Introduction

The Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for a full-timeAssistant State Public Defender Local Attorney Manager (ASPD-LAM) position in our Milwaukee Trial Office. This position will work with attorneys and support staff in their office. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group of professionals who are compassionate advocates for their clients.

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 $50.00 to $65.00 per hour ( $104,000.00 to $135,200.00 annually) depending on qualifications, an additional $2.75/hr supervisory add-on, plus great benefits. Positions are unclassified and in pay schedule/range 71-00.

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.

Ability 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: Success full candidates must be admitted to practice law by the WI Supreme Court prior to their start date. For those who do not have a WI Bar number at the time of this posting, an appointment date would be set after being admitted to the WI Bar. See the Wisconsin State Bar for admission 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.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS AND 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.

A LAM must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.

Minimally qualified applicants will also have education or training in the following:

1) Complex defense litigation skills, including familiarity with the conduct of a trial, preparation of pleadings, discovery and motions, familiarity with negotiations, preparation of briefs and participation in oral arguments

2) Managing/directing lawyers (including any formal experience mentoring/coaching/training lawyers) to ensure a high quality legal work product

3) Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience in the following:

1) Legal risk management principles

2) At least 3 years of experience managing employees in a legal setting

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.

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 [email protected] (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).

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 11:59pm on Sunday, August 3, 2026. If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Maggie Wild at [email protected].