Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney

The Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office is accepting applications for a Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney to join our team of prosecutors. Minnehaha County prosecutors are an integral part of the criminal justice system closely collaborating with law enforcement, probation, parole, juvenile justice centers, and numerous community agencies.

With a caseload that keeps you constantly engaged, our office provides an intriguing challenge for attorneys who want to make a difference in their community by helping victims of crime and ensuring due process for the accused. Even new attorneys have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of hands-on courtroom trial work on a regular basis.

Consider a rewarding career with us in a fast-paced office environment and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous PTO program; extended sick leave program; inclusion into the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan!

• Prepare and manage a caseload of predominantly misdemeanor cases, low-level felonies, juvenile violation cases, and juvenile abuse and neglect cases. Present cases for legal proceedings. Perform legal research. Prepare, draft, and file legal documents and correspondence.
• Review offenses, police reports, and evidence to make determination on charges.  Prepare, send, and track subpoenas for witnesses and records. Prepare and interview witnesses for legal proceedings. Select jurors.
• Stay informed on changes in relevant law and statutes and proposed legislation and policy pertaining to criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile abuse and neglect. Draft proposed legislation. Appear before legislative committees.  
• Communicate, correspond, and collaborate with parties involved in cases including victims, parents, school personnel, attorneys, court personnel, and law enforcement regarding procedures and actions for those cases. Respond to inquiries from the public and the media.
• Make recommendations for custody, parental rights, sentences, and restitution.
• Represent the State’s Attorney’s Office at public, private, and inter-governmental programs and events. Communicate with the media and prepare press releases. Serve on boards, panels, and task forces.
• Train and educate volunteers, law enforcement, and social workers on their roles and duties on legal issues and the court process duties. Train interns. Supervise clerical staff and interns.
• Answer, handle, or direct phone calls and walk-in traffic from clients and the general public regarding legal concerns and questions.

Graduation from a college of law. Attainment of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Admission by the Supreme Court of South Dakota to practice law in the state of South Dakota; or be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next available South Dakota bar examination; or be a recent or imminent law school graduate, eligible to sit for the next available South Dakota bar examination. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Working knowledge of civil and criminal law and methods and practices of pleadings, court procedures, and rules of evidence. Working knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices utilized in legal research. Working knowledge of general law and established precedents. Ability to prosecute cases. Ability to speak and write effectively in the preparation and presentation of legal matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor. Strong oral argument skills. Consideration for appointment as a Senior Deputy State's Attorney requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.