Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Advocate

Job Description

This position is located in Minnehaha County - Sioux Falls, SD

Why Join Our Team

The Minnehaha County Public Advocate's Office is seeking a Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Advocate with excellent advocacy skills and who is committed to ensuring justice, humanity, and equality to indigent clients within the criminal justice system. Our attorneys prepare and manage a caseload of misdemeanor, felony, abuse and neglect, and mental health cases.

Consider a rewarding career with us and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including 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!

***Please attach a cover letter to the online application.***

The hiring range is $3,596.80-$4,068.00/biweekly with full earning potential up to $4,954.40/biweekly.

Posting to remain open until the position is filled. Application review begins on August 27, 2025.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Prepare and manage a caseload of misdemeanor, felony, abuse and neglect, and mental commitment cases. Provide legal advice and assistance to clients. Represent clients in court and at hearings and perform appellate work.
• Provide representation to clients for felony and misdemeanor cases, appeals, abuse and neglect proceedings, mental committal hearings, involuntary committal hearings, and juvenile cases. Meet and communicate with clients. Interview witnesses. Obtain reports and records. Review police reports, grand jury transcripts, and all other case discovery. Examine evidence and investigate claims. Make recommendations on sentences. Assist clients with treatment programs, court ordered classes, or counseling.
• Perform legal research and writing. Draft, prepare, and file legal documents and correspondence and performs appellate work.
• Interview defendants to ascertain case facts. Arrange pretrial investigations with paralegals and other office staff. Correlate findings and prepare case. Conduct case, examine and cross examine witnesses, and summarize case to the jury.
• Track and record time on each case for billing purposes. Perform other clerical tasks associated with case preparation.

What You Need to Succeed in this Role

Graduation from an accredited law school. Must have either passed the South Dakota bar examination and be eligible to practice law in the state of South Dakota; be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next available South Dakota bar examination; or be a recent law school graduate, eligible to sit for the next available South Dakota bar examination. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Demonstrates a commitment to working with the indigent accused and to providing social advocacy to the clientele served by the Public Advocate's Office. Working knowledge of civil and criminal law. Working knowledge of court procedures. Working knowledge of methods, materials, and practices utilized in legal research. Ability to work with a diverse population and be attentive to the needs of the clientele. Ability to meet with clients offsite. Ability to appear in court on a daily basis. Ability to speak and write effectively in the preparation and presentation of legal matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and the public. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

Consideration for appointment as a Senior Deputy Public Advocate requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

EEO Statement

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.