Knudson School of Law Student, Alumnus Receive Awards at State Bar Association Annual Convention
Cameron Morgan, a rising third-year student, received the William F. Day Jr. Law Student Pro Bono Award.
Created in 2008 in honor of William F. Day Jr., the state’s first pro bono coordinator, the award recognizes the dedication and motivation of a law student whose pro bono work made a significant impact on the communities of South Dakota.
At the USD Knudson School of Law, Morgan has served as president of the Public Interest Network, president of the Health Law Society – which he founded – and vice president of the First-Generation Law Society.
Morgan has held internships with the Department of Justice in Sioux Falls and the Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office – both unpaid.
“Law students would be doing themselves a great favor by serving their communities,” said Morgan. “In doing this, we gain practical exposure to the practice of law, we grow our network exponentially, and we sustain the areas most in need of our talents.”
The William F. Day Jr. Law Student Pro Bono Award is sponsored by the South Dakota State Bar and Access to Justice, along with financial sponsorship by attorney Bob Morris of the Morris Law Firm, The Honorable Michael W. Day, and the Lynn, Jackson, Shultz and Lebrun law firm.
Robert Riter Jr., J.D. ’73, BSBA ’70, was presented the Marshall McKusick Award by the Student Bar Association.
After graduating from the USD law school in 1973, Riter joined the Stephens, Riter, Mayer & Hofer law firm in Pierre, South Dakota, which later became Riter Rogers, LLP. He has practiced there since.
Riter’s legal focus is primarily on litigation, but he spends a significant amount of time appearing before state administrative bodies and engaging in lobbying and legislative work. He has served many roles in various civic and professional organizations, including the State Bar of South Dakota, Defense Research Institute, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, American Board of Trial Advocates and the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Marshall M. McKusick (1879-1950) was a professor at the USD law school, beginning in 1902. He was named dean of the law school in 1911 where he served for nearly five decades. Each year, in honor and celebration of Marshall McKusick’s dedication and service to the legal community in South Dakota, the Student Bar Association recognizes an outstanding member of the South Dakota Bar for their contribution to the profession.
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