Hiring Organization

USAO District of South Dakota

Job ID

SLV-2027-01

Location

Multiple Locations

About the Office The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota plays a vital role in enforcing federal law and protecting the interests of the United States. We investigate and prosecute federal crimes and handle civil matters in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, as well as appeals before the Eighth Circuit.

Our work is carried out across three litigating divisions—Criminal, Appellate, and Civil.

- Criminal Division: Handles a broad range of federal offenses, including crimes in Indian Country, controlled substance violations, violent and organized crime, fraud, tax violations, white‑collar matters, civil rights violations, crimes against children, and national security cases.
- Civil Division: Litigates cases in which the United States is a party—such as bankruptcy matters, collections, affirmative civil enforcement, federal tort claims, EEOC matters, and prisoner petitions.
- Appellate Division: Manages the district’s appellate litigation and provides legal guidance to Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

Multiple opportunities are available. Summer Law Volunteers are placed in our Sioux Falls (headquarters), Rapid City, or Pierre offices. This program is fully in‑person; work from home is not available.

This posting is open and continuous but may close early once all positions are filled.

The District of South Dakota seeks highly motivated law students to join our Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre offices as Summer Law Volunteers. Students work alongside experienced Assistant U.S.



Attorneys who provide daily supervision, mentorship, and substantive assignments. Volunteers can expect hands‑on experience such as:

- researching legal issues and presenting findings orally and/or through written memoranda;
- assisting in drafting pre‑trial and post‑trial motions and responses;
- contributing to trial and appellate brief writing;
- observing key phases of federal litigation (witness interviews, depositions, trials, sentencings, appellate arguments, and more);
- preparing affidavits, exhibits, and trial notebooks; and
- participating in court hearings for those eligible under student‑practice rules.

Additional professional development opportunities include:
- meeting with federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and HSI;
- attending “Law Student Volunteer Panels” hosted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys; and
- being introduced to federal judges and courtroom staff.

The summer session runs approximately June through August. To gain the full benefit of the program, volunteers are expected to serve in person for a minimum of eight weeks. Qualifications To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following:

- Law Student Status: Open only to students entering their second year of law school. Graduates are not eligible.



Applicants must be enrolled at least half‑time in an accredited J.D. program. Preferred candidates demonstrate strong academics, excellent writing skills, and good standing at their institution.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or individuals who owe permanent allegiance to the United States.
- Background Investigation: Selected applicants must successfully complete a federal background check.
- Volunteer Agreement: All participants must sign a Volunteer Participant Agreement (completed upon selection).

Application Process Submit a single combined PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “Summer 2027 SLV” no later than midnight CT, February 26, 2027. Your packet must include:

- Cover letter stating your contact information, preferred litigating division(s), preferred location(s) (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and/or Pierre), availability dates, interest in the USAO’s work, and any ties to the District of South Dakota.
- Résumé (maximum of 2 pages, per federal requirements).
- Unofficial law school transcript; if your current term’s grades are pending, submit them once available.
- Legal writing sample (maximum of 10 pages).

Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. We participate in on‑campus interviews at the University of South Dakota Knutson School of Law. For students outside the area or when OCI is not feasible, interviews may be conducted remotely or in person at our Sioux Falls office.

Salary

Unpaid volunteer position; academic credit may be possible through your law school.

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