Judicial Application Process
Judicial announcements are published in the State Bar Newsletter. Applications may be obtained from either the UJS website or from the Secretary of Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC).
The Commission shall require completion of a questionnaire which shall include questions relating to the background and qualifications of the applicant, a waiver of confidentiality of all materials necessary to adequately investigate each applicant, including, but not limited to, disciplinary records of the South Dakota State Bar Disciplinary Board, any other bar association disciplinary records, and records maintained by any law enforcement agency. The investigation will be conducted in a professional manner but may not be entirely confidential. There may be additional investigations and contacts made by JQC members if deemed appropriate. In addition to the application, an applicant will be required to submit two examples of legal articles, books, briefs, or other legal writings, which reflect his/her personal work. Finally, a credit report with credit score not more than 30 days old will need to be submitted.
Thereafter, the Commission will schedule interviews and will interview all candidates. By majority vote, the Commission shall select two or more qualified persons to fill each judicial vacancy from the list of those persons interviewed who meet the requirements of the South Dakota Constitution, these Rules, and all other legal requirements for the judicial office.
The names of such nominees selected by the Commission shall be submitted to the Governor in alphabetical order along with a copy of all investigative information and documents relating to each nominee.