Assistant State Public Defender Attorney - Fond du Lac Region

Introduction

The Wisconsin State Public Defender's office (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for full-time Assistant State Public Defender Attorney (ASPD) positions to fill 2 vacancies in our Fond du Lac Region. This is an opportunity to work with a dedicated group of compassionate advocates for their clients. 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.

What We Offer

• Access to excellent comprehensive benefits, including 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

Why Work With Us

• Inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work
• Professional development is encouraged and supported with a wide variety of training opportunities
• Leadership is committed to a work environment dedicated to ensuring each staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team

Who We Are

SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the SPD is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do.

Where We're Located

Current openings are in our Fond du Lac Trial Office located at 25 3rd St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 and our Oshkosh Trial Office located at 303 Pearl Ave, Ste B, Oshkosh, WI 54901.

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.

Salary Information

The starting salary will be between $37.83 to $58.07 per hour ($78,686.40 to $120,785.60 annually) depending on qualifications, plus benefits. Positions are unclassified and in pay schedule/range 21-75.

Job Details

• Background Check: A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.
• Eligibility to Work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas. 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: Successful candidates must be admitted to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to their start date.

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.

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Graduation from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date
• Education and/or training in providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
• Education and/or training in 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.)

Well-qualified applicants will have experience in:

• 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

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

How To Apply

Click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. You will be prompted 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. Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process. 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.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.