Regional Attorney Manager - Racine Region

Location: Racine, WI

About the Role

The Wisconsin State Public Defender (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.

Regional Attorney Managers (RAMs) are expected to carry a partial caseload as well as perform a variety of management duties, including direct supervision of staff attorneys and participation in statewide management activities. The Racine RAM will oversee staff in the Kenosha and Racine Trial Offices, represent the agency during justice system committees, and handle outside system actor requests and communication. This position will work out of the Racine Trial Region and travel up to 25% of the time, including to other offices in their assigned region.

Responsibilities

• Carry a partial caseload of indigent defense cases at the circuit court level.
• Supervise and manage staff attorneys in the Kenosha and Racine Trial Offices.
• Participate in statewide management activities and justice system committees.
• Handle communication and requests from external system actors.
• Travel up to 25% of the time within the assigned region.

Requirements

• Admission to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to start date.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Complex defense litigation skills, including trial conduct, pleadings, discovery, motions, negotiations, brief preparation, and oral arguments.
• Supervisory experience, including mentoring, coaching, or training staff (e.g., full/part-time staff, interns).
• Strong commitment and dedication to indigent defense.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling case types including family defense, youth defense, and mental health matters.
• Supervision and/or leadership in directing attorneys.
• Knowledge of legal risk management principles.
• Fluency in a foreign language (especially Spanish or Hmong).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plans.
• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave.
• Participation in one of the nation’s top-rated pension plans.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

The starting salary will be between $50.00 to $68.00 per hour ($104,000.00 to $141,440.00 annually), plus an additional $2.75/hour supervisory add-on. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.