South Dakota § 16-18-34.1 - Minimum qualifications.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-18-34.1 — Minimum qualifications., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-18-34.1. Minimum qualifications.
Any person employed by a licensed attorney as a legal assistant must meet the minimum qualifications of:
(1) Successful completion of the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.; or
(2) Graduation from an ABA approved program of study for legal assistants; or
(3) Graduation from a course of study for legal assistants which is institutionally accredited but not ABA approved, and which requires not less than the equivalent of sixty semester hours of classroom study; or
(4) Graduation from a course of study for legal assistants, other than those set forth in (2) and (3) above, plus not less than six months of in-house training as a legal assistant; or
(5) A baccalaureate degree in any field, plus not less than six months in-house training as a legal assistant; or
(6) A minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney, including at least six months of in-house training as a legal assistant; or
(7) Two years of in-house training as a legal assistant.
Provided, further, that any legal assistant hereunder shall have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
For purposes of these standards, "in-house training as a legal assistant" means legal education of the employee by a licensed attorney concerning legal assistant duties and these guidelines. In addition to review and analysis of assignments, the legal assistant should receive a reasonable amount of instruction directly related to the duties and obligations of the legal assistant and the Rules of Professional Conduct as stated in this chapter.
Source: Supreme Court Rule 97-25.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 16-18-34.1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-18-34.1 cover?
Section 16-18-34.1 ("Minimum qualifications.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 16-18-34.1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 16-18-34.1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 16-18-34.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.