wyo.gov
Overview
Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02564. Join to apply for the Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02564 role at 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 Sheridan 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. Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office?
Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career. Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work. Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys. Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming’s outdoor recreation. Live and Work in Sheridan, Wyoming
Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers Western charm, community, and a high quality of life with outdoor recreation, arts, historic downtown, and rodeos. It is described as an ideal place to grow your career as a public defender while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Join us and make a difference in the Sheridan community! Contact
Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew, 307-777-7667, samatha.drew2@wyo.gov 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
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: While preference may be given to applicants who are currently licensed to practice law in Wyoming, recent law school graduates and those awaiting bar exam results are strongly encouraged to apply. Knowledge: Strong case management and prioritization skills. Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes. Knowledge: Excellent legal research and writing abilities. Knowledge: Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients. Education: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate. Experience: 0-2 years of relevant legal experience. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Requires membership in the State Bar as an Attorney qualified to practice law in this state. Physical Working Conditions
Travel required - as necessary by the caseload. Notes
FLSA: Exempt - At Will Position Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family Voluntary Benefits – including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts Multiple retirement options – including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account Generous paid leave and flexible schedules – vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility – for those with qualifying student loans Training and professional development – to support your career growth and advancement Employee Assistance Program – Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts Wellness Program – Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health Wyoming lifestyle advantages – no state income tax and access to outdoor recreation Application Questions
01 Do you have your Juris Doctorate? Yes / No 02 Are you scheduled to graduate with your J.D. within the next twelve (12) months? Yes / No 03 Which of the following best describes your relevant legal experience after you obtained your JD? 04 Have you passed the State Bar for Wyoming or another state? Yes / No 05 If yes, which State(s), please list and include dates passed. 06 Are you an active member of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State? Yes / No 07 Where did you hear about this opportunity? Gov. jobs / Indeed / LinkedIn / Zip Recruiter / Wyoming Workforce Center / Other 08 Current State Employee name for referral (if applicable). This may be eligible for a Referral Bonus. 09 Other: where you heard about this opportunity. 10 Veterans’ Preference Disclosure: If not a current state employee, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference if you meet residency requirements. 11 Veterans’ Preference: attach DD214 or other qualifying documentation if applicable. 12 Incomplete applications will not be considered. An attached resume is not a substitute for a completed application. Some agencies use E-Verify. I have read and understand the above statements. Related Opportunities
Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-00762 Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02222 Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02565 Other job postings available as noted.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02564. Join to apply for the Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02564 role at 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 Sheridan 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. Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office?
Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career. Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work. Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys. Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming’s outdoor recreation. Live and Work in Sheridan, Wyoming
Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers Western charm, community, and a high quality of life with outdoor recreation, arts, historic downtown, and rodeos. It is described as an ideal place to grow your career as a public defender while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Join us and make a difference in the Sheridan community! Contact
Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew, 307-777-7667, samatha.drew2@wyo.gov 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
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: While preference may be given to applicants who are currently licensed to practice law in Wyoming, recent law school graduates and those awaiting bar exam results are strongly encouraged to apply. Knowledge: Strong case management and prioritization skills. Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes. Knowledge: Excellent legal research and writing abilities. Knowledge: Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients. Education: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate. Experience: 0-2 years of relevant legal experience. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Requires membership in the State Bar as an Attorney qualified to practice law in this state. Physical Working Conditions
Travel required - as necessary by the caseload. Notes
FLSA: Exempt - At Will Position Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family Voluntary Benefits – including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts Multiple retirement options – including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account Generous paid leave and flexible schedules – vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility – for those with qualifying student loans Training and professional development – to support your career growth and advancement Employee Assistance Program – Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts Wellness Program – Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health Wyoming lifestyle advantages – no state income tax and access to outdoor recreation Application Questions
01 Do you have your Juris Doctorate? Yes / No 02 Are you scheduled to graduate with your J.D. within the next twelve (12) months? Yes / No 03 Which of the following best describes your relevant legal experience after you obtained your JD? 04 Have you passed the State Bar for Wyoming or another state? Yes / No 05 If yes, which State(s), please list and include dates passed. 06 Are you an active member of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State? Yes / No 07 Where did you hear about this opportunity? Gov. jobs / Indeed / LinkedIn / Zip Recruiter / Wyoming Workforce Center / Other 08 Current State Employee name for referral (if applicable). This may be eligible for a Referral Bonus. 09 Other: where you heard about this opportunity. 10 Veterans’ Preference Disclosure: If not a current state employee, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference if you meet residency requirements. 11 Veterans’ Preference: attach DD214 or other qualifying documentation if applicable. 12 Incomplete applications will not be considered. An attached resume is not a substitute for a completed application. Some agencies use E-Verify. I have read and understand the above statements. Related Opportunities
Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-00762 Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02222 Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02565 Other job postings available as noted.
#J-18808-Ljbffr