HB1270

Provide an apprenticeship pathway to practice law in South Dakota.

Introduced·2/4/26
Introduced Text

Establishes an apprenticeship pathway for University of South Dakota School of Law graduates to become licensed attorneys in South Dakota.

South Dakota HB1270 creates a legal apprenticeship program for University of South Dakota School of Law graduates to become licensed attorneys. To qualify, applicants must be South Dakota residents, complete 675 hours of supervised apprenticeship under a qualified attorney, and pass a criminal background check. Upon meeting these requirements, apprentices receive a license to practice law. Newly licensed attorneys must perform 50 hours of pro bono legal services annually for five years.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
4
RRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Deferred to the 41st legislative day

10 Yea

RRRDRRRRRR

3 Nay

RRR

Calendar

Feb 23

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

Feb 23

House

Scheduled for hearing

Feb 23

House

Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 3. H.J. 27

Feb 5

House

Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 237