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Salary : $82,846.44 - $138,091.20 Annually
Location : Sheridan, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01958
Department: Public Defender
Division: Public Defender
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Job Classification: ATTY99
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender's Office in Sheridan is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice, develop their trial skills, and work alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender's Office?

• Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career.
• Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work.
• Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys.
• Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming's incredible outdoor recreation.

Live and Work in Sheridan, Wyoming
Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan is known for its Western charm, strong community, and outstanding quality of life. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, Sheridan offers easy access to incredible outdoor recreation. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, historic downtown, and nationally recognized rodeos, making it a perfect blend of professional opportunity and small-town living. With stunning natural scenery and a welcoming legal community, Sheridan is an ideal place to grow your career as a public defender while enjoying an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Join us and make a difference in the Sheridan community!
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!
Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?
Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov
Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew/307-777-7667 / samantha.drew2@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Client Representation: Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.
• Case Preparation: Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case.
• Negotiation & Advocacy: Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, ensuring outcomes align with clients' best interests.
• Investigation: Work with investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources to gather evidence and build a strong defense.
• Caseload Management: Handle a diverse caseload, ensuring timely case progression and compliance with court deadlines.
• Mentorship & Development: Provide guidance to junior attorneys or legal interns as needed, fostering professional growth within the office.
• Continuing Education: Stay current on changes in criminal law and public defense best practices through ongoing legal education and professional development.

Qualifications
PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
While preference may be given to applicants who are currently licensed to practice law in Wyoming, recent law school graduates and those awaiting bar exam results are strongly encouraged to apply.
KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong case management and prioritization skills.
• In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes.
• Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
• Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Juris Doctorate
Experience:
0-2 years of relevant legal experience.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Requires membership in the State Bar as an Attorney qualified to practice law in this state.
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt - At Will Position

Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.
Click to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
URL:
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.
Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.
Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.
Explore your total compensation:
WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.
Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.
01
Do you have your Juris Doctorate?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you scheduled to graduate with your J.D. within the next twelve (12) months?

• Yes
• No

03
Which of the following best describes your relevant legal experience after you obtained your JD?

• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience
• One (1) to less than six (6) years of relevant experience.
• Six (6) to less than ten (10) years of relevant experience
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant experience

04
Have you passed the State Bar for Wyoming or a state other than Wyoming?

• Yes
• No

05
If yes, which State(s), please list and include dates passed.
06
Are you an active member of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State?

• Yes
• No

07
(A) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Goverment jobs www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

08
(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.
09
(AA) If you answered Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
10
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

11
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' preference status. By requesting veterans' preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veteran's Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

12
(AA) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume' is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question