The South Dakotan Lawyer is the story hub of the USD Knudson School of Law. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
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Politics & Law
Knudson School of Law Announces Tom Simmons as Inaugural Trusts and Estates Endowed Chair
The Latest
Apr 10, 2025
Knudson School of Law Students Attend Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference, Accept Judicial Clerkships
Five University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law students attended the Fifth Annual Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (CSL) in Washington, D.C., in February. These same students have also accepted judicial clerkships upon graduation.
Apr 01, 2026
Knudson School of Law Professors Honored at Faculty Awards Ceremony
The excellence, service and leadership of faculty were on full display at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law’s 2026 Faculty Awards and Scholarship Recognition Ceremony.
Mar 31, 2026
Professor Chris Schmidt Honored for Contributions to South Dakota’s Legal Practice
Chris Schmidt, J.D., assistant professor at the University of South Dakota’s Knudson School of Law, received the 2026 Cutler Award in recognition of the significant impact his work has on South Dakota’s legal landscape.
Jan 07, 2026
Students in the Public Service Pathways Pilot Program Complete First Semester
Nine University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law students have spent the entire fall semester working in public sector law offices across the state. Their supervised practice experience is part of the Public Service Pathway to Bar Admission Pilot Program, implemented by the South Dakota Supreme Court last spring.
Alumni
Jacobsen, Orr, Lindstrom & Holbrook Hire USD Alumnus Austin Printz
Austin Printz, ’19, ’13, alumnus of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, has been hired by Jacobsen, Orr, Lindstrom & Holbrook, P.C., L.L.O., of Kearney, Nebraska.
Knudson School of Law Alumna Jackie Barber Appointed Secretary of the Senate for 119th Congress
Jackie Barber, a 2006 graduate of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, has been appointed to serve as the secretary of the U.S. Senate for the 119th Congress. Barber brings a wealth of service-minded experience and dedication to this role.
Brigadier General Christopher Kennebeck Delivers Gunderson Lecture at USD Knudson School of Law
This fall, Brigadier General Christopher A. Kennebeck returned to the USD Knudson School of Law to deliver the prestigious Gunderson Lecture. Drawing from his extensive careers in the military, law and education, Kennebeck offered heartfelt advice to students, emphasizing adaptability, passion and purpose.
More Headlines
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Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence, Service and Leadership
Summary: The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is a pillar of the law in South Dakota. That legacy is visible in every corner of the state.
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USD Law Student Attends Georgetown University's Originalism Summer Seminar
Summary: Tory Shafer, J.D., a 2025 USD Knudson School of Law graduate, attended the Originalism Summer Seminar at Georgetown University’s Center for the Constitution.
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Knudson School of Law Students Gain Real-World Experience While Making a Difference in South Dakota
Summary: At the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, students don’t have to wait until graduation to make a real impact. Through its clinics offered across South Dakota, students gain practical experience while providing essential services to individuals and communities in need.
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State Bar of South Dakota Awards USD Knudson School of Law Alumnae
Summary: At the state bar convention in late June, Teramie Hill, J.D. ’09, and Renee Stellagher, J.D. ’22, received awards from the Public Sector Section of the South Dakota State Bar. Hill was recognized as the Public Sector Attorney of the Year, and Stellagher received the Rising Star award.
Guest Column
I received a great education while at the University of South Dakota and had some really beneficial mentorship, so I felt very prepared for the field. As the state's only law school, we get a lot of networking opportunities that other schools don't.
Weaving Justice Into Rural South Dakota
Rachelle Norberg '18 makes connections that strengthen the community she serves.
