Governor Kristi Noem has appointed the Honorable Abigail (Abbey) Howard to the Third Judicial Circuit Court. Governor Noem expressed confidence in Judge Howard's ability to serve, stating, “In addition to Abbey’s current experience on the bench, she was raised with service to others as a foundational principle. I am confident she will continue to serve the people in her circuit and our state with compassion, fairness and excellence.”
Judge Howard is originally from Volga. She completed her undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University, graduating magna cum laude. She earned her juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, where she contributed as an editor for the South Dakota Law Review.
Her legal career began at Fite & Pierce Law Office in Brookings. In 2013, she transitioned to a role as a prosecutor with the Brookings County State’s Attorney’s Office. Three years later, she was elected as Brookings County State’s Attorney. Her judicial career commenced in 2018 when she was appointed as a magistrate judge in the Third Judicial Circuit, covering court duties across several counties including Brookings and Codington.
Expressing gratitude for her new appointment, Judge Howard said, “I’m honored and humbled by the faith placed in me by the Governor. I look forward to continue serving the citizens of the Third Circuit in this new capacity.”
The Third Judicial Circuit encompasses multiple counties: Beadle, Brookings, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Hand Jerauld Kingsbury Lake Miner Moody and Sanborn.
Judge Howard resides in Brookings with her husband Lance—who is employed as a senior wealth management officer at First Bank & Trust—and their three children.