To support and fund access to justice, lawyer well-being and professionalism, and legal education for the public.
The foundation of our profession.
Throughout its history, the State Bar of South Dakota has been guided by a strong sense of responsibility to address funding for civil legal aid, advancing justice, improving public education about the law, encouraging public service and encouraging professionalism.
Bar members and bar leaders have consistently embraced their duty to improve the state of our legal system and ensure access to justice for all South Dakotans. To facilitate that commitment, a small group of lawyers banded together in 1983 to develop a true charitable arm for South Dakota lawyers, the South Dakota Bar Foundation.
Inspired by the creation of the IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) program by an order signed by Chief Justice Jon Fosheim, the South Dakota Bar Foundation has had a remarkable impact on the people of South Dakota. Among those who led the organization during its founding were then president Charles Rick Johnson, and past bar presidents Tom Foye, Bob Hofer, Arlo Sommervold, Tex Hoy and Herb Heidepriem.
Ours is a rich history of service… and a legacy worthy of our support.
While the State Bar of South Dakota works primarily to serve the needs of its membership, the South Dakota Bar Foundation focuses its efforts on the people of South Dakota, particularly children and those most in need. As a result of our grants in the access to justice area, victims of spousal abuse have been protected, single mothers have secured child support and tenants facing eviction have learned their legal rights.
Since 1984, the South Dakota Bar Foundation has contributed over $3.8 million dollars to non-profit organizations committed to the fight for access to justice, law related education and bar member needs.