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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Liaise with law enforcement to assist in apprehension of suspects. * Collaborate with the Manager of Safety and Security and Public Safety Supervisor's to identify trends as well as suspects and how ...

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$55K - $66K/yr

Liaise with law enforcement to assist in apprehension of suspects. * Collaborate with the Manager of Safety and Security and Public Safety Supervisor's to identify trends as well as suspects and how ...

Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Represent Milwaukee County at Unemployment Compensation Hearings and assist leaders with defending ... Experience working in a public sector or government HR environment. * Experience working with ...

Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$94 - $142/hr

... Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our ... Represent Milwaukee County at Unemployment Compensation Hearings and assist leaders with defending ...

New

Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Represent Milwaukee County at Unemployment Compensation Hearings and assist leaders with defending ... Experience working in a public sector or government HR environment. * Experience working with ...

Comfort working with AI coding assistants (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar) and ... Knowledge of the public utility sector * Proven Unix/Linux knowledge/background * Experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Public Defender information

See Wisconsin salary details

$47.4K

$79.3K

$133.2K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Wisconsin is $79,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant public defender do?

An Assistant Public Defender is a licensed attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They provide legal counsel, defend clients in court, negotiate plea deals, and ensure their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Assistant Public Defenders often handle a high caseload and work on a wide variety of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant public defender?

To thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with resilience and empathy, help you connect with clients and navigate high-pressure situations. These skills ensure effective representation of clients, uphold legal rights, and maintain integrity within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant public defenders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Assistant Public Defenders often manage high caseloads and work with clients from diverse backgrounds who may have complex legal and personal needs. New hires should be prepared for fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations. Developing strong organizational skills, practicing empathy, and seeking mentorship from senior defenders can help new attorneys navigate these challenges effectively. Additionally, collaborating closely with investigators, social workers, and other team members is key to building a strong defense and supporting clients holistically.

What is the difference between Assistant Public Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectAssistant Public DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentSupports public defenders, handles cases under supervisionLeads defense teams, manages caseloads, makes legal decisions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Public Defenders assist in defending clients in criminal cases under supervision, while Public Defenders lead the defense team, handle complex cases, and make strategic legal decisions. Both roles require a JD and state bar licensure, and they work within government public defense offices. The main difference lies in responsibility level and case management scope.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin?

For Assistant Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in WI?

For Assistant Public Defender jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,322 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

mcts

Milwaukee, WI

$55K - $66K/yr

Full-time, Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Title:                             Public Safety Officer

Department:                        Safety, Security & Project Management

Shift:                                    2nd Shift (2pm – 10pm), Holidays will be included.

FLSA Status:                       Non-Exempt - Non-Represented

Reports To:                          Manager of Safety and Security

Salary Range:                      $55,300 - $66,367

JOB SUMMARY:

This uniformed position monitors the daily transportation security operations in accordance with company procedures in order to provide a safe, secure, and efficient public transportation services.  The Public Safety Officer will spend the majority of time in the field patrolling in a marked MCTS Public Safety squad and facilities in cooperation with the third party contracted Transit Security Officers. The Public Safety Officers will respond to safety and security incidents and concerns, and coordinate with dispatch, route supervisors, law enforcement, and other third parties as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Respond to Safety and security incidents in the field.
  • Coordinate with Transit Security Officers on security incidents to ensure a timely response and to maximize their security presence.
  • Conduct high traffic intersection monitoring and bus stops.
  • Complete Officer Security Reports as needed.
  • Liaise with law enforcement to assist in apprehension of suspects.
  • Collaborate with the Manager of Safety and Security and Public Safety Supervisor’s to identify trends as well as suspects and how to best deploy resources to accomplish desired results.
  • Aid in the review and classification of security incidents.
  • Responds to and investigates security incidents.
  • Submits daily reports of all security activities and submits incident reports.
  • Maintains contact with Dispatch via 2-way radio throughout shift.
  • Coordinates with other third-party agencies as needed to provide resources to the riding community.
  • Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience in law enforcement, public safety, or a transit agency environment preferred.
  • Five years’ experience as a certified law enforcement officer, Military service, Transit Security Officer, or Public Safety Officer is preferred.
  • A two or four year degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a related field is preferred
  • Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), Professional Communication, or Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certification preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of MCTS operations and policies.
  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system, local, state, and federal laws.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement policies and procedures.
  • Ability to coach and support others.
  • Skilled in computer operations, word processing, communications, and related software.
  • Ability to manage conflict and balance competing interests from multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to develop and execute company strategies to attain outcomes for set goals.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK CONDITIONS:

  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., carry and push up to 30 lbs. and ability pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to climb stairs, ladder and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, run.
  • Ability to defend self and/or others in case of physical confrontations.
  • Ability to physically restrain disruptive individuals of varying stature.
  • Ability to pass a physical and drug screen, including a PPFT (Pre-placement Functional Test) as it relates to the physical requirements of the essential functions of the job.
  • Work is frequently conducted at an outdoor, street, construction site or bus environment and may sometimes be conducted in an office. Incumbent may be frequently exposed to extreme temperatures and sometimes exposed to hostile or irate individuals and fumes.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

The above are general requirements that must be met for consideration.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of job qualifications or job duties.

Milwaukee Transport Services Inc. (Milwaukee County Transit System) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age; military status, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.