Paralegal - Statewide Opening

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your administrative support 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 Paralegal position in one of our offices statewide. Office location and schedule will be determined during the interview process. A hybrid schedule will be available after the training period has been completed.

The 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 the 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.

Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including a top-rated health plan, vacation leave, nine paid holidays, and the ability to participate in one of the best retirement plans offered. For a complete list of benefits, click here and here. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The Wisconsin State Public Defender utilizes Practice Coordinator attorneys that specialize in various key areas of the law (Family Defense, Forensic Science, Youth Defense, Mental Health, etc.) who maintain a caseload and assist other attorneys statewide in their areas of expertise. This Paralegal position provides complex professional support to these Practice Coordinator attorneys in case and document preparation and final trial preparation. The paralegal will provide complex professional support, work independently on projects, investigate cases, and prepare legal documents.

A limited amount of statewide travel is required for meetings, interviews, research or hearings.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

This classification is in pay schedule/range 07-04 with a starting salary between $19.46 - $44.69 per hour. Salary will depend up experience and qualifications, and will be based on rules that apply in the current compensation plan.

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 above by the stated deadline.

A moving expense reimbursement will be offered to eligible employees.

A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

This position requires a valid Wisconsin driver’s license as travel may be required depending on the region.

All state employees are must report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID. Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus - COVID (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.

COVER LETTER & 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 cover letter and/or resume.

Minimum Qualifications (REQUIRED - Candidates must have experience and/or training relevant to these areas in order to be considered for this position):

1) Preparing legal documents (e.g., drafting pleadings, briefs; gathering records; organizing data, etc.)

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

1) Filing court documents electronically

2) Working effectively with people from different ethnic, cultural, political, economic and religious backgrounds

3) Assisting in trial preparation and at trial (e.g., gathering and organizing information; prepare trial notebooks; sit with attorney at trial; offer opinions on potential jurors; sit with witnesses, etc.)

4) Working with the program Westlaw

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a cover letter as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.

If you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g., signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or [email protected] (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).

Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Sunday, April 16, 2022. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact Maggie Wild at (608) 264-8578 or via email at [email protected].