Paralegal - Portage Trial Office

State of Wisconsin; Portage (IN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Pension plan

Generous paid time off

Moving expense reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office (SPD) seeks a full-time Paralegal for the Portage Trial Office, located in the Madison Trial Region. You will support attorneys, draft and refine legal documents, and help prepare cases for court.

This role emphasizes working with diverse populations and upholding high professional standards. SPD offers comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, a pension plan, and potential relocation support.

Qualifications

• Preparing legal documents (drafting, editing, proofreading, formatting letters, motions, briefs).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace (word processing, data entry, email, scheduling, spreadsheets).
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse colleagues and clients in a professional setting.
• Interviewing and gathering information from people of all ages/backgrounds, including those with mental health issues or criminal records.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance and support to attorneys appointed to provide legal services.

Skills

Legal Docs

MS Office

Google Workspace

Communication

Interviewing

Education

Paralegal training or equivalent

Experience in government or law firm

Job description

Introduction

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Paralegal position for our Madison Trial Region. The incumbent will be located at our PortageTrial 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 at http://wispd.gov.

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 the 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 please click here.

Position Summary

This position provides assistance and support to attorneys appointed to provide legal services. Join our team and contribute to this key function of SPD and experience the intrinsic reward of public service.

Salary Information

Starting salary will be between $24.12 and $35.06 per hour, which is in pay schedule/range 07-04. A one-year probationary period will be required.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described below by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

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 the application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & RESUME: You must submit both 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preparing legal documents (e.g., drafting, editing, proofreading and formatting letters, motions, briefs, etc.)
• Working with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace products (e.g., word processing, database entry, email, scheduling, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Effective oral, written, and communication skills
• Working in a professional environment with people from different ethnic, cultural, political, economic and religious backgrounds
• Interviewing and gathering information from people of all ages and backgrounds (e.g., including those with mental health issues, addiction, poverty, or criminal records, etc.)

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in the following areas

• Paralegal work in a government agency or law firm
• Working with the criminal juvenile, and/or mental health legal systems

If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Monica Endres at [e-mail].

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Monday, November 9, 2026.