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”