About Legal Careers
Why Choose a Legal Career?
Want to use your voice to help others? A legal career might be your perfect path. Law is about solving problems, supporting your community, and building a better future.
Whether you want to fight for justice in the courtroom, help families through tough times, or make sure businesses play fair—there’s a legal role for you. Learn about legal careers that will fit your interests and skill sets.
Discover Diverse Paths
Law is more than lawyers. You could be a law enforcement officer, a court reporter, legal assistant, social worker, investigator, or even work in tech and justice together.
Build a career that grows with you. Start with a certificate, two-year, or four-year degree - there's no one right way to start. Learn about job roles, earning potential, and the education paths that get you there.
Pathways to your legal future
Explore South Dakota Post-secondary Schools
While some legal careers only require a high school diploma, going to college or earning a training certificate can open up big opportunities.
From becoming a paralegal or court reporter to pursuing law school to become an attorney or judge, each level of education builds skills you'll use on the job—like research, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking. You’ll also connect with mentors, internships, and experiences that help you find your path. The more you learn, the more options—and earning potential—you’ll have in the legal field.
University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law
Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, the USD Knudson School of Law is the state’s only law school—and a powerful place to launch your legal career. Whether you're passionate about justice, policy, or advocacy, USD offers hands-on learning, experienced professors, and close connections to South Dakota’s legal community. With small class sizes and programs like the Trial Academy and Rural Practice Initiative, students get real-world experience and personalized support. If you're dreaming of becoming a lawyer or making an impact through the law, Knudson is a great place to start.
Work in your community
South Dakota offers unique opportunities for students and new lawyers interested in rural legal practice. Through programs like the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program (RARP) and the Rural Internship Incentive Program (RIIP), law students and early-career attorneys can receive financial support while gaining hands-on experience in small towns across the state. These programs help cover costs like living expenses, internships, or loan repayment, making it easier to build a legal career in communities that truly need legal professionals. It’s a chance to make a difference—and get support along the way.
Build a Community of Practice
The State Bar of South Dakota and its Young Lawyers Section offer valuable support and mentorship for anyone pursuing a law-related career. Whether you're a student exploring your options, a paralegal building your skills, or a new attorney starting out, these organizations provide networking opportunities, career resources, and real-world advice from experienced professionals. Through events, outreach programs, and mentorship connections, they help you navigate your path, grow your confidence, and feel supported every step of the way in the legal field.