South Dakota Pro Bono
South Dakota Supreme Court Rule 16-17-4.1 allows South Dakota attorneys that have maintained active status and are retired or retiring from the practice of law to practice on a pro bono basis.
Pro bono/emeritus attorneys may only represent clients that are referred to the attorney by the East River Legal Service, Dakota Plains Legal Services, Access to Justice, or such other pro bono program recognized and approved by the South Dakota Bar. Attorneys may not represent friends, neighbors, and relatives, even if no fee is charged. Pro bono/emeritus attorneys are required to pay the dues of inactive attorneys.
Attorneys seeking emeritus status must file an Emeritus Registration Form prepared by the Secretary-Treasurer of the South Dakota Bar. The Secretary-Treasurer then notifies the approved organizations that the attorney is available for pro bono referrals.