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
READ MORELatest News
East River Legal Services is proud to host a screening of, "The Florida Project," as a fundraising event to help... By Jill Swanson, ERLS Staff Attorney In South Dakota, a tenant can be evicted from their home in as little... This is a great question! There is a lot of confusion surrounding these terms, because the terms are used interchangeably... I spent two years practicing law at East River Legal Services (ERLS). I helped people all throughout eastern South Dakota....
Movie Night
Eviction in South Dakota
What’s the difference between a no-contact order, a restraining order, a no-contact agreement, and a civil order of protection?
Taylor’s Farewell
Our Testimonials
I sought help from East River Legal Services for a divorce from my long-time estranged husband. I do not know how the legal system works and was somewhat intimidated. East River Legal Services provided…
Donna H
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
Monica Mattson
Managing AttorneyMonica Mattson was born and raised in Watertown, South Dakota. After graduating from high school, Monica attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with majors in English and Sociology and a
Tillie Bulman
Intake 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
Leisa Richards
Staff Attorney - Aberdeen OfficeLeisa attended Carleton College in Minnesota, and later received a Master of Divinity degree in theology from Harvard University. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of
Jill Swanson
Staff AttorneyJill Swanson is a graduate of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. While in law school, she was enrolled in the joint degree program where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree as
Ann Knudson
Staff AttorneyAnn earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard College. Prior to law school, she lived in Santiago, Chile for a year, and then worked at a non-profit in Minneapolis. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Hamline
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