Known for Excellence

The Knudson School of Law is South Dakota's premier law school, preparing today's students to be tomorrow's leaders in the legal profession. We are committed to setting you on the path toward a successful, lifelong career in law. With excellent job placement rates, a low student-to-faculty ratio, robust experiential learning opportunities and affordable tuition, USD boasts one of the best value law schools in the country. Plus, we offer a variety of course tracks and joint programs, ensuring your education is tailored to your professional goals.

Here you'll receive a world-class education from a leading, flagship university that serves its students and its state with excellence.

 

Your Program Options

Earn your Juris Doctor at a school known for affordability and service to the state of South Dakota.

student Success story

Success story Brendan Goetzinger smiling,
As an aspiring attorney who plans to practice in South Dakota, USD Knudson School of Law was an easy decision. Extensive alumni base and they all exude a sense of pride in coming out of USD. From professors to faculty, everyone wants you to succeed and go above and beyond in putting you in a position to do so.

Brendan Goetzinger

Law Student, '24

Law Student Standing at a Lectern.

Practical Training for Your Career

At USD, you won't just learn about the legal profession; you will experience it.

All students at the Knudson School of Law participate in the experiential learning program, which provides intensive, professional development training as students prepare to embark on their careers. From performing legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney to providing pro bono legal services to low-income clients in South Dakota, you'll have opportunities to gain invaluable real-world experience and serve clients as you complete your education.
Female Law Student Studying.

Programs Designed for You

When you enroll at the Knudson School of Law, your program will fit your life. Whether you choose the three-year full-time program or the five-year flex-time program, you'll graduate well-prepared to enter the legal field. Plus, with 11 course tracks and nine joint-degree options, USD offers you a breadth of paths so you can specialize in an area that interests you and pursue your unique career goals.

SERVING THE STATE
AND OUR STUDENTS

As South Dakota's law school, the USD Knudson School of Law fills important roles in both preparing the state's leaders and offering resources to our communities. 

Explore the centers and initiatives we provide to the state.

Faculty & Staff

The faculty and staff at the Knudson School of Law bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal field, offering their guidance and insight as you discover the career path that is right for you.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Neil Fulton

Neil Fulton

Dean-School of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Susan Benton

Susan Benton

Head Tech and Collection Svs
Bio Image for Faculty Member Gregory Brazeal

Gregory Brazeal

Associate Professor

Specialty

Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Cyber Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Teresa Carlisle

Teresa Carlisle

Registration Officer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kaitlyn Frier

Kaitlyn Frier

USD Knudson School of Law Admissions Support Officer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Patrick Garry

Patrick Garry

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christina Grey

Christina Grey

Visiting Professor of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Hannah Haksgaard

Hannah Haksgaard

Professor

Specialty

Family Law; Rural Lawyers; Property
Bio Image for Faculty Member Wendy Hess

Wendy Hess

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Teramie Hill

Teramie Hill

Manager of Career Services
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tracy Hummel

Tracy Hummel

Senior Secretary
Bio Image for Faculty Member Justin Huston

Justin Huston

Head of Instructional Services
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sean Kammer

Sean Kammer

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Allen Madison

Allen Madison

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Cheryl Maloney

Cheryl Maloney

Communications & Marketing Spe
Bio Image for Faculty Member Shirley Mays

Shirley Mays

Assoc Dean-School of Law

Specialty

Business Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Heather McDonald

Heather McDonald

Program Assistant I
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michael McKey

Michael McKey

Assistant Professor & Director
Bio Image for Faculty Member Robert Miller

Robert Miller

Assistant Professor of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tyler Moore

Tyler Moore

Associate Professor of Law
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tamara Nash

Tamara Nash

Dir Exp Learning & Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Laura Rose

Laura Rose

Associate Professor and Heidepriem Trial Advocacy Fellow
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ann Tweedy

Ann Tweedy

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Katey Ulrich

Katey Ulrich

Director of Admissions

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in the USD Knudson School of Law.
Two students studying together.

Law School Admissions

Take the next step toward your future as a legal professional at South Dakota's premier law school.

The Knudson School of Law Career Services Office.

Law Career Services

The Office of Career Services helps our students and graduates connect with meaningful legal careers and professional development opportunities. We will provide you with the necessary tools to thrive as a professional through individual career counseling, job search strategies, professional development programming, and connections with employers.

Students in the McKusick Law Library

McKusick Law Library

A legal information center supporting the USD Knudson School of Law, the USD community, the State Bar, the judiciary and the public.

Law students studying in the law library, reading books.

Support the Knudson School of Law

The Knudson School of Law at USD is developing the legal professionals and leaders of tomorrow. Your support enables us to provide students with the resources, facilities and experiences they need to focus on their education and to pursue their passion for justice.

 

Make A Gift
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The Latest News from  the Knudson School of Law

Our digital publication, The South Dakotan Lawyer, features the latest stories about our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends and the meaningful contributions they provide to their communities.

 

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Contact Us

Knudson School of Law
School of Law
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion SD 57069