Assistant State Public Defender Attorney - Janesville Region
Location: Elkhorn, WI – Elkhorn Trial Office, 204 Commerce Ct, Ste 1, Elkhorn, WI 53121
About the role
The Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) Trial Division provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level. Cases include criminal defense, civil commitments, protective placements (personal guardianship), revocation of conditional liberty (probation, parole, or extended supervision), sexually violent offender commitments, termination of parental rights, and other matters specified by state law for juveniles and adults.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, cost-effective legal representation to indigent clients
- Conduct litigation and hearings in circuit court
- Prepare and review legal documents (pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery)
- Negotiate with opposing counsel
- Manage a caseload with strict deadlines
- Interact professionally with clients, office staff, courts, and diverse stakeholders
Requirements
- Admission to the Wisconsin State Bar prior to start date (required)
- Education and/or training in:
- Legal representation (litigation, hearings, negotiation)
- Preparation and review of legal documents
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Professional interaction with diverse groups
- Strong commitment to indigent defense
- Fluency in a foreign language is a plus
Qualifications
Well-qualified applicants will have:
- Experience representing criminal cases (litigation, hearings, negotiation)
- Experience preparing and reviewing legal documents (pleadings, motions, briefs)
- Experience reviewing discovery
- Three years of criminal litigation experience
Benefits
- Comprehensive health plans (region’s best options)
- Generous paid time off: 3.5 weeks vacation, 9 paid holidays, ample sick leave
- Top-rated pension plan participation
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Pay
Starting salary: $38.59 to $59.24 per hour ($80,267.20 to $123,219.20 annually), depending on qualifications. Positions are unclassified and follow pay schedule/range 21-75. Pay for current state employees will align with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
Additional Information
- Background check required prior to employment offer
- Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. (I-9 form)
- SPD does not sponsor work visas
- Veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability may qualify for special hiring programs