Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has announced the reappointment of Judge Robin J. Houwman as Presiding Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit in South Dakota. This decision follows Jensen's own reselection as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
According to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at their discretion. These judges act as administrative heads of their circuits, with the Second Judicial Circuit covering Lincoln and Minnehaha counties.
"Judge Houwman leads the largest circuit in the state and does it well," stated Chief Justice Jensen. "Her leadership ensures that the Second Judicial Circuit runs efficiently, effectively and fairly for the citizens of the circuit."
Judge Houwman's academic background includes an undergraduate degree from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, obtained in 1993, and a juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law earned in 1996. Her professional experience spans roles such as law clerk for the Second Judicial Circuit from 1996 to 1997, private practice attorney from 1997 to 2007, Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2008 to 2009, culminating in her appointment as a circuit court judge for the Second Judicial Circuit in 2009. She has been serving as presiding judge since 2018.