Marty Jackley

Marty Jackley currently serves as the Attorney General of South Dakota, a role he has held for multiple terms, earning recognition for his leadership and dedication to justice. His legal career spans decades, encompassing criminal law, civil litigation, and complex business matters.

Marty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with honors from the South Dakota School of Mines, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law. After graduation, he clerked for Chief Federal Judge Richard Battey, gaining valuable insight into the federal judicial process.

Before entering public office, Marty became a partner at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore in Rapid City, where he practiced criminal and civil law and managed intricate business litigation. In 2006, he was appointed and unanimously confirmed as the U.S. Attorney for South Dakota, earning the 2008 Prosecutor of the Year Award for his exemplary prosecutorial service.

From 2009 to 2019, Marty served as South Dakota’s Attorney General, where his initiatives strengthened public safety and legal integrity statewide. His peers elected him Chairman of the National Association of Attorneys General and the Western Attorneys General, honoring his leadership and collaboration. In 2016, he received the National Attorney General of the Year Award.

After a decade in office, Marty returned to Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore as Senior Partner, establishing a Pierre branch. He later served as State’s Attorney for Jones and Haakon counties and as Special Prosecutor for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2019.

Reelected in 2022, Attorney General Marty Jackley continues to advance justice and uphold the law across South Dakota. His distinguished service and consistent commitment to ethical leadership reflect his lifelong dedication to protecting the rights and safety of South Dakotans.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney General, Attorney General’s Office, South Dakota
• Member, South Dakota State Bar Association
• Vice President, National Association of Attorneys General

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Education

• University of South Dakota
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• South Dakota School of Mines
  BS in Electrical Engineering

Awards & Badges