Civil Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney

The Minnehaha County State's Attorney's Office is accepting applications for a Civil Deputy/Senior Deputy State's Attorney. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the Highway Department and other county operations. This is an opportunity to collaborate with elected officials, department heads, and public boards, ensuring county projects, contracts, and policies are legally sound and strategically executed.

Consider a rewarding career with us in a fast-paced office and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous PTO program; extended sick leave program; inclusion into the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan!

The hiring range is $3,780.00 - $4,376.00/biweekly.

Please include cover letter and resume with online application.

This position will remain open until filled. Application review begins on December 29, 2025.

• Conduct legal research and provide written and oral opinions to County officials, department heads, and the Highway Department on a wide range of civil and infrastructure-related matters.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risk tied to transportation projects, public works, land acquisition, and county operations.
• Prepare and prosecute civil complaints on behalf of the County.
• Represent Minnehaha County at meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, Planning & Zoning Commission, Conservation District, and other public bodies.
• Negotiate, draft, and review contracts—including purchase agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and public construction documents.
• Provide legal assistance on RFP and bidding process and other procurement issues.
• Draft resolutions, ordinances, requests for proposals (RFPs), bid solicitations, and responses under the Open Records Act.
• Manage real estate-related legal work, including right-of-way matters, property acquisition, and related documentation.
• Provide legal assistance in developing policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local law.
• Offer legal guidance to the Human Resources Department on employment law matters when needed.
• Coordinate the defense of habeas corpus petitions, including drafting motions, preparing briefs, and participating in evidentiary hearings.
  
  

Graduation from a college of law. Attainment of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. 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. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process. Consideration for appointment as a Senior Civil Deputy State's Attorney requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

Working knowledge of civil law principles, methods, materials and practices utilized in legal research; and general law and established precedents. Ability to prosecute cases. 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.

Other Helpful Experience

Four or more years of legal experience. Two or more years of legal experience as in-house corporate counsel or in the public sector representing a state or local governmental entity. Jury trial experience. Prior experience in the following subject areas: civil litigation, procurement, real estate, public records law, land use law, employment law, collective bargaining, and other laws affecting county government.Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.