If I had a dollar for every time someone tells me that they can’t find an attorney in town that is willing to take on a case against the city I would be living on a private island. I know people who have tried to sue the SFPD or fight code enforcement and they usually have to go to Minneapolis to find an attorney. Why is this? Because the city has MOST of the law firms in Sioux Falls on retainer so they can’t take your case.
A few months back I had a meeting with an attorney from East River Legal Services and some Tzadik residents. They seemed unwilling to help or felt like they couldn’t help. I found it strange that this non-profit didn’t want to challenge code enforcement with the city. I just figured it was too complicated of a case to pursue.
Fast forward to today. The city announced this;
The city of Sioux Falls has recommended 10 organizations for funding to address priorities in the year ahead.
They were selected through a new Community Partners Program after applying for funding to address three priority areas: supporting at-risk populations; expanding culture, arts and community programming; and strengthening economic vitality and growth.
The funding is allocated through a competitive request for proposal process
Guess who is getting money? East River Legal Services. Of course this isn’t a typical retainer payment but it is a grant from the city. I think it would be very hard for them to defend a client against the city taking this money.
The remainder of the grantees have gotten money from the city for decades, so I am not sure what problem the city solved with having a review and application process if you are just going to pick the same non-profits.
Rearranging deck chairs on the Titantic.
A small state, one law school: It’s democracy in name only.
Scott,
Dont forget, in 2024, the S.D Legislature passed HB-1023 that amended SDCL 16-17 that gave Attorney’s immunity for their actions.
“The State Bar, its employees, officers, commissioners, committee members, agents, and volunteers are immune from liability for any good faith act or omission done in the discharge of any duty of the State Bar prescribed by law.”
When 40% of the 105 members of the legislature are made up of Attorneys, Former Government Workers, Non-Profit Officers, Bankers, Financiers, what can we expect.
Ask yourself, why do “Attorneys” need immunity for the actions and things they do, unless they know they are making terrible decisions, let alone doing some pretty shady things, like using Child Protective Services to “traffic children”
The law in general is rigged. 80% of the prison population is minorities. Most often it’s from planted evidence or trumped up charges. It may be true lawyers will not take a case against the city because they’re bribed with retainers. However, it’s also true because the city charter doesn’t allow appeals into court. They’ve made their Kangaroo Hearings the final decision. It’s never in your favor regardless of evidence or fact. Can’t change this but please never comply because they can’t force action without the court dismissing constitutionally. Sadly, the city is a big snake with no bite and lots of comical hiss. About 8 years ago the ACLU came to SD. They’ve been busy with Native American litigation but will eventually get involved with other nationalities civil litigation. When they get started, there’ll be attention for old civil rights cases. Some day let’s hope we’re democracy.
I won a Supreme Court case against the city because I had a retiring lawyer and a pro bono state lawyer. They wanted reform and did not do business with the city. The city pulled all sorts of mafia style tricks but I eventually won. To this day, my case is often sited and the city drops or settles so they can preserve their Marxist charter. It took me 8 years and 40k to win constitutionally. I had to go full term because of all the envelopes of petty cash I had taped to my door from citizens who couldn’t find a lawyer. I’m a disabled combat veteran and I wasn’t going to let them defile my rights. My advice is that it’s a free country but you have to pay for your rights with 6 figures and out of state or federal representation.
Growing up I was told to go to Fire or Police station. I know better now. Do not say anything. Ask for a lawyer and private witness. Do not cooperate. It’s not just immigrants going home. It’s also citizens looking for an escape to a cooperating country. Portugal comes to mind. Canada won’t accept us and we’re locked out from most of the Allies and all of BRICS. I fought for my country. My body counts one but I’m prepared to lose it in a civil war if necessary.