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Public Defender Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Public Safety Officer (2x) Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: 2nd Shift (2pm - 10pm), Holidays will be included. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of ...

... Public Defender, local defense bar, Sheriff, local law enforcement, Department of Corrections, Criminal Justice Coordinator and others). E. Meet with jail inmates to determine re-entry needs.

Public Safety Officer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Public Safety Officer (2x) Department: Safety, Security & Project Management Shift: 2nd Shift (2pm - 10pm), Holidays will be included. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - Non-Represented Reports To: Manager of ...

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Attorney

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$91K - $107K/yr

Private practice criminal defense, prosecution, public defender or other litigation experience is strongly preferred. We will also consider a newer attorney who may not have an impressive résumé ...

New

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Attorney

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$91K - $107K/yr

Private practice criminal defense, prosecution, public defender or other litigation experience is strongly preferred. We will also consider a newer attorney who may not have an impressive résumé ...

New

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Attorney

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$91K - $107K/yr

Private practice criminal defense, prosecution, public defender or other litigation experience is strongly preferred. We will also consider a newer attorney who may not have an impressive résumé ...

New

... defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one ...

New

Legal Assistant

Wausau, WI · On-site

$50K/yr

... defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one ...

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Showing results 21-40

Public Defender information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.3K

$108.5K

$186.2K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Wisconsin is $108,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin? For Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in WI? For Public Defender jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various 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 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,539 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER (2x) - 2ND SHIFT

mcts

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$55K - $66K/yr

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title:                             Public Safety Officer (2x)

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:

  1. Respond to Safety and security incidents in the field.
  2. Coordinate with Transit Security Officers on security incidents to ensure a timely response and to maximize their security presence.
  3. Conduct high traffic intersection monitoring and bus stops.
  4. Complete Officer Security Reports as needed.
  5. Liaise with law enforcement to assist in apprehension of suspects.
  6. 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.
  7. Aid in the review and classification of security incidents.
  8. Responds to and investigates security incidents.
  9. Submits daily reports of all security activities and submits incident reports.
  10. Maintains contact with Dispatch via 2-way radio throughout shift.
  11. Coordinates with other third-party agencies as needed to provide resources to the riding community.
  12. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

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

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK CONDITIONS:

  1. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs., carry and push up to 30 lbs. and ability pull up to 50 lbs.
  2. Ability to climb stairs, ladder and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
  3. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, run.
  4. Ability to defend self and/or others in case of physical confrontations.
  5. Ability to physically restrain disruptive individuals of varying stature.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.