Volunteer
Protecting Rights.
Advancing Justice.
We believe that justice should never be a privilege
reserved just for the few.
By using your skills and expertise, you can help us promote a more equitable South Dakota for all.
The Need
14% of the SD population lives below the poverty line
For many in our state and local Tribal Nations, getting legal aid is the difference between being trapped in a cycle of poverty or having a chance at a better life.
Unfortunately, more people need our support than we can help.
We end up turning away one in five eligible cases, often due to limited resources and staffing.
While we always provide some sort of resource (like self-help guides), countless people in crisis are left to navigate the legal system on their own — often resulting in unfair outcomes.
Your support can help bridge this gap so more people receive the legal aid they desperately need.
Access to Justice
About
Access to Justice (A2J) is a statewide legal aid program of the South Dakota Bar Association. A2J connects volunteer attorneys with eligible clients, offering pro bono and reduced-rate services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Attorneys can sign up to offer pro bono or reduced-rate services.
East River Legal Services
About
East River Legal Services (ERLS) provides free legal aid mostly in Eastern South Dakota. ERLS has a team of attorneys, paralegals, and client advocates that specialize in civil legal issues.
Volunteer Opportunities
Attorneys can volunteer to take on a pro bono case, advise pro se clients (without committing to their case), or volunteer at an ERLS clinic. Law students can also apply for internships or externships for school credit.
Consider signing up for our Simple Justice Volunteer Platform for attorneys, students, and community partners. Sign up is easy and only takes a few minutes. Vet pro bono volunteers, do clinic sign ups, and more.
Dakota Plains Legal Services
About
Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS) offers free legal help mostly in Western South Dakota and on Tribal Lands throughout the state. DPLS attorneys and paralegals help clients in both state and Tribal Courts.
Volunteer Opportunities
Attorneys can volunteer to offer pro bono or reduced-rate services through our Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI). Law students can also apply for internships or externships for school credit.
Legal Areas
We take on a variety of civil legal cases, including:
- Family Issues
- Custody & Children
- Protection Orders
- Housing
- Debt/Bankruptcy
- Wills & End-of-Life-Planning
- Consumer Protection
- Public Benefits
- Tribal Law
- Disabilities/Discrimination
- Employment
We do NOT take on cases like:
- Criminal Law
- Personal Injury
- Class Action Lawsuits
- Immigration
Please note: Each organization helps with different kinds of legal problems. Please apply online to find out which one can help you.
Our Goal
Promote Fairer Treatment
Without free legal aid, many people are at an unfair disadvantage. Our goal is for everyone in our state to have access to justice, regardless of income or life situation.
Clarify Legal Issues
The legal system can be confusing and complex. We’re here to help people understand their rights, navigate the system, and know what steps to take next.
Protect What’s Important
Legal issues often impact life’s basic needs. We want to help people protect rights that affect stability and well-being, like housing and family.
Build a Better Future
We believe in doing more than just solving immediate problems. By connecting people to community resources, we set them up to thrive long-term.
Not a Law Professional?
There are many other ways to advocate for the rights of South Dakotans and members of local Tribes.
From fundraising to event planning, it takes all kinds of skills to keep our organizations running.
Together, we can impact more lives.
Share your experience to help others who need it.
East River Legal Services
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Access to Justice