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Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-01038

State of Wyoming

Rock Springs, WYFull-time$6,903.87–11,507.6/moPosted 4mo agoSeen in employer's feed 2 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$6,903.87–11,507.6/mo
Location
Rock Springs, WY
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Doctorate

Job overview

State of Wyoming is hiring a Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-01038. The Wyoming State Public Defender’s Office in Rock Springs seeks a Public Defender Practicing Attorney to protect constitutional rights and advocate for indigent clients. This role involves providing high-quality legal representation, developing trial skills, and working with experienced mentors in a supportive environment. The attorney will fight for justice and ensure legal defense for those who cannot afford private representation.

Key focus areas include Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies, and Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors.

Successful candidates bring Juris Doctorate and Travel Required. Important skills include Caseload Management, Managing Multiple Cases/Tasks, Time Management, Prioritizing Tasks, Present Statements Of Law, and Present Arguments Clearly And Logically. Preferred (not required): Trial And Hearing Procedure, Rules Of Evidence, Present Statements Of Fact, and Criminal Statutes.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Caseload ManagementManaging Multiple Cases/TasksTime ManagementPrioritizing TasksTrial and Hearing ProcedureRules of EvidencePresent Statements of FactPresent Statements of LawPresent Arguments Clearly and LogicallyCriminal StatutesCourt ProceduresLegal Research MethodsResponding Quickly to Changing PrioritiesSubstantive and Procedural Laws in Criminal JusticeState LawFederal LawAdministrative LawProtecting Constitutional RightsAdvocating for ClientsTrial SkillsLegal RepresentationLegal DefenseClient RepresentationCase PreparationDrafting MotionsDeveloping Defense StrategiesNegotiationAdvocacyInvestigationCoachingContinuing Legal Education

Qualifications

Juris DoctorateTravel RequiredLicensed to Practice Law in Wyoming

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-01038

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming/jobs/newprint/5302468)

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Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-01038

Salary

$6,903.87 - $11,507.60 Monthly

Location

Rock Springs, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-01038

Department

Public Defender

Division

Public Defender

Opening Date

04/13/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

ATTY99

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? TheWyoming State Public Defender’s Office in Rock Springs 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. Are you passionate about protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring justice for all? 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:Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience inassault, homicide, and felony casesearly 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 incredible outdoor recreation.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays

  • Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future

  • Flexible schedules and work-life balance options

  • Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information (https://ai.wyo.gov/for-job-seekers/benefit-information) , or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package! (https://youtu.be/DxeKSDMAjcw?si=90XLWN-kJ1Y0EGfL)

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew / 307-777-7667 / [email protected]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

  • 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:

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

  • Knowledge of trial and hearing procedure and rules of evidence - must have the ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.

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

  • 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Juris Doctorate

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.

NOTES:

  • FLSA: Exempt

  • This is an At-Will Position

Supplemental Information

Click here (https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/human-resources/consultative-services/compensation/pay-tables-salary-averages) to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here (https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/) to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

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.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

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.

Employees enjoy:

  • 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, helping you plan for long-term financial security

  • 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

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation:https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else — wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, andno state income tax.

Click here for detailed information (https://ai.wyo.gov/for-job-seekers/benefit-information) or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package! (https://youtu.be/DxeKSDMAjcw?si=90XLWN-kJ1Y0EGfL) .

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