Juris Doctorate
Retired Circuit Court Judge
Judge Tony L. Portra dedicated nearly 25 years to serving South Dakota’s Fifth Judicial Circuit before retiring in 2023. He began his legal career with Richardson Law Firm in Aberdeen and was appointed Magistrate Judge in 1999 at age 30. He was elected Circuit Judge in 2006 and re-elected in 2014 and 2022, also serving multiple times as an Acting Justice with the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Throughout his judicial career, Judge Portra championed innovative, compassionate approaches to justice. He presided over Drug and DUI Courts, helped develop initiatives supporting positive outcomes for youth, and introduced an emotional support dog into the courtroom to help children and adults navigate difficult court proceedings.
Judge Portra served for 16 years as Chairman of the South Dakota Judicial Ethics Committee and has held leadership roles addressing mental illness and juvenile detention alternatives. His honors include the Above & Beyond Award for his work with domestic violence victims and the Heroes in the Fight Award for his service to individuals living with mental illness.
A longtime Aberdeen community leader, Judge Portra has also served with United Way, taught as an adjunct professor at Northern State University, mentored youth, coached athletics, and spent decades speaking with students about law, citizenship, and leadership. He is widely recognized for his commitment to fairness, compassion, accountability, and service to others.
