Introduction
The Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) is seeking dedicated litigators for a full-time Assistant State Public Defender Local Attorney Manager (ASPD-LAM) position in our Lancaster Trial Office. This position will work with attorneys and support staff in their assigned office. This is your opportunity to work with a dedicated group of professionals who 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.
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 plan 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, click here .
Where We're Located: Our Lancaster Trial Office is located at 207 W Maple St, Ste A, Lancaster, WI 53813.
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.
LAM's are expected to carry a partial caseload as well as perform a variety of management duties which include direct supervision of staff attorneys and participation in statewide management activities.
For more detailed information, please click here to view the position description .
Salary Information
The starting salary will be between $50.00 to $65.00 per hour ( $104,000.00 to $135,200.00 annually) depending on qualifications, an additional $2.75/hr supervisory add-on, plus great benefits. Positions are unclassified and in pay schedule/range 71-00.
Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. Future pay increases will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire.
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.
Ability 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: Success full candidates must be admitted to practice law by the WI Supreme Court prior to their start date. For those who do not have a WI Bar number at the time of this posting, an appointment date would be set after being admitted to the WI Bar. 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 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.
A LAM must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.
Minimally qualified applicants will also have education or training in the following:
1) Complex defense litigation skills, including familiarity with the conduct of a trial, preparation of pleadings, discovery and motions, familiarity with negotiations, preparation of briefs and participation in oral arguments
2) Managing/directing lawyers (including any formal experience mentoring/coaching/training lawyers) to ensure a high quality legal work product
3) Licensed to practice in the State of Wisconsin prior to start date
In addition, well-qualified applicants will have experience in the following:
1) Legal risk management principles
2) At least 3 years of experience managing employees in a legal setting
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.
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).
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 that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
Deadline to Apply
This posting will remain active until 11:59pm on Sunday, August 9, 2026. If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Maggie Wild at wildm@opd.wi.gov.
