South Dakota Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The South Dakota Bar Foundation is one of five winners announced by the U.S. Department of Justice for its Access to Justice Prize Competition.

The Access to Justice Prize focuses on closing the rural justice gap, recognizing that rural communities face unique and significant barriers to resources and support in the legal system. The competition highlights the creativity and dedication of organizations working to expand justice for all. The winning projects represent actionable approaches that will help provide legal support for communities across America.

In rural South Dakota, there is a declining number of practicing attorneys, leaving access to justice out of reach for many citizens. The South Dakota Bar Foundation was selected as a competition winner for creating Project Rural Practice Hub, an online resource center that provides on-demand training, technical assistance and mentorship to rural attorneys.

Read more at https://bit.ly/44VNwkI.

Professor Ann Tweedy and the Federal Indian Law class visited Rosebud Tribal Court. They were able to watch a civil proceeding involving a protection order, view some arraignments, and tour the adult detention facility. Thank you to Rosebud Tribal Court for welcoming USD Law and for the learning experience!🐾

If you are able, please join PRP & SDDLA for a Reception for the Court on October 1! I'll be there and excited to talk about the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program!

The South Dakota Rural Attorney Recruitment Program is 10 years old!

The program’s 10-year anniversary was observed during the State Bar of South Dakota Annual Convention in Sioux Falls on June 22, 2023. South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen (pictured on right) and Attorney Bob Morris, former president of the South Dakota State Bar, (pictured on left) cut the cake for the anniversary celebration.

The Rural Attorney Recruitment Program was approved by the South Dakota Legislature in 2013 to address the current and projected shortage of lawyers practicing in small communities and rural areas of South Dakota. Thirty-one attorneys are current or past participants of the program. Of the 15 program graduates, 12 attorneys have stayed in their rural communities to continue practicing.

Learn more about the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program at https://ujs.sd.gov/Attorneys/RuralRecruitment.aspx.