Attorney

If you are interested in pursuing a career as an Attorney at the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, apply now! We offer work-life balance, a small supportive environment, and an opportunity to make a real impact on labor relations and civil service law in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) administers Wisconsin’s civil service law for State employee discipline, hiring and classification rights. Commission employees also promote peaceful and harmonious labor management relations by professionally and impartially administering Wisconsin's municipal, state and private section labor relations statutes to protect and promote the interrelated interests of the public, the employee, and the employer.

WERC offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin.

Our office is conveniently located on the eastside of Madison, with free parking and easy access to a variety of dining and shopping venues. After a period of orientation and training, the person hired into this position may request to work the majority of their work hours remotely.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

This Attorney position conducts administrative hearings in unfair labor practice, election/unit clarification, State civil service personnel, and declaratory ruling cases and prepares findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders for issuance or for Commission consideration. In addition, this position will conduct grievance arbitration hearings and issue final and binding grievance arbitration awards, and mediate collective bargaining disputes between unions and employers.

To learn more, please review the position description.

Starting pay is between $78,686 and $120,785 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $42/month for single and $104/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Attorney Confidential (schedule 71, range 01). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit; it is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Travel: Occasional to frequent travel is required, including some overnight travel.

Remote work: Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow WERC to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. WERC does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following:

• • Current, active license in good standing to practice law in the State of Wisconsin or eligibility for licensure prior to appointment).
  • Experience or academic preparation related to the following:
• • Preparing for, assisting in, or participating in trials or administrative hearings.
  • Applying and interpreting laws.
  • Drafting a variety of legal documents or memoranda.
  • Labor law, employment law, civil service law, or collective bargaining.
• Using excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Managing multiple and competing assignments.

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• • Preparing for and participating in mediations related to labor law, employment law, or civil service law disputes.
  • Ruling on or preparing for and participating in grievance arbitration hearings, labor law cases, civil service cases, or employment law cases.
  • Degree, certification, or internship specific to labor law.
• Working with pro se litigants.

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 18996) to complete your application.

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 letter of qualifications. In addition, please attach a writing sample to your application. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Lisa at LKBJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

WERC values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, October 20, 2025.