Staff Attorney

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):

At DPLS, our mission is to promote equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income clients through quality legal assistance. As a non-profit organization, we provide legal representation, advocacy, and community education in Indian law, family law, health law, housing law, and income maintenance law. Our organization serves Native American and non-Native clients across South Dakota and North Dakota, with all offices located on or near tribal nations. With eight offices serving thirty-four counties and nine tribal nations, we are committed to addressing the unique legal needs of the communities we serve.

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 off for a three-day weekend, every weekend!
• Holidays: 15 paid holidays.
• PTO: Earn 6 weeks of paid time off.
• 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.

As a Staff Attorney in our Rapid City Office, you will provide direct 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 and tribal court.
• 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!

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.