Position Summary 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 .
Salary Information The starting salary will be between $38.59 to $59.24 per hour ( $80,267.20 to $123,219.20 annually ) depending on qualifications, plus great benefits. Positions are unclassified and in pay schedule/range 21-75.
Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. Future pay increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire.
Job Details Background Check: We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.
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.
Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offers 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 Competitive Appointment program.
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 LETTERS OF QUALIFICATION & RESUME: You must submit
both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your letter of qualifications and/or resume.
An ASPD must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.
A minimally qualified candidate must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin prior to their start date. NOTE: Please apply under Job ID 21997 if you are graduating or taking the WI Bar Exam in 2027.Minimally qualified applicants will also have education and/or training in the following:- 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:- 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.)
- Reviewing discovery
- 3 years criminal litigation experience
How To Apply To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job.
If you encounter issues submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm CST).
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
Deadline to Apply This posting will remain active until the position is filled. If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.
