Assistant State Public Defender Appellate Attorney - Madison Office

About the role

Bring your litigation skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Assistant State Public Defender Attorney in the Madison Appellate Office.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level, court of appeals, and Wisconsin Supreme Court, primarily on direct appeal
• Handle a caseload that includes criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and other matters as specified by state law for juveniles and adults

Requirements

• Admission to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to the start date
• Ability to conduct litigation or hearings, negotiate, and draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Strong time management skills and the ability to meet hard deadlines for caseload
• Professional interaction with diverse groups including office staff, clients, opposing counsel, and courts

Qualifications

• State of Wisconsin Bar license in good standing
• Experience representing criminal cases (conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating)
• Experience drafting legal motions and briefs
• Fluency in a foreign language is a plus

Benefits

• Access to the region’s best health plans
• Generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave
• Participation in one of the nation’s top-rated pension plans
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if you have student loans

Pay

The classification for this position is in the unclassified pay schedule/range 21-75, with the starting salary between $38.59 – $59.24/hour ($80,267.20 to $123,219.20 annually). A one-year probationary period will be required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.