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State of Wyoming

Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02565

State of Wyoming, Wyoming, Ohio, United States

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Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02565 State of Wyoming

General Description

Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender’s Office in Laramie (with a satellite office in Rawlins) is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice, develop their trial skills, and work alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative and supportive environment. Join our team as a Criminal Defense Attorney, where you will provide dedicated legal representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges.

Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office?

Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career.

Mission-Driven Work: Provide legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Positions qualify for PSLF.

Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders committed to mentoring new attorneys.

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming’s outdoor recreation.

Essential Functions

Client Representation: Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.

Case Preparation: Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case.

Negotiation & Advocacy: Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, ensuring outcomes align with clients’ best interests.

Investigation: Work with investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources to gather evidence and build a strong defense.

Caseload Management: Handle a diverse caseload, ensuring timely case progression and compliance with court deadlines.

Mentorship & Development: Provide guidance to junior attorneys or legal interns as needed, fostering professional growth within the office.

Continuing Education: Stay current on changes in criminal law and public defense best practices through ongoing legal education and professional development.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate.

Knowledge of trial and hearing procedure and rules of evidence; ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly in written and oral form.

Knowledge of criminal statutes, court procedures, and legal research methods.

Ability to manage multiple cases, time, and prioritize tasks.

Skilled in managing a caseload and responding quickly to changing priorities.

Knowledge of substantive and procedural laws in criminal justice, including state, federal, and administrative law.

Preferred: Current licensed to practice law in Wyoming; recent law school graduates and those awaiting bar exam results encouraged to apply.

Physical Working Conditions

Travel required between Laramie and Rawlins as needed for the Second Judicial District.

Employment Details

Full‑time, at‑will position.

Salary and benefits: State retirement system, health coverage, voluntary benefits, paid leave, PSLF eligibility, professional development, and employee assistance program.

Position is FLSA exempt.

Contact: Samantha Drew, 307-777-7667, samantha.drew2@wyo.gov

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job — it’s a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

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