Paralegal - Milwaukee Trial Office
Wisconsin State Public Defender, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Overview
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defender's office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents. The SPD is recruiting for one full-time Paralegal position for our Milwaukee Trial 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 advocating for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. SPD is committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Learn more at http://wispd.gov.
What We Offer:
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Benefits include a comprehensive package with health plans, generous paid time off (3.5 weeks vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave), and a competitive pension. Public Service Loan Forgiveness may be available for eligible borrowers. See the Total Rewards Calculator for details.
Why Work With Us?
We foster an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture. We offer professional development and a wide variety of training opportunities. Our leadership aims to ensure each staff member is treated with respect and dignity. We encourage applicants to review SPD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion information.
Position Details
Position Summary:
This position conducts client intake and evaluates indigency. It also investigates cases, gathers information to assist attorneys, and helps prepare legal documents (pleadings and briefs). It involves gathering and analyzing investigative information, conducting legal research, briefing expert witnesses, locating and interviewing witnesses, assisting with trial preparation and at trial proceedings, drafting special jury instructions, and assisting with pre-sentencing investigations.
Salary Information:
Starting salary is between $24.12 and $35.06 per hour (pay schedule/range 07-04). A one-year probationary period is required. Permanent state employees eligible for transfer, demotion, or reinstatement should complete the application process by the deadline.
Responsibilities
Prepare legal documents
Work with Google Suite products
Demonstrate effective oral, written, and communication skills
Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
Assist attorneys with trial preparation and at trial
Gather investigative information from multiple sources and analyze it
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
Experience in preparing legal documents
Experience with Google Suite products
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
Additional Qualifications (Preferred):
Paralegal experience
Knowledge of the criminal justice system
How to Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. You will need to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications. Materials should illustrate how your skills relate to the qualifications. See the How to Apply to State Service document for more information.
If you encounter issues submitting your online application, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov. Review the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are essential for evaluation. Applications submitted without these documents will not be considered. Materials will be evaluated by one or more job experts, and eligible candidates will be invited to the next step.
SPD provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026. For questions, contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defender's office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents. The SPD is recruiting for one full-time Paralegal position for our Milwaukee Trial 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 advocating for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. SPD is committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Learn more at http://wispd.gov.
What We Offer:
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Benefits include a comprehensive package with health plans, generous paid time off (3.5 weeks vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave), and a competitive pension. Public Service Loan Forgiveness may be available for eligible borrowers. See the Total Rewards Calculator for details.
Why Work With Us?
We foster an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture. We offer professional development and a wide variety of training opportunities. Our leadership aims to ensure each staff member is treated with respect and dignity. We encourage applicants to review SPD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion information.
Position Details
Position Summary:
This position conducts client intake and evaluates indigency. It also investigates cases, gathers information to assist attorneys, and helps prepare legal documents (pleadings and briefs). It involves gathering and analyzing investigative information, conducting legal research, briefing expert witnesses, locating and interviewing witnesses, assisting with trial preparation and at trial proceedings, drafting special jury instructions, and assisting with pre-sentencing investigations.
Salary Information:
Starting salary is between $24.12 and $35.06 per hour (pay schedule/range 07-04). A one-year probationary period is required. Permanent state employees eligible for transfer, demotion, or reinstatement should complete the application process by the deadline.
Responsibilities
Prepare legal documents
Work with Google Suite products
Demonstrate effective oral, written, and communication skills
Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
Assist attorneys with trial preparation and at trial
Gather investigative information from multiple sources and analyze it
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
Experience in preparing legal documents
Experience with Google Suite products
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
Additional Qualifications (Preferred):
Paralegal experience
Knowledge of the criminal justice system
How to Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. You will need to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications. Materials should illustrate how your skills relate to the qualifications. See the How to Apply to State Service document for more information.
If you encounter issues submitting your online application, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov. Review the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are essential for evaluation. Applications submitted without these documents will not be considered. Materials will be evaluated by one or more job experts, and eligible candidates will be invited to the next step.
SPD provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026. For questions, contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr