RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has been named president of the Conference of Chief Justices and chair of the National Center for State Courts Board of Directors. His one-year terms began July 29 following the organizations’ annual meetings in Rapid City.
The Conference of Chief Justices represents the top judicial leaders from all 50 states and works to improve court administration while advocating for state courts at the national level.
National Center for State Courts President Elizabeth Clement praised Jensen’s leadership, particularly his efforts to expand access to legal services in rural communities.
Jensen has served on the South Dakota Supreme Court since 2017 and has been chief justice since 2021. Prior to that, he spent 14 years as a circuit judge in the First Judicial Circuit and practiced law in South Dakota.
The leadership transition included the ceremonial passing of the gavel from outgoing Conference of Chief Justices President Collins J. Seitz Jr., chief justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.
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