Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-00094
Salary
$82,846.44 - $138,091.20 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 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 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!
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 that may be performed at the job level.
Qualifications
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
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
NOTES:
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
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:
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!.
01
Do you have your Juris Doctorate?
02
Are you scheduled to graduate with your J.D. within the next 12 months?
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 a state other than Wyoming?
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?
07
(A) Where did you hear about this opportunity?
08
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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