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Information for Attorneys

Find SD Unified Judicial System resources and documents for attorneys/lawyers. Learn about pro bono opportunities and providing legal services in rural areas.

Find Necessary Tools & Documents

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to upholding justice and supporting attorneys in their vital roles. Get quick access to essential forms, documentation and resources you need to efficiently navigate day-to-day tasks. Focus on delivering quality legal services and upholding the law in South Dakota communities of all sizes.

Find a Court Date

Quickly find court dates for criminal, civil and family cases via Find Court Dates. The Public Access Calendar provides a court calendar for the county, date and case types selected.

Court Dates Court Monitor

Attorney Notifications

Attorneys can use the Attorney Notification System to receive notifications of specific events that are filed in cases where they are the attorney of record.

Attorney Notifications

Fourth Circuit Judicial Vacancy

Due to the Hon. John H. Fitzgerald’s future retirement, a vacancy will be created in Circuit Court Judge position (Position D) in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The duty station for this position will be located in Sturgis.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission is now taking applications for this position. The salary for a circuit court judge position in South Dakota is $183,694.13.

Applications must be returned to the State Court Administrator’s Office via United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail and must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on June 12, 2026.

Learn About Applying for the Judicial Position

Magistrate Judge Position

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System is hiring a Magistrate Judge in Deadwood or Sturgis for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. 

This position performs highly-responsible legal work in the disposition of certain types of cases in magistrate court in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Work involves responsibility for hearing and ruling on certain civil and criminal cases. 

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school, experience in the practice of law, and licensed to practice law in the South Dakota. The salary for this position is $140,196.34 annually. 

Learn About Applying for the Magistrate Judge Position

Access Resources

Rural Attorney Recruitment

Passionate about supporting South Dakota’s rural areas? The Rural Attorney Recruitment Program provides qualifying attorneys an incentive payment in return for five continuous years of practice in an eligible rural county (population of 10,000 or less) or municipality (population of 3,500 or less). Attorneys must enter into a contract with the UJS, State Bar, and the eligible county or municipality.

Learn About Rural Attorney Recruitment Program
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Get Involved as an Attorney

Offer your services to individuals, groups, nonprofits or other organizations to ensure that everyone has access to legal services. Make a significant difference for those in need while gaining valuable experience in the field.

Get Involved in Pro Bono Work & More
SD Supreme Court Chairs

Apply to Serve as a Circuit Court Judge

Circuit court judges play a vital role in presiding over civil and criminal cases, ensuring fair and impartial justice. Learn about the process to apply for an open judicial position when there is a vacancy within the Unified Judicial System.

Judicial Application