Local Attorney Manager - Racine Trial Office

Location: Racine, WI (212 4th St, Ste 200, Racine, WI 53403) · Full‑Time Regular · Classification: Assistant State Public Defender Local Attorney Manager (Code 97820)

About the role

The Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office (SPD) Trial Division provides legal representation at the circuit court level for indigent clients in criminal, civil commitment, protective placement, revocation, sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and other matters specified by state law for juveniles and adults. The Local Attorney Manager (LAM) carries a partial caseload while performing management duties that include direct supervision of staff attorneys and participation in statewide management activities.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in circuit court proceedings including criminal, civil commitment, protective placement, revocation, sexually violent offender commitment, and termination of parental rights cases
• Carry a partial caseload while managing office operations
• Directly supervise staff attorneys to ensure high‑quality legal work product
• Mentor, coach, and train lawyers
• Participate in statewide management activities
• Prepare pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, and participate in oral arguments
• Conduct negotiations and trial advocacy

Qualifications

Required

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date (admission by the WI Supreme Court)
• Complex defense litigation skills: trial conduct, pleadings, discovery, motions, negotiations, brief writing, oral argument
• Experience managing/directing lawyers, including formal mentoring, coaching, or training
• Strong commitment and dedication to indigent defense

Preferred

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plans
• Generous paid time off: 3.5 weeks vacation, 9 paid holidays, ample sick leave
• Participation in one of the nation’s top‑rated pension plans (Wisconsin Retirement System)
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Inclusive, family‑friendly culture with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Pay

Starting salary: $50.00–$65.00 per hour ($104,000–$135,200 annually) depending on qualifications, plus a $2.75/hour supervisory add‑on. Positions are unclassified, pay schedule/range 71‑00. Pay for current state employees set per the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan; future increases per the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at time of hire.

About the organization

The 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 advocating for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. The office is committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development, and fosters an inclusive, human‑centered culture where staff are encouraged to bring their “whole self” to work. Leadership aims to ensure every team member is treated with respect and dignity. Clients are at the center of everything the SPD does, and the agency is recognized as a model for public defender programs worldwide.