Attorney

Position Summary

This position is responsible for:

• Providing legal advice on the application of campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying laws to the Commission and its staff.
• Preparing legal opinions, enforcement orders, and administrative rules to implement agency policy and authority.
• Investigating and enforcing campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying law violations.
• Conducting policy and legal analysis related to the administration of Wisconsin’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws.
• Responding to requests for information and requiring the judgment necessary to discern what information may or may not be released to the public.

Qualifications

• A minimally qualified candidate will have graduated from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin upon hire.
• Qualified applicants will have education or training with each of the following:
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting law
• Providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations
• Providing direct legal representation (e.g., representing clients in adjudicative settings like court or administrative hearings, taking or defending depositions, negotiating settlements)
• Drafting administrative rules or legislation
• Managing, drafting, or responding to written discovery (e.g., requests for admission, interrogatories, requests for production)
• Responding to public records requests
• In addition, well-qualified candidates will have direct experience with any of the functions listed above and/or the following:
• Education, training or experience within complex statutory or regulatory frameworks.
• Education, training or experience with the laws within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction (e.g. WI Stats Chapter 11, subch. III of Chapter 13, and subch. III of Chapter 19).

Salary Information

The starting salary will be between $47.93 - $57.50 per hour ($99,694.40 and $119,600.00 annually), depending on qualifications plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period may be required for this position.

Job Details

• The WI Ethics Commission will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection.
• The WI Ethics Commission does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students.
• All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.
• Political neutrality is imperative so staff can maintain the confidence of the Commission, the individuals, and organizations the Commission regulates, and the public. Therefore, all staff members are prohibited from participating in any political activity that compromises the ability of that person to discharge with neutrality, efficiency, and integrity his or her duties and obligations to the Commission.
• The selected candidate must not have given a political contribution to a candidate for a partisan state or local office in the twelve months prior to appointment and must comply with the agency's nonpartisan requirements during employment.
• All employees are expected to live and work in Wisconsin. This position will have the option of working remotely upon agreement of the supervisor but will be asked to come into the office periodically. This schedule may change based on operational needs and organizational requirements.

How To Apply

The steps to apply online are quick and easy! Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Be advised that there will be no opportunity to change your application materials once you have clicked “Submit.”

Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

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. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications. Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Persistent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment (VNCA) program.

Questions can be directed to Paula Langbecker at paulag.langbecker@wisconsin.gov.

Deadline to Apply

Applicant materials are due by 11:59pm Thursday, July 16, 2026.