Legal Secretary - Appleton Trial Office

Introduction

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your administrative skills to the State Public Defenders (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full‑time Legal Secretary position in our Appleton Trial office.

What We Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Employees have access to a comprehensive benefit and compensation package, 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, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for student loans. For more details, see the Total Rewards Calculator.

Why Work With Us

SPD fosters an inclusive, human‑centered, and family‑friendly culture where staff are encouraged to bring their “whole self” to work. Professional development is supported through a wide variety of training opportunities, and leadership is committed to a respectful work environment that values each individual’s contributions.

Who We Are

SPD provides legal representation for persons accused of crimes or defendants in certain civil matters who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system, treating clients with dignity and compassion.

Position Summary

The Legal Secretary (LS) provides clerical and administrative support to the local office staff, including attorneys. This role is a key function of the SPD, offering the intrinsic reward of public service.

Salary Information

This classification is in pay schedule/range 02‑12 with a starting salary of $27.08 per hour. A one‑year probationary period is required. Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving‑expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

Job Details

• Background check required; qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with applicable law.
• Eligibility to work in the United States is required; the SPD does not sponsor work visas.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: the State of Wisconsin is an affirmative‑action employer committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants.
• Veterans with a service‑connected disability of 30 % or greater may be eligible for the Veterans Non‑Competitive Appointment program.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications (required):

• Providing administrative, clerical, or office support (e.g., greeting visitors, answering phones, mail distribution, etc.).
• Working with Microsoft Office Suites and/or Google Workspace (e.g., Google Drive files, word processing, database entry, email, scheduling, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Proofreading documents (cover letter will be used to assess punctuation, grammar, and spelling).
• Detail‑oriented: accurately completing tasks, following instructions, gathering and organizing information.

Preferred qualifications (a well‑qualified candidate will also have experience or training in):

• Working with the criminal justice system or other legal settings.
• Providing litigation support to attorneys in a legal or government setting (e.g., writing motions, e‑filing documents, scheduling client meetings, etc.).

How to Apply

Submit a resume and a letter of qualifications through the “Apply for Job” portal. Both documents must clearly illustrate how your skills and experience relate to the qualifications. Applications submitted by email, hard copy, or fax will not be accepted. If you encounter technical issues, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267‑1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday – Friday, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm). Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; contact the HR Specialist listed in the posting.

The application deadline is 11:59 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026. For questions, contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.