South Dakota law currently requires law school graduation and bar exam passage to practice law, but this bill creates a new apprenticeship pathway allowing University of South Dakota law school graduates to become licensed attorneys by completing 675 hours of supervised legal work under an experienced attorney instead of taking the bar exam. Applicants must be South Dakota residents and work with a supervising attorney who has at least seven years of legal experience, whether in private practice or government.
AI-generated summary
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 3. H.J. 27
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 237
First Reading House H.J. 220
Prime sponsor · Sen
R
Dist. SD-030
Prime sponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-031
cosponsor · Rep
D
Dist. HD-026
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-026
Timothy Goodwin
cosponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-030
Deferred to the 41st legislative day
Deferred to the 41st legislative day