Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-00094

Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-00094 Salary $60,652.68 - $137,362.92 Annually Location Cheyenne, WY Job Type Permanent Full-time Job Number 2026-00094 Department Public Defender Division Public Defender Opening Date 01/14/2026 FLSA Exempt Job Classification ATTY99

Description Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender's Office in Cheyenne is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice and continually develop their advocacy and appellate skills while working 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 incredible outdoor recreation.

Live and Work in Cheyenne, Wyoming

As Wyoming's capital and largest city, Cheyenne offers a blend of career opportunities, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventure. From historic Western charm to vibrant local events like Cheyenne Frontier Days, you'll be part of a community with a rich legal and political environment. With quick access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation in Curt Gowdy State Park and the Medicine Bow National Forest along with a short drive to reach Denver, Colorado, Cheyenne is the perfect place to grow your career while enjoying an excellent quality of life.

Join us and build a meaningful career in public defense!

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 and Preferences

• Agency Requirements: Preference may be given to applicants who are active members of the Wyoming State Bar.
• You must be licensed to practice law in Wyoming.
• Knowledge:
• Strong case management and prioritization skills.
• In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes.
• Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
• Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients.
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: 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.
• Necessary Special Requirements: Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.

Physical Working Conditions

Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.

Notes

FLSA: Exempt

This is an At-Will Position Supplemental Information 008-Public Defender - Trial

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. Click here to view the State of Wyoming total Compensation Calculator. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

Working for the State of Wyoming

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, and no state income tax. Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Application Requirements

1. Do you have your Juris Doctorate? Yes No
2. Are you scheduled to graduate with your J.D. within the next 12 months? Yes No
3. 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
4. Have you passed the State Bar for Wyoming or a state other than Wyoming? Yes No
5. If yes, which State(s), please list and include dates passed.
6. Are you an active member of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State? Yes No
7. (A) 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
8. (A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees 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.
9. (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 veterans 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 Veterans 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

Employer: State of Wyoming Address: Human Resource Contact Information located in the General Description Section Statewide, Wyoming, 82002 Phone: 307-777-7188 Website: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm