South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has appointed the Honorable Patrick T. Pardy as new presiding judge for the Third Judicial Circuit. Judge Pardy replaces Third Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Gregory J. Stoltenburg, who is retiring June 8, 2025.
South Dakota’s Unified Judicial System is divided into seven judicial circuits. The Third Judicial Circuit is comprised of Beadle, Brookings, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Moody and Sanborn counties.
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Judge Pardy, who resides in Howard, will begin his duties as presiding judge on June 9, 2025. Judge Pardy has served as a circuit court judge for the Third Judicial Circuit since 2015, when he was appointed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Prior to that, he served as an attorney for the South Dakota Department of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Paroles from 2011 to 2014.
Judge Pardy received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, in 1992, followed by his juris doctor from the USD Law School in 1996. He practiced law with Mumford Protsch and Pardy from 1996 to 2011, as well as served as Miner County deputy state’s attorney from 1996 to 2011 and Lake County public defender from 2000 to 2005.
Judge Pardy retired as brigadier general from the South Dakota National Guard in 2023 after 36 years of service. He was assistant adjutant general for the South Dakota National Guard from October 2021 until his retirement. Pardy completed the U.S. Army War College Master of Strategic Studies in 2019 and completed two combat tours in Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2005 and 2010 to 2011.
“Judge Pardy brings a wealth of legal knowledge, judicial experience and leadership skills to this important role,” said Chief Justice Jensen. “His longstanding commitment to public service, both in the courtroom and through his distinguished military career, and his exceptional leadership experience make him well-suited to lead the Third Judicial Circuit. I am confident that under his leadership, the circuit will continue to uphold the highest standards of justice and service to the citizens of South Dakota.
“I also want to express my appreciation to Judge Stoltenburg for his many years of outstanding service as a circuit judge and presiding judge,” Chief Justice Jensen continued. “Judge Stoltenburg has been a steady and dedicated leader for the Third Judicial Circuit as its presiding judge for the last ten years. His thoughtful leadership and deep respect for the law have made a lasting impact on the circuit and the communities it serves.”
Pursuant to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The presiding judge of each judicial circuit has administrative supervision and authority over the operations of the courts within the circuit. In addition to their administrative responsibilities, presiding judges also maintain full caseloads.