Job Title: Senior Deputy State’s Attorney

Department: State’s Attorney Office

Reports To: State’s Attorney

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Revision Date: 09/16/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description indicates, in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. It may be modified at any time at the discretion of the Department Head and Human Resources.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Deputy State’s Attorney performs routine professional legal work in the prosecution of civil and criminal crimes, juvenile crimes, and juvenile abuse and neglect cases in Lincoln County. Actual responsibilities of the Senior Deputy State’s Attorney vary dependent upon vacant position but may include reviewing offenses and evidence to make determination on charges and prosecuting violations of state law, reviewing requests for petitions and determining appropriate course of action, communicating with victims, law enforcement officials, and other individuals about cases, making recommendations for child custody and parental rights, and attending legal proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a college of law, attainment of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, and admission by the Supreme Court of South Dakota to practice law in the state of South Dakota or be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next available South Dakota bar examination or be a recent or imminent law school graduate, eligible to sit for the next available South Dakota bar examination. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Consideration for appointment of Senior Deputy State’s Attorney requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience and are able to take on a felony caseload.

Preferred Qualifications

Currently licensed to practice law in South Dakota. Strong oral argument skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of civil and criminal law and methods and practices of pleadings, court procedures and rules of evidence, principles, methods, materials, and practices utilized in legal research, and general law and established precedents. Ability to prosecute cases. Ability to work under strict time constraints. Ability to speak and write effectively in the preparation and presentation of legal matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. The following list includes the major functions for which the person in this position is held accountable. Actual daily time spent in any activity fluctuates depending on assigned responsibilities and the particular position within the department. The position may also include other duties as assigned. Incidental or non-essential functions are not included.

• Prepare and manage a caseload of misdemeanor cases, felonies, juvenile violation cases, or juvenile abuse and neglect cases. Present cases for legal proceedings. Perform legal research. Prepare, draft, and file legal documents and correspondence.

• Review offenses, police reports, and evidence to make determination on charges. Prepare, send, and track subpoenas for witnesses and records. Prepare and interview witnesses for legal proceedings. Select jurors.

• Stay informed on changes in relevant laws, statutes, and proposed legislation and policy pertaining to criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile abuse and neglect. Draft proposed legislation and appear before legislative committees.

• Communicate, correspond, and collaborate with parties involved in cases including victims, parents, school personnel, attorneys, court personnel, and law enforcement regarding procedures and actions for those cases. This may include after hour and weekend calls from law enforcement on cases that require immediate attention from the State’s Attorney’s Office.

• Make recommendations for custody, parental rights, sentences, and restitution.

• Represent the State’s Attorney’s Office at public, private, and inter-governmental programs and events, communicate with the media, prepare press releases, and serve on boards, panels, and task forces.

• Train and educate volunteers, law enforcement, and social workers on their roles and duties on legal issues and the court process duties. This may include the training of interns, new attorneys, and other staff as assigned.

• Answer, handle, or direct phone calls and walk-in traffic from law enforcement, the general public, and media regarding legal concerns or inquiries.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is a standard office setting.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Travels outside of office as necessary for trial preparation, to counsel clients, attend training sessions, and perform other job-related duties as required. Work may be performed offsite at correctional facility, jail, penitentiary, and courtroom settings.

Application Process:  To apply, please submit your resume and qualifications via the following link: Career Center | Recruitment