Public Defender Investigator - Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health Trial Office
State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Introduction
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your investigator skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full‑time Public Defender Investigator to work in our Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health 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 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.
Benefits
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, generous paid time off with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave to promote work–life balance. SPD employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top‑rated pension plans. If you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For details, visit the Total Rewards Calculator.
Why Work With Us
SPD prides itself 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. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring that every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about SPD's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Who We Are
SPD provides legal representation for persons accused of crimes or defendants in specified civil matters who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system, treating clients with dignity and compassion.
Location
This position will work in the Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health Trial Office located at 10930 W Potter Rd, STE D, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
Position Summary
The PDI plans and conducts investigations for staff trial attorneys in assigned cases.
Salary Information
The starting salary for the PDI ranges from $22.95 to $28.00 per hour. The starting salary for the PDI‑Senior ranges from $27.68 to $34.84 per hour. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A one‑year probationary period is required.
Job Details
Background Check:
All qualified applicants with criminal histories will undergo a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.
Eligibility to work in the US:
The SPD does not sponsor work visas. 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 an affirmative action employer. We 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. Qualified veterans may visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions.
Wisconsin driver’s license:
Possession of a valid WI driver’s license must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Ability to testify:
Candidates must be able to testify effectively in court procedures and have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.
Qualifications
Letter of Qualifications & Resume:
Submit both documents. Clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your letter of qualifications and/or resume.
Minimum Qualifications
Writing reports using Microsoft Word or equivalent
Communicating effectively with people from different ethnic, cultural, political, economic, and/or religious backgrounds
Background in the criminal justice system or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Conducting criminal investigations
Trial preparation experience
Knowledge of criminal, juvenile and mental health justice systems
How To Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications. Materials must clearly illustrate how your skills and experience relate to the required qualifications. If issues arise submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267‑1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday‑Friday, 7:45 am‑4:30 pm). Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Your letter of qualifications and resume are essential; if not submitted, you will not be considered.
Application materials will not be accepted if received via email, hard copy, or fax. Candidates deemed eligible will be invited to the next step of the selection process. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities.
For questions about this recruitment or application process, contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your investigator skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full‑time Public Defender Investigator to work in our Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health 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 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.
Benefits
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, generous paid time off with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave to promote work–life balance. SPD employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top‑rated pension plans. If you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For details, visit the Total Rewards Calculator.
Why Work With Us
SPD prides itself 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. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring that every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about SPD's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Who We Are
SPD provides legal representation for persons accused of crimes or defendants in specified civil matters who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system, treating clients with dignity and compassion.
Location
This position will work in the Milwaukee Youth & Mental Health Trial Office located at 10930 W Potter Rd, STE D, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
Position Summary
The PDI plans and conducts investigations for staff trial attorneys in assigned cases.
Salary Information
The starting salary for the PDI ranges from $22.95 to $28.00 per hour. The starting salary for the PDI‑Senior ranges from $27.68 to $34.84 per hour. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A one‑year probationary period is required.
Job Details
Background Check:
All qualified applicants with criminal histories will undergo a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.
Eligibility to work in the US:
The SPD does not sponsor work visas. 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 an affirmative action employer. We 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. Qualified veterans may visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions.
Wisconsin driver’s license:
Possession of a valid WI driver’s license must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Ability to testify:
Candidates must be able to testify effectively in court procedures and have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.
Qualifications
Letter of Qualifications & Resume:
Submit both documents. Clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your letter of qualifications and/or resume.
Minimum Qualifications
Writing reports using Microsoft Word or equivalent
Communicating effectively with people from different ethnic, cultural, political, economic, and/or religious backgrounds
Background in the criminal justice system or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Conducting criminal investigations
Trial preparation experience
Knowledge of criminal, juvenile and mental health justice systems
How To Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications. Materials must clearly illustrate how your skills and experience relate to the required qualifications. If issues arise submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267‑1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday‑Friday, 7:45 am‑4:30 pm). Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Your letter of qualifications and resume are essential; if not submitted, you will not be considered.
Application materials will not be accepted if received via email, hard copy, or fax. Candidates deemed eligible will be invited to the next step of the selection process. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities.
For questions about this recruitment or application process, contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr