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Legal Resources & FAQ’S

Public Resources

The State Bar of South Dakota is unable to provide advice, counsel or representation to members of the public concerning specific legal matters. Please do not call or email the State Bar seeking information on legal matters. Below is a list of resources you may find useful in determining appropriate next steps for your particular situation. 

Find A Lawyer

Other Helpful Resources

Below is a snapshot of other resources available to South Dakotans. This is not a comprehensive list and it is recommended to complete your own search to locate resources available to your situation.

Trainings

The State Bar assists in the development of trainings that are required for members of the public. When that happens, you will find the trainings here.

Guardianship & Conservatorship Training

About the Profession

Rules of Professional Conduct 
The Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to regulate professional conduct of attorneys licensed by the Supreme Court and in good standing with the State Bar. The rules have been adopted by the State Bar and approved by the Supreme Court pursuant to statute to protect the public and to promote respect and confidence in the legal profession.

Lawyer Conduct/Lawyer Discipline 
Members of the State Bar have adopted high standards which define proper and improper conduct for a lawyer handling legal matters. To maintain these standards, a system of self-discipline has been created and is administered through the Disciplinary Board of the State Bar, the Attorney General of the State of South Dakota, and the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Licensing & Bar Exam
No person, except as provided in SDCL §16-18-2, may practice as an attorney and counselor at law in any court of record within South Dakota, without obtaining a license from the Supreme Court and becoming an active member in good standing of the State Bar. To learn more about the rules for admission to practice law in South Dakota, please click here.

Court Information
A snapshot view of our state, federal and tribal court structure along with helpful links to help you locate the information you may need.

SD Supreme Court Opinions 
The opinions posted are slip opinions subject to revision and correction. The official opinions of the South Dakota Supreme Court are those published in the bound volumes of the North Western Reporter.

Rural Attorney Recruitment Program 
This program provides qualifying attorneys an incentive payment in return for five (5) continuous years of practice in an eligible rural county.

Project Rural Practice 
Collaborates with the Unified Judicial System on the implementation of the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program to assure that all citizens within the State of South Dakota have access to quality attorneys. Promotes practicing in rural South Dakota by hosting events at the law school and throughout the state. Provides news and resources to South Dakota rural practitioners.

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