Senior Staff Attorney

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 35484
Agency: Department of Labor & Regulation - Labor & Management Division
Location: Statewide (in-person at a DLR office, remote, or hybrid options considered; within the state of South Dakota)
Salary: $90,000 - $105,000, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L2
Closing Date: 04/28/2026

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to join our team as a Senior Staff Attorney . This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the public while working on meaningful legal matters that impact professionals and communities across the state.

Position Overview

The Senior Staff Attorney serves in a key leadership role within the Division, providing legal counsel and representation to the Department, including its professional licensing boards and commissions. This position works closely with staff and board members to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to support sound decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance to Department staff and board members.
• Research, analyze, and interpret state and federal laws and regulations.
• Prepare legal documents for administrative hearings and court proceedings.
• Represent the Department in administrative hearings and civil litigation.
• Assist with legislative drafting and lobbying.
• Assist with administrative rulemaking.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the South Dakota Bar, or eligibility for admission.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in administrative law, regulatory matters, litigation, or as in-house counsel preferred.

Why Join Us?

As part of the State of South Dakota, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through public service. Our offerings include:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options;
• Participation in the SDRS Retirement System and supplemental retirement plans;
• Generous leave policies and paid holidays;
• A supportive work environment that values work-life balance;
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Join a team committed to serving South Dakota with integrity, professionalism, and purpose.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Labor & Regulation - Labor & Management Division. For more information on the Department of Labor & Regulation, please visit https://dlr.sd.gov/.

Licenses and Certifications:

Current admission to practice with the State Bar of South Dakota or current admission in another jurisdiction with the ability to obtain admission within six months of start date .

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A strong work ethic, self-starter, and significant (5+ years) experience in administrative hearings, administrative law, and/or criminal prosecution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• in statutes applicable to administrative hearings, procedures, and due process;
• in rules of evidence and procedure;
• in preparing and analyzing legal documents and writing;
• in making sound judgments;
• in communicating and interacting clearly and fairly with other staff and third-parties;
• in identifying and applying legal principles;
• in state and federal labor law, including unemployment insurance, and professional licensing laws and case rulings;
• in expressing oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter and resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3U2
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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Salary

• $90,000 - $105,000