Please visit the South Dakota Employment page for other employment opportunities. Please call our office for any additional information at 605.773.3215 on the job posted below.
OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
CRIMINAL, CIVIL, AND APPELLATE DIVISIONS
The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office is seeking highly motivated attorneys to join our team. We offer opportunities across three major divisions—Civil, Criminal Litigation, and Appellate—and are currently accepting resumes for all areas.
Civil Division attorneys are responsible for prosecuting and defending cases implicating the state’s interests. Division attorneys practice in both state and federal courts and are involved in a multitude of litigation topics including constitutional, natural resource, Indian, and contract law. The Civil Division also provides legal advice to state officials, agencies, boards, and commissions.
Criminal Litigation Division attorneys prosecute cases on behalf of the State involving statewide interests, complex legal issues, and public-integrity concerns. This trial-focused role is ideal for attorneys seeking significant courtroom experience while exercising sound prosecutorial judgment in public service.
Appellate Division attorneys represent the State and its officials in criminal appeals and habeas corpus cases. These attorneys primarily research and write appellate briefs and orally argue before the South Dakota Supreme Court and federal courts. Appellate attorneys also serve as prosecutors for various state licensing boards.
The work of our office is challenging, consequential, and mission driven. These positions are well suited to talented attorneys at varying experience levels and are guided by core office principles: fairness, integrity, professionalism, all while doing the right work, the right way, for the right reasons.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Depending on assignment, attorneys participate in all stages of litigation or appellate practice. All positions require excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to collaborate with attorneys and client agencies; strong legal research, drafting, and advocacy skills; openness to training and mentorship; and the ability to appear in court as required.
MENTORSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The office is committed to developing top-notch attorneys. Attorneys in these positions receive hands-on trial experience, direct mentoring from senior attorneys, occasions to work on diverse and evolving caseloads, paid training opportunities, and exposure to complex legal and evidentiary issues.
LOCATION
The duty stations for these positions are Pierre and Sioux Falls.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salaries for these positions range from $82,000 to $115,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. The State of South Dakota has an exceptional benefit package including retirement, health insurance, and paid leave.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a juris doctorate, be licensed to practice law in South Dakota or can promptly obtain licensure, and have excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills. Assistant Attorneys General must uphold the highest degrees of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested persons should send a cover letter, resume containing three references, and a writing sample. Persons interested in the Civil Litigation or Civil Administrative positions should send their documents to the attention of Amanda Miiller. Those interested in the Criminal Litigation position should send theirs to Ernest Thompson. Those interested in the Appellate position should send theirs to Sarah Thorne. Applicants desiring to apply for more than one opening should note this preference on their cover letter.
Amanda Miiller, Deputy Attorney General, Civil Division
Email: Amanda.Miiller@state.sd.us
Ernest Thompson, Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Litigation
Email: Ernest.Thompson@state.sd.us
Sarah Thorne, Deputy Attorney General, Appellate Division
Email: Sarah.Thorne@state.sd.us
These positions will remain open until filled.
The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office is an equal opportunity employer.