Pro Bono Lawyers and Attorneys in South Dakota
Where to ask for pro bono legal services or a free attorney in South Dakota, including legal aid programs, who qualifies, and other free or low-cost help. We do not recommend or rank lawyers.
Where to ask for a free lawyer or attorney
| Pro bono and legal aid programs | The State Bar of South Dakota's Access to Justice program offers pro bono legal services. Apply through the online intake form on its Free/Low-Cost Help page, or call the State Bar at 800-952-2333. Staff screen applicants, then try to match eligible cases with a volunteer attorney, who may decline after an interview if the case lacks merit. The Legal Services Corporation also funds Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services. LSC: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/our-grantees |
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| Who qualifies | Access to Justice serves individuals "living at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines"; survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking "living at or below 150%"; and people with disabilities, elderly people and veterans who "live at or below 200%." "Our program is not able to assist individuals currently incarcerated." |
| Cases covered | "Access to Justice does not accept applications for fee-generating cases." Criminal cases are also excluded. |
Other free or low-cost help
| If you earn too much for free help | The Modest Means Program, run by the State Bar of South Dakota and Access to Justice, is for eligible clients who do not qualify for pro bono services. "The maximum retainer a participating attorney can collect for a modest means program case is $650," and "the maximum hourly fee is the current state court-appointed fee rate." The page does not state an income limit. |
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| Does the bar's referral service find free lawyers? | The State Bar of South Dakota's Lawyer Referral Service page directs people who cannot afford a lawyer to its Free/Low-Cost Help page: "Can't afford a lawyer? Find free or low cost legal services in South Dakota." Phone 800-952-2333. |
| Free legal aid | Free civil legal aid for low-income South Dakotans is provided by two LSC-funded programs: Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services (per the Legal Services Corporation's grantee list). The North Dakota courts' Finding a Lawyer page also describes Dakota Plains Legal Services as providing free legal help to low-income individuals, older Americans and veterans across South Dakota and North Dakota, including tribal court matters. DPLS description: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/finding-a-lawyer |
| Lawyer referral service | The State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Referral Service is a public service to help you find a qualified, local lawyer. Participating lawyers give you a consultation covering the nature of your legal issue, possible options, and the costs of hiring an attorney. Call (800) 952-2333 or request a referral online. The service confirms participating attorneys are active members in good standing but does not evaluate or endorse their qualifications for any practice area. |
All legal help in South Dakota · What is a pro bono lawyer? · Pro bono lawyers in other states
Last verified against official sources: November 4, 2026.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.