Shane Spargur

Background

About Shane Spargur

I'm proud to serve as a Benefits Advocate at East River Legal Services (ERLS), a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing free legal services to those in need across eastern South Dakota. My journey into public service began with a passion for education, where I started as a mentor to elementary school students while in high school which led to my undergraduate studies in Elementary Education at Dakota State University. Transitioning into the realm of public safety, I pursued a degree in Criminal Justice and Education from the University of South Dakota, where I honed my skills in advocating for others. For over a decade, I've had the privilege of serving diverse communities at various levels of government, from County and City agencies to State and Federal entities. Much of my focus has been on supporting individuals in Indian Country through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a role that's deeply rooted in my identity as an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. In 2019, I began my legal education at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, driven by a desire to further advocate for justice and equality. While I completed my 1L year during the rise of COVID-19, my dedication to my family and serving those in need led me to prioritize full-time work at ERLS, where I currently represent claimants before the Social Security Administration, provide advice and counsel on Social Security law and administrative hearings, and manage our public advocacy program. I'm committed to applying my education, experience, and passion for public service to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families facing legal challenges, and to fight for the benefits they rightfully deserve.