Assigned Counsel Division (ACD)
ACD, located in the central administrative office in Madison, is responsible for contracting with outside counsel to represent eligible clients. Attorneys wishing to be assigned public defender cases should review the rules for certification, billing, and the Attorney Performance Standards. The Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office (SPD) is committed to the continuous improvement of our partnership with the private bar.
Fixed-Fee Contract Applications Available
Under s. 977.08, the SPD is required to offer contracts to attorneys for the representation of clients at a fixed-fee in a limited number of cases. The SPD is now accepting applications for fixed-fee contracts for Ch. 51 commitment cases in Milwaukee County and for misdemeanor cases in Brown, Dane, Eau Claire, Jefferson, Kenosha, La Crosse, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties.
The deadline to apply is April 29.
Below are application packets and sample contracts.
FY23 Misdemeanor Sample Contract
FY23 Chapter 51 Sample Contract
2021 Berkos Award Winner Bill Donarski Explains
Why He Takes Agency Cases as a Private Bar Attorney