South Dakota Pro Bono and Free Legal Help Resources
If you are looking for free or low cost legal help in South Dakota, the organizations below may be a good place to start. Availability depends on the type of case, your income, and where you live. Some programs handle civil matters only, while public defenders generally assist with qualifying criminal cases.
South Dakota has a smaller but effective legal aid network focused on helping residents with housing, family law, domestic violence protection, and basic civil legal needs.
Main Legal Aid Provider
East River Legal Services
East River Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low income residents in eastern South Dakota.
Address
335 North Main Avenue
Suite 200
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone
(605) 336-9230
Website
https://erlservices.org
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Dakota Plains Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying residents across South Dakota, including many rural and Native American communities.
Address
520 Kansas City Street
Suite 300
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone
(800) 658-2290
Website
https://www.dpls.org
State Legal Information Site
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Self-Help
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides court forms, legal information, and resources for individuals representing themselves.
Website
https://ujs.sd.gov/selfhelp
Free Online Legal Answers
South Dakota Free Legal Answers
South Dakota Free Legal Answers allows eligible individuals to ask civil legal questions online and receive responses from volunteer attorneys.
Website
https://southdakota.freelegalanswers.org
Specialty or Pro Bono Program
State Bar of South Dakota Pro Bono Program
The State Bar of South Dakota supports pro bono legal services and connects individuals with volunteer attorneys when available.
Address
222 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone
(605) 224-7554
Website
https://www.statebarofsouthdakota.com
Law School Clinics
University of South Dakota School of Law Clinics
The University of South Dakota offers legal clinics where students provide services under attorney supervision.
Clinic areas may include
• Family law
• Criminal defense
• Civil litigation
• Native American law
Website
https://www.usd.edu/law/academics/clinics
Lawyer Directory or Referral
State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Directory
The State Bar of South Dakota provides a directory to help individuals locate licensed attorneys.
Website
https://www.statebarofsouthdakota.com
Public Defender
South Dakota Public Defender Services
Public defender services in South Dakota are generally handled at the county level. If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a public defender.
Contact your local county courthouse for more information.
Court and Self-Help Links
South Dakota Unified Judicial System
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System website provides court information, forms, and self-help resources.
Website
https://ujs.sd.gov
Important Note
Court locations, office hours, and program availability can change. Please confirm details directly with the organization before relying on this information.
ProBonoLawyers.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This website should be considered a directory intended to help people locate legal resources that may offer pro bono or reduced cost services. Use of this site does not create an attorney client relationship.