Public Defender Practicing Attorney 2026-00094
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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
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? 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 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.
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.
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:
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:
Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.
NOTES:
FLSA: Exempt
This is an At-Will Position
Supplemental Information
008-Public Defender - Trial
Clickhere (https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/human-resources/consultative-services/compensation/pay-tables-salary-averages) to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
Clickhere (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) .
