Introduction
The Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for a full-timeAssistant State Public Defender Regional Attorney Manager (ASPD-RAM) position for our Fond du Lac Region. This position will work with attorneys and support staff in their assigned office in the region. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group of professionals who 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.
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.
Regional Attorney Managers (RAMs) are expected to carry a partial caseload as well as perform a variety of management duties which include direct supervision of staff attorneys and participation in statewide management activities. The Racine RAM will oversee staff in the Kenosha and Racine Trial Offices. The RAM will also represent the agency during justice system committees, and handle outside system actor requests and communication.
This position will work out of the Fond du Lac Region and travel up to 25% of the time, including to other offices in their assigned region. Travel expectations and final office location will be discussed more during the interview process. Offices in this region are located in Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.
For more detailed information, please click here for the Regional Attorney Manager Position Description.
Salary Information
The starting salary will be between $50.00 to $72.00 per hour ( $104,000.00 to $149,760.00 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.
Qualifications
LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & 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 RAM must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense. Fluency in a foreign language (especially Spanish or Hmong) is a plus.
Minimally qualified applicants will have education, experience, and/or training in the following:
1) Excellent legal research and writing skills
2) 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
3) Supervisory experience, including any formal experience mentoring/coaching/training staff (e.g., full/part-time staff, interns, etc.)
4) Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date
In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience in the following:
1) Handling case types including family defense, youth defense, and mental health matter
2) Supervision and/or leadership in directing attorneys
3) Legal risk management principles
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 cover letter 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).
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 CST Sunday, November 22, 2026. If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.
