Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson, SD

Job summary

Provide civil legal assistance and representation to eligible clients across the Fort Thompson service area, including managing cases from intake through resolution. Conduct client interviews, research and prepare legal documents, negotiate and advocate for clients, appear in tribal courts and other proceedings, maintain case records, and collaborate with staff and community partners.

Job details

Back to Employment Ads Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson, SD By Dakota Plains Legal Services 10/5/2026 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 tribal 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. Qualifications Applicants must: 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. 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. 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 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. Images Share Email Facebook LinkedIn X Pinterest Powered By GrowthZone Tell a friend about Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson, SD Back to Employment Ads Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson, SD By Dakota Plains Legal Services 10/5/2026 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. 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 tribal 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. Applicants Must: 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. 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. How To Apply Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Kate Korthour, Director of Human Resources, at kkorthour@dpls.org. 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. Images Share Email Facebook LinkedIn X Pinterest Powered By GrowthZone Tell a friend about Staff Attorney – Fort Thompson, SD Helpful Links Privacy policy Terms and conditions

What you’ll do

Provide civil legal assistance and representation to eligible clients across the Fort Thompson service area, including managing cases from intake through resolution. Conduct client interviews, research and prepare legal documents, negotiate and advocate for clients, appear in tribal courts and other proceedings, maintain case records, and collaborate with staff and community partners.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice law in South Dakota, eligible for admission by reciprocity, or qualified to sit for the next South Dakota Bar Examination. They must be able to manage cases independently, have strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate an interest in public interest law and serving low-income and Native American communities.

Listed skills

• written communication · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• interpersonal communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Client Interviewing
• Client Counseling
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Case Management
• Legal Representation
• Negotiation
• Advocacy
• Tribal Court Practice
• Recordkeeping
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Organization
• Interpersonal Communication

Job areas

• Legal
• Social Services

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