Brown County Public Defender's Office | Aberdeen, South Dakota

The Brown County Public Defender's Office is seeking a Deputy Public Defender to help build and shape our newly established office.

Whether you're a newly licensed attorney, an experienced litigator, or somewhere in between, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to providing exceptional training, mentorship, and professional development while fostering a supportive team environment focused on client advocacy and work-life balance.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable courtroom experience, develop trial skills, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who need legal representation.

• $80,800–$101,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience
• Salary negotiable for highly qualified candidates

• Employer-paid employee health insurance
• Employer-paid dental insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Optional dependent and supplemental insurance plans
• South Dakota Retirement System participation
• 6% employer retirement match for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off package
• Extended sick leave benefits
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

This is more than a legal position—it's an opportunity to help establish a new public defender office and influence its future.

We promote a collaborative, team-focused culture where attorneys are encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Through manageable caseloads, modern technology, and strong internal support, our goal is to help attorneys succeed both inside and outside the courtroom.

Even if you have little or no criminal law experience, we provide comprehensive training and mentorship to help you develop the skills needed to thrive in public defense.

Training opportunities include:

• Courtroom procedures and professional etiquette
• Motion practice and legal writing
• Client communication and case management
• Plea negotiations and advocacy
• Jury trial preparation and litigation
• Appellate practice
• Criminal, juvenile, abuse and neglect, and mental health proceedings

The Deputy Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals who qualify for court-appointed counsel in:

• Felony criminal cases
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Juvenile delinquency matters
• Abuse and neglect proceedings
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Involuntary alcohol commitment proceedings

Attorneys will represent clients throughout all phases of litigation, including initial appearances, arraignments, motion hearings, negotiations, trials, and appeals when appropriate.

Depending on qualifications and experience, candidates may be considered for a Senior Deputy Public Defender designation.

• Provide zealous and effective legal representation to clients
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings
• Represent clients during hearings, trials, and other court proceedings
• Negotiate with prosecutors, opposing counsel, and stakeholders
• Maintain regular communication with clients and interested parties
• Manage assigned caseloads efficiently and professionally
• Collaborate with the Chief Public Defender and office staff
• Assist with office development and continuous improvement initiatives

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree
• Licensed to practice law in South Dakota or eligible for admission
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
• Commitment to client advocacy and public service

• Experience in criminal law, litigation, or courtroom advocacy
• Trial experience
• Public defense, prosecution, or judicial clerkship experience

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law
• Strong legal research and analytical abilities
• Effective courtroom advocacy skills
• Ability to develop persuasive legal arguments
• Sound judgment and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with legal technology and case management systems

• Office and courtroom setting
• Collaborative team atmosphere
• Opportunity for mentorship and professional growth
• Meaningful work serving the community and protecting constitutional rights

If you're looking for a rewarding legal career with excellent benefits, courtroom experience, professional development, and the opportunity to help build a new public defender office from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your application today and join the Brown County Public Defender's Office team in Aberdeen, South Dakota.