Legal Secretary | Sioux Falls Office

Job Description

Full-Time | 34 Hours Per Week | 68 Hours Per Pay Period

Are you organized, dependable, and someone who enjoys a fast-paced workday? Dakota Plains Legal Services is seeking a Legal Secretary to join our Sioux Falls office. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with people, managing multiple priorities, and being an important part of a team serving our communities.

About Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS):

For nearly 60 years, the mission of Dakota Plains Legal Services has been to promote equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income clients through quality legal assistance. As a nonprofit organization, we provide legal representation, advocacy, and community education in Indian law, family law, health law, housing law, and income maintenance law. DPLS serves Native American and non-Native clients across South Dakota, with offices located on or near tribal nations.

Benefits We Offer:

• Work Schedule: Enjoy a four-day work week with 8.5-hour days, giving you every Friday off. A three-day weekend, every weekend!
• Leave: Generous paid leave and designated paid holidays throughout the year.
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid employee coverage for medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, term life, and AD&D insurance. Vision insurance is also available.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.
• Salary: Based on experience.

About the Role:

As the Legal Secretary in our Sioux Falls office, you will help keep a busy legal office organized and running smoothly. You will provide day-to-day support to attorneys, paralegals, and advocates, prepare legal documents and correspondence, assist with administrative tasks, and help individuals through the application and intake process.

This is a fast-paced, people-focused position that requires strong organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to shift between priorities throughout the day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and secretarial support to attorneys, paralegals, and advocates.
• Prepare legal pleadings, correspondence, and other documents at the direction of an attorney or paralegal.
• Assist applicants with the application and intake process.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, applicants, and members of the public.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and organizational information.
• Help manage day-to-day office needs and keep administrative processes organized.

• Perform additional administrative duties as directed by the Managing Attorney.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education: High school diploma required.
• Experience: Two years of experience in a law firm or similar office environment preferred.
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Technology: Familiarity and experience with commonly used word processing software and data management programs.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work professionally with the public.
• Confidentiality: An understanding and appreciation of the importance of client confidentiality.
• Teamwork: A positive, dependable approach and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Why Join Us?

At DPLS, the Legal Secretary is an important part of the team and often one of the first people our applicants and clients interact with. Your work helps attorneys, paralegals, and advocates serve clients effectively while helping ensure people seeking legal assistance are treated with professionalism and respect.

If you enjoy staying organized, helping people, and being part of a team where no two days are quite the same, we encourage you to apply!

Closing Date:

Open until filled.

DPLS is committed to equal employment opportunities for all workers, regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected class status. DPLS is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws and regulations. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply.