The Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for our full-time Assistant State Public Defender (ASPD) position in our Madison Appellate office. 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.

The SPD serves indigent clients in all 72 Wisconsin counties and we are the largest criminal law firm in the state. For more information on specific office locations, please visit our website as https://www.wispd.gov/.

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 the 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.

State of Wisconsin Benefits include 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, ample earned sick time, great health plan options, low cost insurance starting at $34/month for single plans and $83/month for family plans, and participation in one of the best retirement systems in the country. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The SPD Appellate Division provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level, court of appeals, and Wisconsin Supreme Court, primarily on direct appeal. The types of cases include but are not limited to criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and others as specified by state law for juveniles and adults.

For a detailed position description, please click this link.

The starting salary will be between $27.24 and $46.50 per hour 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.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Successful candidates must be admitted to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to their start date. Soon to be graduates are encouraged to apply, and an appointment date would be set after being admitted to the Wisconsin Bar. See the Wisconsin State Bar for admission requirements.

All state employees must report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not and provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID. Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus - COVID-19 (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.

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 will have graduated from or will soon graduate from an accredited law school, or is working to be admitted to the Wisconsin Bar within the next year. In addition, the individual must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin prior to their start date.

Minimally qualified applicants will also have education 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:

• 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.)

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 on-line 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, resume, and legal writing sample 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 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.

The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Monday, May 29, 2023. If you have any questions about the position, please email Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.