Assistant State Public Defender Appellate Attorney - Madison Appellate Office

Wisconsin State Public Defender; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 53,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

3.5 weeks vacation

9 paid holidays

Pension plan

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Wisconsin State Public Defender in Madison seeks an Assistant State Public Defender Appellate Attorney for the Madison Appellate Office. The position focuses on appellate litigation, including circuit court appeals, Court of Appeals, and Wisconsin Supreme Court matters.

The role requires Wisconsin bar admission and a commitment to indigent defense. We offer a robust benefits package, generous vacation, holidays, and a strong pension program. PSLF benefits may apply for eligible applicants.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
• Experience handling appellate briefs or motions is preferred.
• Strong written and oral advocacy in high-stakes cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide appellate representation for indigent clients in Wisconsin.
• Draft and argue appellate briefs and motions.
• Advise trial teams on appellate strategy and procedures.

Skills

Litigation skills

Appellate practice

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Education

Wisconsin Bar license in good standing

Job description

Location: Madison

Agency: State Public Defender Board

Introduction

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your litigation skills to Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Assistant State Public Defender Appellate Attorney to work in our Madison Appellate 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.

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, click here.

Where We're Located

This position will work in our Madison Appellate Office located at 17 S Fairchild St, Madison, WI 53703.

Position Summary

The SPD Appellate Division provides legal representation at the circuit court (trial court) level, court of appeals, and Wisconsin Supreme Court, primarily on direct appeal. The types of cases include but are not limited to: criminal, civil commitment, protective placement (personal guardianship), sexually violent offender commitment, termination of parental rights, and others as specified by state law for juveniles and adults.

Salary Information

The classification for this position is in the unclassified pay schedule/range 21-75, with the starting salary between $38.59 - $59.24/hour ($80,267.20 to $123,219.20 annually). A one-year probationary period will be required.

Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

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 offers 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 Competitive Appointment program.

State Bar Admission: Successful candidates must be admitted to practice law by the Wisconsin Supreme Court prior to their start date. See the Wisconsin State Bar for admission requirements.

Letter of Qualifications, Resume & Writing Sample

You must submit all 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.

An ASPD must possess a strong sense of commitment and dedication to indigent defense. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
• Drafting of legal documents (e.g., preparing legal pleadings, motions, briefs, etc.)
• Time management skills and the ability to meet hard deadlines for caseload
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse groups (e.g., office staff, clients, opposing counsel, courts, etc.)
• A state of Wisconsin Bar license in good standing

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience in the following areas:

• Experience representing criminal cases (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
• Drafting legal motions and briefs