Closing Date: 12th February, 2026

Description:

It is the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the public and ensure that justice is done. To continue to meet this mission, the principles of equity, inclusion, and employee well-being have become a foundation for all work performed at DOJ, on behalf of Wisconsinites.

The DOJ is committed to developing and supporting a workforce and culture that is rich in diversity and innovation. It is the department's goal to ensure that all DOJ employees are empowered to be authentic, claim belonging, and thrive. This is your opportunity to make and be the difference. Click here to learn more about DOJ.

In addition to working with a dynamic group of people, we offer amazing benefits, such as excellent health insurance, ample paid leave, flexible work schedules, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and resources to help promote wellness. Furthermore, employment within the state of Wisconsin provides job stability, work/life balance, and numerous intrinsic rewards from doing meaningful work.

Position Summary:
Are you a skilled attorney looking to grow in your career? Are you highly motivated, have the ability to support a thriving unit, and seeking a new opportunity? If yes, the Division of Legal Services, Criminal Appeals Unit, is looking for a Deputy Unit Director (Assistant Attorney General-Supervisor) to join their leadership team.

Under the general direction of the Criminal Appeals Unit Director, this position serves as a Deputy Unit Director for the Criminal Appeals Unit in the Division of Legal Services. This position is responsible for the oversight and direction of Assistant Attorneys General in the unit. This position will provide a variety of legal services, through counsel and representation, to the Legislature, Governor, state agencies, corporation counsel and district attorneys, and will enforce the statutes under the Attorney General's jurisdiction.

For more information, review the position description.

This position is headquartered at the Risser Justice Center located at 17 West Main Street in Madison.

The deadline to apply for this job announcement is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:59pm. For any questions, please contact Angie Rizner, Human Resources Specialist-Senior at angela.rizner@wisdoj.gov or (608) 347-9393.

Salary Information:
The Criminal Appeals Deputy Unit Director (Assistant Attorney General-Supervisor) position is in pay schedule 71 and pay range 01. The starting pay for this position will be between $55.00/hour ($114,400/year) and $64.00/hour ($133,120/year) depending upon experience and qualifications, plus excellent benefits. In addition, add-on pay of up to $2.75/hour may be included for this supervisory position. Pay for current or former state employees will follow the provisions found in the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan effective at the time of hire. A 12-month probationary period may be required.

To learn more about DOJ's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator! 

Job Details:
This position may be eligible to work remotely up to 2 days per week as part of a hybrid schedule, following an initial training period. Travel to the headquarters is not eligible for travel reimbursement. Options for remote work will be discussed during the interview. High speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work.

Occasional in-state travel will be required. Must be eligible to drive when required for travel.

The Department of Justice 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.

A background check, including fingerprints, will be completed on applicants prior to selection.

Special Qualification: Candidate must be a member in good standing with the Wisconsin State Bar upon appointment.

Qualifications:
Please address the following in your resume and/or letter of qualifications.

Minimally qualified applicants must have a Juris doctor degree and professional attorney experience in the following:

Working in criminal, juvenile, habeas, sexual predator, or corrections law.
Analyzing statutes and case law.
Conducting in-depth legal research.
Writing briefs or judicial decisions as a primary drafter.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, a well-qualified applicant will also have a combination of education, training, and/or experience:
Editing legal documents written by others (e.g. editing a brief written by another attorney or support staff).
Mentorship experience (e.g. mentoring an extern or new employee in either a formal or informal setting, etc.).
Teambuilding, leadership, or management experience.
Teaching or training in criminal or habeas law (e.g. presenting a continuing legal education session, providing a legal update to law enforcement, etc.).

How to Apply:
Apply online! To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Once logged in, click “Apply for Job” and follow the steps outlined in the application process. You will be required to submit a letter of qualifications and resume.

Each time you apply for a job; you should update and tailor your resume and letter of qualifications. You should clearly describe your education, training, and experience related to the items listed in the “Qualifications” section of the job announcement. These qualifications should be addressed in your resume and expanded upon in your letter of qualifications. This will allow a fuller assessment regarding your qualifications and those required for the job in which you are applying.

Your Resume Should Include the Following:

Your educational background including any course work that relates to the position in which you are applying.
Your employment history, including experiences and/or duties and a summary of accomplishments and skills learned or used.
Any training or experience, including volunteer work or internships, you have related specifically to the “Qualifications” section of the assessment.
Spell out any acronyms and/or abbreviations the first time used.
Your letter of qualifications should include:
Additional information regarding your past work experience, including volunteer work and internships, or coursework.
Highlights of your most relevant skills and experiences as they related to the specific job in which you are applying.
Specific examples that clearly demonstrates your level of expertise.
What not to include in your resume or letter of qualifications:
Your application materials should not include any information that is not job-related, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, creed, disability, or genetic information. Further, do not include any self-identifying information such as photos, social security numbers, political affiliation, citizen status or conviction records.

Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place.

NOTE: Current/former State employees interested in a permissive transfer, demotion or reinstatement consideration must also apply.

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 for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

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We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply for positions. If any questions arise, please contact Angie Rizner, Human Resources Specialist-Senior, at angela.rizner@wisdoj.gov or (608) 347-9393.

Deadline to Apply:
The deadline to apply for this job announcement is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:59pm.