Description:

Introduction:
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your litigation skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a different in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is seeking dedicated litigators to fill vacancies throughout our offices in Wisconsin. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group that are compassionate advocates for their clients. The SPD is proud that its system of indigent defense is considered a model for public defender programs around the world. This posting is meant for those who will be graduating from law school or taking the Wisconsin Bar Exam in 2026. If you are currently a practicing attorney, please review our other openings to apply for a position with us.

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. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov.

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.

For more detailed information, please click here for the trial attorney position description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lvuiw5S94WI70RBWsyCM8DyaY4S0KR9y/view?usp=sharing).

Job Details:
Eligibility to work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

State Bar Admission: Successful candidates must be admitted to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to their start date. See the Wisconsin State Bar (https://www.wisbar.org/Pages/default.aspx) for admission requirements.

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.

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

A qualified candidate will have graduated from, or will soon graduate from an accredited law school in 2026.

Qualified applicants will have training and/or experience in the following:

Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
Preparing and working with legal documents (e.g., preparing and reading legal pleadings, motions, briefs, etc.)
Time management skills and the ability to meet hard deadlines for caseload
Ability to interact professionally with diverse groups (e.g., office staff, clients, opposing counsel, courts, etc.)
Will be graduating from an accredited law school in 2026 and/or taking the Wisconsin Bar Exam in 2026