Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Wausau, WI

Government

Wausau, WI

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Wausau, WI

Attorney

No

Job Title: Assistant State Public Defender

Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant State Public Defender (ASPD) plays a crucial role in the State Public Defender's Office, representing individuals who are accused of crimes or defendants in specified civil matters and meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The primary responsibilities include providing 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.

The ASPD must zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. The position requires preparing and working with legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs, and managing a caseload with strict deadlines. The ASPD must interact professionally with diverse groups including office staff, clients, opposing counsel, and courts.

Education and Experience Information:
To be considered for the ASPD position, candidates must have graduated from, or be soon graduating from, an accredited law school. They must also be working towards admission to the Wisconsin Bar within the next year and must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin before their start date.

Minimally qualified applicants will have education and/or training in providing legal representation, including conducting litigation or hearings, and negotiating. They must also have experience preparing and working with legal documents and possess time management skills to meet hard deadlines for caseloads. The ability to interact professionally with diverse groups is essential.

Well-qualified applicants will have experience representing criminal cases, preparing and working with legal documents, and experience reviewing discovery. Fluency in a foreign language is considered a plus.

Salary Information:
The starting salary for the ASPD position ranges from to per hour, which translates to an annual salary between $76, and $117,, depending on qualifications. This position offers great benefits, and pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

The State Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, generous paid time off starting with weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave to ensure a work/life balance. Employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top-rated pension plans and may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if they have student loans.

Additional Information:
The ASPD position is within the **Members Only** and is a full-time, regular position. The current openings are in the Merrill, Rhinelander, Stevens Point, and Wausau trial offices. The State Public Defender's Office is committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

The State of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability are encouraged to apply and may be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Application Process:
Interested candidates must submit both a letter of qualifications and a resume to be considered for the position. These documents are critical in illustrating how the candidate's qualifications relate to the job. Application materials will not be accepted via email, hard copy, or fax. Materials submitted by applicants will be evaluated by job experts, and eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly and can contact the recruitment team for any questions regarding the application process.