Wisconsin Assistant State Public Defender Attorney Positions

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your litigation skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defenders office, (SPD) and make a different in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is seeking dedicated litigators for our vacant full-time Assistant State Public Defender (ASPD) positions across the state. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group that are compassionate advocates for their clients. The SPD is proud that its system of indigent defense is considered a model for public defender programs around the world.

SPD’s mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov.

The SPD Trial Division provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level. The types of cases include but are not limited to criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), revocation of conditional liberty (probation, parole, or extended supervision), sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and others as specified by state law for juveniles and adults.

For more detailed information, please click here for the trial attorney position description.

Position Requirements:

Eligibility to work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

State Bar Admission: Successful candidates must be admitted to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to their start date. See the Wisconsin State Bar for admission requirements.

Qualifications Minimally qualified applicants will have experience and/or training in the following:

- An ASPD must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense.

- A minimally qualified candidate will have already graduated from an accredited law school. In addition, the individual must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin prior to their start date.

- Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)

- Preparing and working with legal documents (e.g., preparing and reading legal pleadings, motions, briefs, etc.)

- Time management skills and the ability to meet hard deadlines for caseload - Ability to interact professionally with diverse groups (e.g., office staff, clients, opposing counsel, courts, etc.)

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience in the following: Experience representing criminal cases (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)

- Preparing and working with legal documents (e.g., preparing and reading legal pleadings, motions, briefs, etc.) - Experience reviewing discovery

- Three years of criminal defense experience or similar

- Fluency in a foreign language (especially Spanish and Hmong) is a plus.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offer a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation is one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator.