Local Attorney Manager - Milwaukee Trial Office

About the Role

The Wisconsin State Public Defender's office (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for a full-time Assistant State Public Defender Local Attorney Manager (ASPD-LAM) position in our Milwaukee Trial Office. This position will work with attorneys and support staff in their office. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group of professionals who are compassionate advocates for their clients.

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.

The SPD is proud that its system of indigent defense is considered a model for public defender programs around the world. 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.

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.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS AND 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.

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

Minimally qualified applicants will also have education or training in the following:

• Complex defense litigation skills, including familiarity with the conduct of a trial, preparation of pleadings, discovery and motions, familiarity with negotiations, preparation of briefs and participation in oral arguments
• Managing/directing lawyers (including any formal experience mentoring/coaching/training lawyers) to ensure a high quality legal work product
• Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date

In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience in the following:

• Legal risk management principles
• At least 3 years of experience managing employees in a legal setting

Benefits

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD! Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation is one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

The starting salary will be between $50.00 to $65.00 per hour ($104,000.00 to $135,200.00 annually) depending on qualifications, an additional $2.75/hr supervisory add-on, plus great benefits. Positions are unclassified and in pay schedule/range 71-00. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. Future pay increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire.

Schedule

Full-Time, Regular/Temporary classification: Regular.

How To Apply

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. If you encounter issues submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm). 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. 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 11:59pm on Sunday, August 3, 2026. If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.

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