Description:
.Position Summary:
This position serves as Assistant Legal Counsel in the Office of Legal Counsel within the Office of the Secretary. All work is performed under the general direction and supervision of the Deputy General Counsel.
The attorney in this position provides legal services related to the administration and enforcement of a broad range of federal and state legal authorities pertaining to agricultural, business, employment, and/or consumer protection. The attorney may be called upon to provide legal advice and guidance on laws and administrative rules pertaining to: food safety, unfair business practices and consumer fraud, fair packaging and labeling, consumer product safety, disease control and bio security, pesticides and agrichemical management, land and water resources, nonpoint source pollution, groundwater protection, animal and plant health, agricultural producer security, and agricultural development.
The attorney furnishes day-to-day legal advice and assistance to division administrators, department managers and staff, as well as various DATCP boards. The attorney drafts administrative rules and manages the rulemaking process, working in conjunction with the Legislature and other state agencies. The attorney will draft pleadings and legal documents; prepare and litigate administrative cases before administrative law judges and other State agencies; and work with local district attorneys and the Department of Justice in the preparation and litigation of court cases. The attorney will negotiate settlements of cases and other contested matters and represent the department before the Legislature and other agencies.
Assistant Legal Counsel – Full Position Description (https://datcp-auth-prod.wi.gov/Documents/JobListings/Position%20Description_Attorney_Assistant%20Legal%20Counsel.pdf)
Salary Information:
The classification of this position is an Attorney, which is in schedule-range 09-75 with a starting pay of $48.00-$58.07 per hour ($99,840 to $120,785.60 annually).
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.
Job Details:
At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.
These OJT opportunities include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.
Conditions of Employment:
DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.
A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.
Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to provide one's own transportation for work purposes, is required.
Occasional travel (10% or less) with overnight stays may be required.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin by the State Bar of Wisconsin (https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/default.aspx) and possess a law degree from an accredited law school.
Qualifications:
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:
- Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin
- Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting law
- Experience providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations.
- Experience preparing legal documents or memorandums (e.g., pleadings, briefs and allied court papers, legal opinions, administrative rules, orders, etc.)
- Experience providing legal representation (e.g conducting litigation or hearings, negotiations, etc.)
- Experience providing legal advice to state or local governmental entities
- Legal experience related to Agriculture, Consumer Protection, or Human Resources
- Experience advising executive management on legal or policy issues
How to Apply:
If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: 20796 to complete your application for this posting.
DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
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 (https://wisc.jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx) for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page (https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/educationEmployment/Employment.aspx) on WDVA's website.
To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don't already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. If you do not upload these materials, your application will not be considered. Review the applicant resources (https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Job_Seekers/ApplicantResources.aspx), including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.
Submitted application materials will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.
For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please check the Frequently Asked Questions (https://wisc.jobs/Pages/FAQs.aspx). Please address questions regarding the application process to Joey Stella at joey.stella@wisconsin.gov.
Deadline to Apply:
The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026.
