Deputy Chief Legal Counsel – Division of Legal Services

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

DOA’s Division of Legal Services is recruiting to fill its Deputy Chief Legal Counsel position. This position is headquartered at Department of Administration State Office Building, 101 E. Wilson St., Madison, Wisconsin.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

This position supervises a staff of attorneys and other legal professionals by providing legal advice and counsel to the Secretary’s Office, divisions and bureaus within the Department, as well as attached boards, commissions and councils, or cabinet agencies as required, and provides the Department with substantive legal counsel. This position acts on behalf of the Chief Legal Counsel when necessary.

For a complete list of duties, see the position description. 

This classification is assigned to pay schedule/range 71-01. Annual starting salary will be between $114,400 and $141,440 depending on qualifications. A 12-month probation period may be required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal holiday to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that rolls over each year.

• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits

• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment

• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program – a free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

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

Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire. 

Certain positions within this Department may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

A minimally qualified candidate must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin upon hire. 

Qualifications below will be evaluated during the selection process and must be addressed in your resume and letter of qualifications. 

Qualified applicants will have experience in each of the following: 

1. Researching, analyzing, and interpreting law.

2. Providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations.

3. Providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)

4. Preparing legal documents or memoranda (e.g., pleadings, briefs, legal opinions, etc.)

5. Leading or mentoring attorneys or legal staff.

In addition, well-qualified applicants will also have at least one of the following:

• Supervisory experience (e.g., hiring, promoting, transferring, disciplining or discharging employees, providing training, delegating and directing work activities, managing performance, managing employment relations, etc.)

• Legal experience in at least one of the following areas: public records, information technology, personnel management, procurement, real estate and facilities, or federal funding administration.

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications. Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Michelle Bassuener at [email protected]. 

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026.