litigation;
  • South Dakota criminal law, justice proceedings, and court practices;
  • Legal concepts and practices;
  • Legal research techniques and procedures;
  • General law and established precedents;
  • Interviewing techniques and procedures;
  • Indigent representation services in criminal cases;
  • Judicial processes. 

Ability to:

  • Uphold the mission to ensure representation for all indigent defendants;
  • Utilize strong interpersonal skills;
  • Analyze facts, evidence, and precedents and arrive at a logical conclusion;
  • Review and investigate reports in relation to prescribed laws and regulations;
  • Use discretion regarding confidential material and to understand the legal code of ethics;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public;
  • Speak and write effectively in the preparation and presentation of legal matters;
  • Prepare legal reports and briefings;
  • Communicate findings and information clearly and concisely;
  • Work with a diverse population and be attentive to the needs of the clientele;
  • Maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and a writing sample.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees.

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:  https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=GP
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"