Circuit Court Staff Attorney

Job ID: 31250
Agency: Unified Judicial System, Third Judicial Circuit
Location: Brookings, SD
Salary: $78,759.36 annually
Closing date: 05/16/2025

For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov .

The Mission of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System is to provide Justice for All.

Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victim's rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

The Unified Judicial System offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 10-12 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

Position Purpose:

This position performs professional legal work through legal research and writing during all phases of the judicial process to assist the Judges of the Unified Judicial System (UJS); and supervises circuit court law clerks and reviews and coordinates their work. Duties may include:

• Performing legal research and writing to provide assistance to Circuit Judges in analyzing legal issues or cases before them and to facilitate efficiency in court operations.
• Training and supervising law clerks and coordinating their work to facilitate continuity in the quality of assistance provided by law clerks in performance of judicial duties.
• Providing assistance to Judges, clerks of courts offices, circuit administrative offices, the public, commissions, and individuals to contribute to the effective operation of the circuit.
• Performing other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a Juris Doctorate. Licensed to practice law in South Dakota. One year of experience in the legal profession; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

To be considered, please attach your resume and one to two briefs you have written or a similar legal document.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• the law and South Dakota law;
• functions of the court;
• court and judicial systems;
• library and technical resources.

Skill in:

• legal writing;
• organizational management;
• time management.

Ability to:

• perform extensive legal research;
• analyze and summarize complex legal issues and facts;
• research and summarize applicable laws, and recommend appropriate resolutions to issues in question;
• exercise discretion, confidentiality, and impartiality in handling matters before the court;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of people;
• understand, analyze, and research issues raised throughout the circuit and provide timely and concise responses.

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System 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 Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

You may view our benefits information at https://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/pubs/Come_work_for_us.pdf .

Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1JA
Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: 605.773.4884
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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