J. Scott James

Southern Hills Law PLLC- Scott is an experienced criminal and civil litigator

20 years of experience

Kansas, South Dakota

Scott is the founder of Southern Hills Law PLLC in Custer, South Dakota. After graduating in the top third of his class at KU law, Scott practiced civil litigation and advice at the law firm of Riling, Burkhead and Nitcher, Chtd in Lawrence, Kansas from 2006-2008. He worked as an Assistant County Attorney in Dodge City Kansas from 2008-2016 handling all types of cases, including homicide, violent crime, property crime, traffic, and other cases. Mr. James was an integral part of the 2011 Dodge City RICO indictment of the Norteno Street Gang in Dodge city. Scott had the privilege of serving as Kiowa County Attorney from 2013 through 2018. As Kiowa County Attorney, Scott represented the County in all matters, civil and criminal. Scott then served as the attorney general for the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge SD. Scott now lives in Hermosa, SD, with his wife and son and when not practicing law, enjoys the wonders of the outdoors the Black Hills of South Dakota have to offer.

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
Video Conferencing Google Meet Zoom
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free Initial Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    Contingency Fees on allowed types of cases (personal injury, civil)
Kansas
Kansas Supreme Court
ID Number: 22246
Since 2005
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Languages

  • English:
    Spoken, Written

Owner and Managing Attorney
Southern Hills Law Firm
2022 –

Current

Scott has opened a new practice in Custer SD focusing on local criminal and civil representation.
Attorney General
Oglala Sioux Tribe
2018 –

2022

Served as the Attorney General for the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, SD. This job entailed a wide range of responsibilities, including managing a staff of tribal prosecutors and consulting with the tribal council on pending legal matters.
Owner and Managing Attorney
James Law Firm LLC
2016 –

2018

County Attorney
Kiowa County Attorney
2013 –

2018

Scott was the Kiowa County Attorney in Greensburg, KS and handled all matters for the county, criminal and civil. He was published for an open records case against the county hospital, prevailing in that claim.
Assistant County Attorney
Ford County Attorney’s Office
2008 –

2016

Associate Attorney
Riling, Burkhead, and Nitcher, Chtd
2006 –

2007

University of Kansas School of Law
J.D. (2003) | Law
2001


2003

Honors: Top 1/3 of class
University of Kansas School of Law Logo
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
M.A.

2000

University of Tennessee - Knoxville Logo
Guardian of Justice
United States Attorney’s Office
2015
Criminal Defense Top 10 Under 40
National Academy Of Criminal Defense Attorneys
For Excellence in the Field of Criminal Law
Distinguished Member
American Association Of Premier Dui Attorneys
State Bar of South Dakota

&nbsp# 4795

Member
2017 –
Current
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State Bar of Kansas

&nbsp# 22246

Member
2005 –
Current
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1 Questions Answered
Q. Will walmart call cops on my child for stealing with only camera footage, never caught in store
December 6, 2023
A: Ultimately, this is up to Wal Mart if they are going to make a report with the local police concerning the theft allegations. In South Dakota, you have up to 7 years to file a criminal case on a misdemeanor or felony charge. It sounds like if he comes back to the Wal Mart or has additional issues there, they could always come back and then file the report with the local police.

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Websites & Blogs

Website
J. Scott James’ Website Profile
Website
Southern Hills Law Firm Website

Southern Hills Law Firm
40 N. 5th St.
Suite B
Custer, SD 57730
US
Telephone: (605) 673-2503
Fax: (605) 349-2996
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed (Today)
Notice: break for lunch 12-1

Free Consultation
J. Scott James

(605) 673-2503