Appellate Defender Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your litigation skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) and make a different in the lives of Wisconsin residents! SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Assistant State Public Defender Attorney in the Madison Appellate Office.
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 .
What We Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package , including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation is one of the nation's top-rated pension plans . Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program . To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator .
Why Work With Us? At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team.
We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here .
Who We Are: SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the SPD is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, please click here .
Where We're Located: The Madison Appellate Office is located at 17 S Fairchild St, Madison, WI 53703.
Position Summary
The SPD Appellate Division provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level, court of appeals, and Wisconsin Supreme Court, primarily on direct appeal. The types of cases include but are not limited to: criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and others as specified by state law for juveniles and adults.
To view a copy of the position description, please click here .
Salary Information
The classification for this position is in the unclassified pay schedule/range 21-75, with the starting salary between $38.59 - $59.24/hour ( $80,267.20 to $123,219.20 annually) . A one-year probationary period will be required.
Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
Background Check: We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.
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 for admission requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offer 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.
Qualifications
LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS, RESUME & WRITING SAMPLE: You must submit all 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.
Minimum Qualifications (Required - Candidates must have experience and/or training relevant to these areas in order to be considered for this position):
1) Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
2) Drafting of legal documents (e.g., preparing legal pleadings, motions, briefs, etc.)
3) Time management skills and the ability to meet hard deadlines for caseload
4) Ability to interact professionally with diverse groups (e.g., office staff, clients, opposing counsel, courts, etc.)
5) A state of Wisconsin Bar license in good standing
A well-qualified candidate will also have experience in the following areas:
1) Experience representing criminal cases (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
2) Drafting legal motions and briefs
How To Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume, letter of qualifications, and a writing sample as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job.
If you encounter issues submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm CST).
Your letter of qualifications, resume, and writing sample are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. If any of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.
Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026 . If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply, please contact Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.