Assistant Attorney General - Appellate Division
Listed on 2026-09-17
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Law/Legal
Lawyer, Legal Counsel
Job Title
Assistant Attorney General - Appellate Division
AgencyOffice of the Attorney General
LocationPierre, SD
Salary$85,000 - $115, 000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay GradeL1 - L2
Contract TypeFull-time position (This is a full-time position with the Office of the Attorney General.)
Closing DateOpen Until Filled
Job OverviewThe Office of Attorney General has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in our Appellate Division. This position presents an unmatched opportunity to brief and argue cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court, United States District Court, and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The attorney chosen for this spot will represent the state in criminal appeals, habeas cases, and as a prosecutor for various state licensing boards.
The position’s primary duties include researching for and writing appellate briefs and orally arguing cases. AAGs in South Dakota have diverse opportunities attorneys cannot find elsewhere in the state, without the stress of billable hours, and with the benefit of a collaborative, friendly work environment.
The office is committed to developing top-notch attorneys. The attorney in this position will receive hands-on experience, direct mentoring from senior attorneys, occasions to work on diverse and evolving caseloads, paid training opportunities, and exposure to complex legal and evidentiary issues.
Office LocationThe Appellate Division is headquartered in Pierre - "best place to live" in South Dakota according to USA Today in 2018. Pierre is a safe, tight-knit community with over 350 acres of parks, serene landscapes, highly rated restaurants, water and dog parks, friendly people, and an affordable cost of living. A highly experienced applicant may have the possibility to work from a branch office location.
StartingSalary
Salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $115,000 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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
QualificationsApplicants 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 oral advocacy skills. Assistant Attorneys General must uphold the highest degrees of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
Eligibility and Compliance- 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 $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration Telephone: Email: careers.us
Equal Opportunity Employer"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
InformationFor more information on the Office of the Attorney General, please visit .
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