East River Legal Services
Advancing Equal Access to Justice for our most vulnerable citizens.
About Us
ADVANCING EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS IN EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA.
Who we serve East River Legal Services (ERLS) exists to better the lives of the over 46,000 people living in poverty in Eastern South Dakota. We offer free legal services to our communities Veterans, Older Americans (60+), Disabled, Victims of Violence, and all those facing financial insecurity. We are committed to the belief that being poor or at risk does not make you less, that equal access to our courts is an essential part of justice, and equal justice is a universal right. Our Legal Priorities: We will review incoming cases and eligible clients on individual merit. Priority will be
Older Americans
Residents Age 60+ Through an Older American Grant, ERLS provides free legal assistance to Eastern South Dakota residents who are
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Economic Stability
If you or your family member have been denied eligibility for benefits, threatened with the loss of benefits from needs-based
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Private Attorney Involvement
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Our Testimonials
My psychologist referred me to East River Legal Services for my divorce. I was so happy to finally receive the news that my divorce was finalized helping me to get away from a violent…
Anonymous
This company has totally helped me feel protected. They not only helped me to the best of their ability but also were able to win my case. I am so happy to finally be…
Libby M.
ERLS has helped me navigate through the very confusing legal process of filing a protection order and also child custody hearings. My attorney was very knowledgeable and very empathetic, making me feel very comfortable…
April
I reached out to ERLS for assistance with a stalking protection order. Not only did ERLS exceed my expectations, but they helped me through every step of the process. Without ERLS, I know my day in court would not have gone as well as it did. It felt empowering to have people in my corner that knew what to do and were fighting for me. Thank you ERLS!
Sadie
Who Served?
Our Attorneys
Brent Thompson
Executive DirectorBrent Thompson became Executive Director of East River Legal Services in April of 2017. Brent comes to East River from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) where he has served as a staff attorney since 2006. Brent
Tillie Routh
Managing AttorneyTillie earned her Bachelor of Science Degrees in History, Women’s Studies and Psychology from the University of Wyoming. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law, practicing
Peter Sommervold
Staff AttorneyPeter earned his B.A in Economics from Augustana College. He went on to receive Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Dakota. After practicing tort law for over 20 years, Peter joined East River in the
Alejandro ‘Alex’ Moreno
Staff AttorneyAlex graduated with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He then began a nearly 10-year journey working for the Minnesota Judicial Branch in different roles with court
Kayla McCall
Staff AttorneyKayla earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and Philosophy at the University of Iowa, and went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law. Before joining East
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