The steering committee designated to study South Dakota’s bar admissions said more needs to be done to incentivize public interest legal practices.
The committee was appointed by the state Supreme Court and is focused on increasing interest in legal careers in South Dakota.
In particular, the board recommends a "fast-tracked" pathway for attorneys considering work in underserved rural areas. Statewide, a lack of dedicated, local public defenders has been a challenge for both courts and defendants.
The board also recommends requiring all licensed lawyers in South Dakota demonstrate a working knowledge of Indian law.
The Supreme Court will accept public comment on the full recommendation package at a date to be announced. The potential rule changes will be officially considered at a later point in 2024.