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 Legal Secretary (project) position to work in our Milwaukee Trial office.

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. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This project position has been authorized and the anticipated end date of this position is April 24, 2024. Project positions are eligible for benefits, including health insurance, but the incumbent does not attain permanent civil service status. Candidates chosen for these project positions may be considered for permanent positions in the near future if any permanent positions become available.

The Legal Secretary (LS) works with attorneys and clients, providing legal secretarial support to the local offices. The LS is also responsible for determining the eligibility of individuals, processing cases for opening, and proofreading documents. Join our team and contribute to this key function of SPD, and experience the intrinsic reward of public service.

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

This classification is in pay schedule/range 02-12 with a starting salary of $22.13 per hour. A one-year probationary period will be required.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

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

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):

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

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 wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (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 Friday, February 24, 2023. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact Monica Endres at (608) 261-7442 or via email at endresm@opd.wi.gov.