J. Scott James - Custer, SD
Attorney at Southern Hills Law PLLC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Custer, SD
8 W. Mt Rushmore Rd Custer, SD 57730
- Free Consultation
Custer Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 50%
- Family Law 10%
- Real Estate 10%
- Traffic/DUI 10%
- Civil Litigation 5%
- Business Law 5%
- Personal Injury 5%
- Wills and Probate 5%
Litigation: 60%
Attorney Information
Overview
Our law firm understands how important it is that clients trust and have confidence in their lawyer, so we are careful to answer client calls promptly. We are dedicated to transparent communications, and we are committed to discussing solutions thoroughly with our clients. This includes providing technology that allows our clients to view their files, as needed, through secure server technology.
Attorney J. Scott James has over 17 years experience, and has successfully taken cases to jury trials including: grand theft, misdemeanor theft, homicide, rape, domestic violence, property crime, drug possession and distribution and other. He is accomplished in both criminal defense and civil litigation trials, and will work diligently to get you a successful outcome for your particular case.
Southern Hills Law PLLC will work with you to develop a winning strategy to get you the results you need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of your circumstances, we will work together to create a pathway to success.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Guardian of Justice Award - U.S. Attorney's Office
- Top 40 Under 40 - National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Award of Service - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Education
-
Legal Education
-
University of Kansas School of Law,
Lawrence,
Kansas, 2003
J.D.
Honors: Law School Exchange Program in Dublin, Ireland and Prague, Czech Republic
-
University of Kansas School of Law,
Lawrence,
Kansas, 2003
-
Non Legal Education
-
University of Tennessee ,
Knoxville,
Tennessee, 1998
B.S.
Major: Economics
Major: History
Major: Philosophy
Major: Political Science -
Kansas University,
Lawrence,
Kansas, 2001
M.A.
Major: Philosophy
-
University of Tennessee ,
Knoxville,
Tennessee, 1998
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Owner/Attorney
Past Positions
- Oglala Sioux Tribe of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Attorney General, 2018 - 2022
- Kiowa County Government, County Attorney, 2013 - 2018
- James Law Firm, LLC, Attorney at Law, 2016 - 2018
- Ford County, Assistant County Attorney, 2008 - 2016
- Riling Burkhead & Nitcher, Associate Attorney, 2005 - 2008
Representative Cases
-
State v. Great Plains of Kiowa County
- Citation: 308 Kan. 950, 425 P 3d, 290, (2018)
- Court: KS
-
In Re D.H
- Citation: 54 Kan. App. 2d 486, 401 P. 3d 163 (2017)
- Court: KS
-
In Re L.M.B.
- Citation: 54 Kan. App 2d 285, 398 P. 3d 207 (2017)
- Court: KS
-
State v. DeLatorre
- Citation: 300 Kan. 591 , 331 P. 3d 815 (2014)
- Court: KS
-
State v. Villa-Vasquez
- Citation: 49 Kan. App 2d 421, 310 P. 3d 426 (2013)
- Court: KS
Bar Admissions
- Kansas, 2005
- New York, 2005
- U.S. Federal Courts, 2007
- South Dakota, 2017
Other Affiliations
- South Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2022 - Present (Member)
- Kansas Bar Association, 2005 - Present (Member)
Photo
Contact
8 W. Mt Rushmore Rd
Custer, SD 57730
Phone: 605-205-7110
Fax: 605-349-2996
Email: Send a message
Website: https://southernhillslaw.com
Hours: Mon to Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday: By Appointment
Disclaimer
Your Profile? Update Now
When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.