Legal Education in South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota — South Dakota's only law school — ABA-accredited since 1923, celebrating 125 years in 2026. Specialized programs in rural practice, Indian law, and environmental law with excellent job placement rates.

Rapid City, South Dakota — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved online paralegal program offering both AAS and BS degrees — performance-based curriculum preparing graduates for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam.

Statewide professional organization for paralegals — networking, continuing education, and advocacy for the paralegal profession in South Dakota.

Online stenography school available to South Dakota residents — personalized training with working court reporters. South Dakota has no in-state campus-based court reporting programs.

Free six-week introductory program from the National Court Reporters Association — learn the steno alphabet and basic machine writing. Available to South Dakota residents online.

The SD Supreme Court maintains a roster of approved mediators. Family court mediators must have 40 hours of mediation training or five years' experience with 20+ completed mediations.

National nonprofit providing resources on South Dakota's court ADR programs — research, program design, and best practices for dispute resolution across the state.

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the only legal nurse consultant credential accredited through ABSNC. Available to RNs nationwide via online programs.

Online 40-hour CLNC Certification Program — the industry standard for legal nurse consulting, with monthly mentoring included for the duration of certification.

Official notary application guide. Requirements: 18+, SD resident (or bordering county with SD workplace), no felony convictions, $30 filing fee. No training or exam required. Six-year commission.

Administers the South Dakota bar exam. South Dakota is not a UBE jurisdiction — the exam includes MBE, MEE, MPT, and a state-specific Indian Law Question. Combined passing score of 266 required.

Frequently asked questions about bar exam eligibility, exam format, application deadlines, and admission on motion — available for attorneys with 3 of 5 years' active practice.

South Dakota does not currently require mandatory CLE for license maintenance. However, the State Bar provides voluntary CLE sessions at no cost to members. Mandatory CLE was approved by members in June 2025.

Rapid City, South Dakota — ABA-approved online paralegal associate and bachelor's degree programs — also serving as a pathway for legal assistant career preparation in South Dakota.