Staff Attorney - Rapid City, SD

Job summary

Provide direct civil legal assistance, including advice, advocacy, and representation, to eligible clients, and conduct outreach to improve access to services in underserved areas. Collaborate with bar associations, tribal entities, courts, and community organizations; supervise non-attorney staff as directed; and maintain compliance with organizational and legal requirements.

Job details

Back to Employment Ads Staff Attorney - Rapid City, SD By Dakota Plains Legal Services 10/5/2026 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 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? 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. 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 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 - Rapid City, SD Back to Employment Ads Staff Attorney - Rapid City, SD By Dakota Plains Legal Services 10/5/2026 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! 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. 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 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? 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. 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 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 - Rapid City, SD Helpful Links Privacy policy Terms and conditions

What you’ll do

Provide direct civil legal assistance, including advice, advocacy, and representation, to eligible clients, and conduct outreach to improve access to services in underserved areas. Collaborate with bar associations, tribal entities, courts, and community organizations; supervise non-attorney staff as directed; and maintain compliance with organizational and legal requirements.

Requirements

A JD from an accredited law school is required, along with a South Dakota law license, eligibility to obtain one by reciprocity, or qualification to take the next South Dakota Bar Exam. The role seeks a strong commitment to serving Native American and rural communities and an interest in poverty law, as well as excellent communication, attention to detail, and collaborative skills.

Benefits

• Four-Day Work Week
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Term Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) With Employer Matching

Listed skills

• written communication · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Legal Counsel
• Civil Litigation
• Legal Representation
• Community Outreach
• Advocacy
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Staff Supervision
• Poverty Law
• Native American Community Engagement
• Rural Community Engagement
• Legal Compliance

Job areas

• Legal
• Social Services

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