Public Defender - Practicing Attorney 2025-02565

Description And Functions

Open Until Filled

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. 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 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 incredible outdoor recreation.
• Live and Work in Laramie, Wyoming with the opportunity to live and work in Rawlins, Wyoming with the satellite office there as part of the Second Judicial District. Find “History and Adventure” in Laramie – a city that offers access to Snowy Range Ski Area and Scenic Byway, Vedauwoo, fishing, mountain biking, the Wyoming Territorial Prison, and Lincoln and Ames Monuments. The beautiful Curt Gowdy State Park is a quick 25 miles to the east and offers camping, boating and fishing. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming and “Cowboy Joe.” Rawlins offers a quaint living environment with access to small shops, restaurants and other casual eateries and is home to the Wyoming State Penitentiary offering employment options for family members of interested applicants. Additionally, living in Rawlins or Laramie includes the benefit of Wyoming being one of nine states with no state income tax.
  
  

Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew / 307-777-7667 / samantha.drew2@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which 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.
  
  

Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctorate

Necessary Special Requirements

Physical Working Conditions

• Travel required - as necessary by the caseload demands and is required in this jurisdiction between Laramie and Rawlins as the Second Judicial District spans both Albany and Carbon counties.
  
  

Notes

• FLSA: Exempt
• This is an 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.

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
• 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, and no state income tax.
  
  

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package! .

01

Do you have your Juris Doctorate?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

(ATTY99) 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?

• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience
• One (1) to less than six (6) years of relevant experience.
• Six (6) to less than ten (10) years of relevant experience
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant experience
  
  

04

Have you passed the State Bar for Wyoming or a state other than Wyoming?

• 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?
• Government jobs www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other
  
  

08

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral bonus.

09

(AA) If you answered Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

10

(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran
  
  

11

(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' preference status. By requesting veterans' preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veteran's Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above
  
  

12

(AA) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume' is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question