PIERRE, S.D. - On December 13 2024, Governor Kristi Noem announced the appointment of the Honorable Abigail (Abbey) Howard to the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court. 

“In addition to Abbey’s current experience on the bench, she was raised with service to others as a foundational principle,” said Governor Noem. “I am confident she will continue to serve the people in her circuit and our state with compassion, fairness, and excellence.” 

Abigail Howard grew up in Volga, SD. She obtained her undergraduate degree honors from South Dakota State University graduating Magna *** Laude and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota, Knudson School of Law where she was an editor of the South Dakota Law Review. She started her law practice at Fite & Pierce Law Office in Brookings, SD. In 2013, she joined the Brookings County States Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. She was elected as the Brookings County States Attorney in 2016. She was appointed to serve as a Magistrate Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit in January of 2018. Over the years as a Magistrate Judge, she has handled court in Brookings, Beadle, Codington, Lake, and Moody Counties. 

“I’m honored and humbled by the faith placed in me by the Governor. I look forward to continue serving the citizens of the Third Circuit in this new capacity,” said Abigail Howard. 

Abbey is married to her husband, Lance, who works as a Senior Wealth Management Officer at First Bank & Trust.  They live in Brookings and have three children. A photo of Abigail Howard can be found here.