Legal Counsel

Wisconsin Court System / Wisconsin Supreme Court; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 102,656 - 113,428; Full time

Job summary

A state court system in Madison, WI is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide in-house legal counsel and assist with litigation management. Candidates should possess a law degree from an ABA accredited school, be an active member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, and have experience in public sector legal services. The role requires excellent knowledge of employment law and legal principles, as well as strong research and writing skills. This position offers a salary range of $102,656 to $113,428 annually.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin.
• Experience in a public sector setting providing specialized legal services.
• Excellent knowledge of the Wisconsin Court System and relevant laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house legal counsel to the Director and executive staff.
• Assist in the management of litigation and draft contractual instruments.
• Conduct legal analysis and review public records requests.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Public relations

Knowledge of employment law

Knowledge of contract law

Education

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

Legal Counsel

Location: Madison, WI with occasional statewide travel required.

Salary: $102,656.00/yr – $113,428.00/yr (subject to qualifications).

Responsibilities

• Provide in‑house legal counsel to the Director of State Courts and executive staff on all matters impacting the WCS, including representation of the courts on certain legal matters and providing legal advice on general legal issues.
• Assist in the management of litigation; draft and negotiate contractual instruments; analyze the legal impact of legislative and related efforts affecting the WCS.
• Draft legal analysis and review public records requests under Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
• Assist in the preparation of the annually produced Uniform State Bond Book and the staffing of the Uniform Bond committee.

Qualifications

• Law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin.
• Experience in a public sector setting providing specialized legal services.
• Experience providing analysis and assistance for public records.
• Excellent knowledge of the Wisconsin Court System, Supreme Court rules, internal operating procedures, and public records law.
• Excellent knowledge of general employment law and contract law.
• Excellent knowledge of legal principles, rules of evidence, civil procedure, and relevant case law.
• Skill in legal research and writing, including pleading, motion, brief preparation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior staff, judges, attorneys, and the public.
• Ability to analyze and present facts and evidence in a clear manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.

Special Requirements

• Employment will require a criminal background check.
• Must meet the minimum standards for driving a state vehicle.
• The Wisconsin Court System does not sponsor work visas.
• All persons hired will verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume in a single .pdf document indicating the position #26-2601–Legal Counsel to [e-mail]. All materials should address your relevant education, experience, and skills.

Deadline

Applications must be received by 11:59 PM on January 18, 2026.

Upon request, all prospective employees can obtain a copy of the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report.