Careers

The Assistant State Public Defender Attorney (ASPD) is the backbone of public defense in Wisconsin. These skilled defenders play a vital role in delivering justice by providing zealous, ethical, and effective legal representation to our clients. This rewarding position is ideal for attorneys who are passionate about public service and committed to advocating for those who cannot afford private counsel.

ASPDs manage a diverse caseload, representing clients in criminal, juvenile, and administrative proceedings. From intake to trial and beyond, they are responsible for every aspect of defense work—conducting legal research, preparing motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing clients in court. They also develop sentencing alternatives and provide post-conviction counsel when needed. Every ASPD receives robust on-the-job training, as well as support and mentoring from senior attorneys.

Collaboration is key, as ASPDs work closely with investigators, experts, and colleagues to build strong, client-centered defenses. The position requires consistent communication with clients to keep them informed and empowered throughout their legal proceedings.

Attorneys in this role maintain a high standard of professionalism, fulfill continuing legal education requirements, and stay current on changes in the law. If you’re looking for litigation experience and the opportunity to serve your community while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives—especially the most vulnerable—this position offers challenge, growth, and purpose within a supportive legal team.

Paralegals directly support our public defender attorneys throughout all stages of litigation. Working closely with attorneys, you’ll help prepare complex cases by gathering evidence, conducting legal research, organizing documentation, and assisting at trial.

Key responsibilities include evaluating clients for indigency, conducting in-depth case investigations, preparing legal documents such as pleadings and briefs, and analyzing large volumes of evidence. You’ll also interact directly with clients—reviewing discovery, keeping them informed, and serving as a liaison between attorneys, witnesses, experts, and the courts.

This role combines legal knowledge with hands-on casework. You’ll assist with trial preparation, draft jury instructions, brief expert witnesses, attend hearings, and maintain secure, up-to-date case files.

If you’re a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, enjoys research, values public service, and wants to help ensure fair representation in the public defense system, this role offers a rewarding and meaningful career path with opportunities for growth and continued learning.

Public Defender Investigators uncover key facts that can shape the outcome of a case. In this role you’ll independently plan and conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and support trial preparation—making a direct impact on the lives of our clients.

This dynamic position involves visiting crime scenes, analyzing discovery materials, and obtaining critical records and statements. You’ll present your findings to attorneys, help prepare exhibits and legal documents, and may even assist at the trial table. You’ll also support client communication and act as a liaison between attorneys, witnesses, and court personnel, ensuring the defense team stays organized and well-informed.

Ideal candidates have a background in criminal justice or investigation, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to upholding legal ethics and client confidentiality. Comfort with technology, clear communication, and cultural competence are essential. This role includes extensive travel and occasional non-traditional hours.

If you’re a motivated, detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in high-stakes environments, this is a meaningful and exciting opportunity to contribute to justice while building a career in the public defense system.

The Legal Secretary and Legal Associate positions offer a meaningful opportunity to support the work of public defense with strong legal and administrative skills. Working under general supervision, you’ll provide a broad range of legal secretarial services that help ensure that our clients receive timely and high-quality representation.

In this role, you’ll prepare and proofread legal documents such as motions, subpoenas, and correspondence, while maintaining accurate case files using specialized software. You’ll also play a key part in the client intake process, evaluating eligibility and assisting with private bar appointments when needed. Your work will directly support our attorneys, ensuring legal documents are processed efficiently and client information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

In addition to legal tasks, you’ll help manage daily office operations by answering phones, coordinating schedules, distributing mail, and maintaining records. This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced legal environment.

If you’re skilled in document preparation, multitasking, and professional communication—and want to be part of a mission-driven legal team that values public service and equity—this position offers both challenge and reward. You’ll gain experience in the public defense system while helping to make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Client Services Specialist position is a great fit for professionals who are passionate about advocacy, community support, and criminal justice reform. Working closely with our public defender attorneys, this position plays a vital role in building holistic defense strategies by evaluating our clients’ backgrounds, identifying treatment alternatives, and recommending community-based sentencing options.

This role combines direct client interaction with case development and requires strong social work skills, compassion, and the ability to work independently. You’ll meet with clients in homes, jails, treatment centers, or mental health facilities to gather social history, assess needs, and develop personalized plans for rehabilitation. You’ll present findings and treatment proposals through written reports or court testimony, helping our attorneys advocate for more just and effective outcomes.

In addition to casework, Client Services Specialists maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources, mental health systems, and legal policies. You’ll serve as a liaison between attorneys, clients, service providers, and courts, ensuring all parties stay informed and clients receive the support they need.

If you’re experienced in human services, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want to make a real difference in people’s lives—particularly vulnerable youth and adults navigating the justice system—this position offers meaningful work, professional growth, and the chance to be part of a mission-driven team.