The South Dakota Supreme Court has adopted new rules for a pilot program that offers a public service pathway to bar admission. The decision was made following a hearing on February 18, 2025.
In 2024, the Supreme Court established an implementation committee to explore alternative paths to bar admission. This led to the proposal of a five-year public service pathway pilot program by the South Dakota Bar Licensure Implementation Committee. The initiative provides an alternative route to bar licensure through legal education, practical experience, and public service commitments without requiring the traditional bar exam.
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and the South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners will administer this pilot program. It will include a supervised practice component alongside the existing character and fitness review process. Participants who fulfill all requirements and commit to two years of public service will be admitted to practice law.
The program is exclusively available to students at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and is limited to ten students per class who meet specific criteria during the pilot period.