Attorney – Confidential – Limited Term Appointment

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Administration in Wisconsin seeks a staff attorney to represent state agencies in adversarial administrative proceedings before the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) and the Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division (ERD). The role is an LTE limited to 1,039 hours in 26 pay periods, with Wisconsin residency required.

Starting pay is $38.59 to $45.00 per hour depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin upon hire.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws.

Responsibilities

• Represent state agencies as attorney of record in adversarial administrative proceedings.
• Handle employment-related matters before WERC and ERD.
• Prepare legal documents, pleadings, briefs, and related filings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Legal advice

Litigation

Education

Law degree (JD) from an accredited law school

Job description

Introduction

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

This LTE position will be headquartered at the Department of Administration State Office Building, 101 E. Wilson Street, Madison, WI.

Our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity.

Position Summary

This position functions as agency staff counsel. Represent agencies of the State of Wisconsin as attorney of record in adversarial administrative proceedings. Cases will relate to a broad scope of employment matters, primarily involving employee appeals of disciplinary actions brought before the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC), but also including actions before the Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division (ERD). To view a full list of duties, see the complete position description.

Salary Information

Starting salary will be between $38.59 and $45.00 an hour depending on qualifications. This classification is assigned to pay schedule/range 71-01. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

Job Details

Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.

This position is Limited Term Employment (LTE) and is limited to 1,039 hours in 26 consecutive pay periods (1 year).

Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.

Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.

Certain positions within this Department may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Qualifications

A minimally qualified candidate will have graduated from an accredited law school. In addition, the individual must also be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin upon hire.

Minimally qualified applicants will also have education, training, and/or experience in the following:

• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting law
• Providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations
• Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
• Preparing legal documents or memorandums (e.g., pleadings, briefs and allied court papers, legal opinions, administrative rules, orders, etc.)

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

Questions can be directed to Rachel Libera at [e-mail].

Deadline to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday, November 16, 2026.