About

Learn more about J. Scott James, a dedicated lawyer based in Custer, South Dakota, with a wealth of experience in civil litigation and criminal law. J. Scott James is the founder of Southern Hills Law PLLC in Custer, South Dakota. He graduated in the top third of his class at KU Law and began his legal career practicing civil litigation and providing legal advice at the law office of Riling, Burkhead and Nitcher, Chtd in Lawrence, Kansas from 2006 to 2008. From 2008 to 2016, Scott worked as an Assistant County Lawyer in Dodge City, Kansas, where he handled a wide range of cases, including homicide, violent crime, property crime, traffic offenses, and more. He played a key role in the 2011 Dodge City RICO indictment of the Norteno Street Gang. In 2013, Scott had the honor of serving as the Kiowa County Lawyer until 2018, representing the county in various civil and criminal matters. He then went on to serve as the attorney general for the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Currently residing in Hermosa, South Dakota, with his wife and son, Scott enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the beauty of the Black Hills. When he is not practicing law, he can be found hiking, camping, or simply taking in the natural wonders that South Dakota has to offer.

Legal Issues

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

DUI & DWI

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Family Law

Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father s Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Personal Injury

Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Education Law

Civil Rights

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law

Real Estate Law

Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law

Certificates

No Certifications

Languages

• English: Spoken, Written

Accepted Jurisdictions

Experience

• Owner and Managing Lawyer
  Southern Hills Law Office
  2022
• Lawyer General
  Oglala Sioux Tribe
  2018
• Owner and Managing Lawyer
  James Law Office LLC
  2016
• County Lawyer
  Kiowa County Lawyer
  2013
• Assistant County Lawyer
  Ford County Lawyer s Office
  2008
• Associate Lawyer
  Riling, Burkhead, and Nitcher, Chtd
  2006

Education

Associations

Costs

• Free Consultancy Service
  Free Initial Consultation
• Payment With Credit Card
• Conditional Fees
  Contingency Fees on allowed types of cases (personal injury, civil)

Location