Legal Education in South Dakota
Law schools, paralegal programs, certifications, bar exam resources, and continuing education in South Dakota.
Law Schools
ABA-accredited JD programs in South Dakota
Paralegal Programs
Accredited paralegal education and certificate programs
National American University — Paralegal Studies
ABA-approved online paralegal program offering both AAS and BS degrees — performance-based curriculum preparing graduates for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam.
South Dakota Paralegal Association
Statewide professional organization for paralegals — networking, continuing education, and advocacy for the paralegal profession in South Dakota.
Court Reporter & Captioning Programs
Stenography, digital reporting, and real-time captioning training
SimplySteno — Online Court Reporting
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.
NCRA A to Z Steno Program
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.
Mediator & ADR Certification
Alternative dispute resolution training and qualified neutral roster
South Dakota Unified Judicial System — Mediation
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.
Resolution Systems Institute — South Dakota
National nonprofit providing resources on South Dakota's court ADR programs — research, program design, and best practices for dispute resolution across the state.
Legal Nurse Consulting
Certification programs for RNs providing litigation support
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)
National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the only legal nurse consultant credential accredited through ABSNC. Available to RNs nationwide via online programs.
Vickie Milazzo Institute — CLNC Certification
Online 40-hour CLNC Certification Program — the industry standard for legal nurse consulting, with monthly mentoring included for the duration of certification.
Notary Public Certification
How to become a notary public in South Dakota
Bar Admission & Exam
Pathways to becoming a licensed attorney in South Dakota
South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners
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.
South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners — FAQ
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.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Requirements for licensed South Dakota attorneys
Legal Secretary & Legal Assistant Programs
Certificate and degree programs for legal support professionals
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