Job ID: 

Agency: Office of Attorney General
Location: Pierre, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls
Salary: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00
Pay Grade: L3
Closing Date: September 1, 2026

This is a full-time position with the Office of the Attorney General. For more information on the Office of the Attorney General, please visit http://atg.sd.gov.

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced civil litigator to serve as an Assitant Attorney General who will defend actions brought against the State and initiate affimative litigation on behalf of the State. This position offers a unique opportunity to represent the State of South Dakota, its agencies, and officials in complex, high-impact civil litigation in both state and federal courts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as lead counsel in civil litigation matters involving the State, including constitutional, administrative, and general civil claims

Represent state agencies, boards, and officials in trial and appellate courts

Provide legal advice and strategic counsel to client agencies on litigation risk and case development

Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings

Conduct discovery, take and defend depositions, and manage case strategy from inception through resolution

Handle evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments

Collaborate with other divisions within the Attorney General’s Office, as well as other state agencies

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have a juris doctorate from an accredited law school, be licensed to practice law in South Dakota or can promptly obtain licensure, and have excellent writing, research, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have eight or more years of litigation experience. Assistant Attorneys General must uphold the highest degrees of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting salary for this position ranges from $115,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on experience. On top of a set salary, the State of South Dakota has an exceptional benefit package including retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and paid training opportunities. More information on our benefits package can be found at: http://bhr.sd.gov.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume containing three references, and a writing sample of no more than ten pages by September 1, 2026. 

Submit application materials to Amanda Miiller, Civil Division Deputy, amanda.miiller@state.sd.us or online at http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

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 employer paid health insurance 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 at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.