Federal Defender Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your investigator skills to the State Public Defenders' office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Public Defender Investigator to work in our Juneau Trial 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: This position will work in our Juneau Trial Office located at 820 N Main St, STE 2, Juneau, WI 53039.
Position Summary
The Public Defender Investigator plans and conducts investigations for staff trial attorneys.
For more detailed information, please click here for the position description .
Salary Information
The starting salary for the PDI will be between $22.95 and $28.00/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-04) and the starting salary for the PDI-Senior will be between $27.68 and $34.84/hour and is in pay schedule-range (07-03). Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A one-year probationary period will be required.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described below by the stated deadline.
Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.
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.
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.
Wisconsin driver's license: Possession of a valid WI driver's license must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Ability to testify: In an effective manner in court procedures. Testifying in an effective manner requires candidates and employees to have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.
Qualifications
LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & 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.
Minimum Qualifications (Required - Candidates must have experience and/or training relevant to these areas in order to be considered for this position):
1) Proficiency in writing detailed, clear investigative reports using common office software (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word, etc.)
2) Communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
3) Knowledge of the criminal justice system or equivalent
4) Strong commitment to the mission and values of public defense
A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in the following areas:
1) Conducting professional-level criminal defense investigation (e.g., complex witness location, detailed interviewing, crime scene analysis, etc.)
2) Use of investigative and legal tools such as Skopenow, Cellebrite and/or Westlaw
3) Assisting in trial and court preparation (e.g., organizing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, serving subpoenas, testifying, etc.)
4) Technological proficiency in evidence management or ability to learn new technologies
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 and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your skills and experience relate to the qualifications required for this job. You can also reference the How to Apply to State Service document for more information.
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). You can also reference the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Your letter of qualifications and resume 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 both 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 who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.
Deadline to Apply
If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026.