University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law

University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law Welcome to the official page for the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law! The Deans and library director also teach regularly.

The University of South Dakota School of Law has one of the more favorable student-faculty ratios in American legal education. While the number may change slightly each year, usually approximately 75% of USD Law's upper-level courses have 35 or fewer students. Our students derive a direct benefit from this small-sized, responsive and encouraging environment. The total enrollment in The University

of South Dakota School of Law is approximately 240 students, which contributes to the quality of legal education. It also facilitates the development of close associations among the members of the Law School community and creates a setting in which individual student questions and concerns can be addressed. Students, faculty, administration, and staff become well-acquainted and develop enduring friendships with one another. The faculty of 15 full-time professors, in addition to several adjunct instructors, are readily available to visit with students and exchange ideas, study law, and meet the rigorous challenges inherent in legal education. Student participation in the classroom is the norm, as is individualized professional/career development assistance. A primary objective of the Law School curriculum is to develop analytical and other skills that are fundamental for the legal profession. The faculty employ a variety of pedagogical techniques to achieve that objective, including Socratic dialogue, the case method, lecture, and simulation. The curriculum is designed to familiarize students with basic legal doctrines and to instill the values of the legal profession and the judicial system. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities at local, regional, and national levels. These student activities complement the formal components of the curriculum and promote the development of legal skills. Skill building activities include, but are not limited to, participation in the South Dakota Law Review, Moot Court Board, Alternative Dispute Resolution Board, and Trial Team.

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09/03/2026

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The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law will celebrate the completion of a multi-year renovation of its building with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m.

“Mr. Sanford’s gift to the law school ensures that the brightest minds have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a ...
08/28/2026

“Mr. Sanford’s gift to the law school ensures that the brightest minds have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a legal education..." -President Gestring

“The epitome of success is doing something for someone else.” These are the words of T. Denny Sanford, the South Dakota businessman and philanthropist who dedicated his life and career to bettering communities through healthcare, education and innovation.

We are excited to share that we have a merchandise store now open for law school gear that will be ready in time for Dak...
08/26/2026

We are excited to share that we have a merchandise store now open for law school gear that will be ready in time for Dakota Days!
In celebration of our 125th Anniversary, upgrade your closet and show your school spirit in style!!

Accepting orders from now until September 8th at 11:59 pm CST. There is a shipping option or pick up will be available at the law school the week of Dakota Days.

Commemorative 125th Online store closes Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 11:59pm. Please note that the pick-up option will be at the Law School September 29-October 2, 2026. Email and customer information required to process all orders. Items are made to order and cannot be changed, canceled or returne...

08/24/2026

Our incredible future lawyer leaders are fostered in no small part by the student organizations they run! We stay proud of all Knudson School of Law Student Orgs.
Watch

Thank you, alumnus Bryce Drapeaux '24 for the kind words!

Watch the rest of 125 Years: A Commemorative Video History at the link in our bio or on our YouTube page!

2L Samuel Uwizeyimana recently shared his story at a LSS of South Dakota event for teens in foster care. Read about his ...
08/18/2026

2L Samuel Uwizeyimana recently shared his story at a LSS of South Dakota event for teens in foster care. Read about his road to law school at the link below.

“He’s going to change the world that he lives in." But first, this program pointed the way. How a local student moved from homelessness to law school.

We are excited to celebrate Professor Tamara P. Nash '13 J.D. for being unanimously elected to the American Bar Associat...
08/13/2026

We are excited to celebrate Professor Tamara P. Nash '13 J.D. for being unanimously elected to the American Bar Association's Committee of Scope and Correlation of Work by the ABA House of Delegates.

“It is a privilege to be elected to the Committee on Scope and Correlation of Work. I am excited for this opportunity to continue to serve within the ABA and to contribute to improving our Association. I am especially proud to represent the South Dakota Bar nationally and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the legal profession in this capacity.” -Nash

08/12/2026

With the first week of classes in full swing one thing is clear: Our students can trust the investment they make in their success because our faculty are ready to match it.

Thank you to alumna, Miranda Schulte '26 J.D. for the reminder.

Watch the rest of 125 Years: A Commemorative Video History at the link in our bio or on our YouTube page!

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414 E Clark Street
Vermillion, SD
57069

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