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Introduction

 

 

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Secretary’s Office, Office of Legal Counsel is currently recruiting to fill a Deputy General Counsel position. DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities and work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee; and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. To learn more about DCF’s complete compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

This position may allow hybrid work for a portion of the work schedule up to 85% depending on the employee’s preference and needs of the work unit.  Any hybrid work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process. This position should expect to work in person with the General Counsel periodically even if primarily choosing to work remotely. 

For positions that do allow hybrid work flexibility, employees may need to report to a DCF office location on short notice.  There is no mileage reimbursement when traveling to the headquarter location. Our DCF locations are in the following cities: Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and Rhinelander.  Employees need to report to the 201 W. Washington Ave. Madison, WI office or the 635 N 26 St. Milwaukee, WI office on their first day for onboarding and orientation. 

High speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work.

Come see why DCF is such a great place to work!

DCF is committed to the important work of helping children, youth and families become safer, more secure and progress down the road to true independence. For more information about DCF, visit our website at http://dcf.wi.gov/.

Position Summary

 

This position performs duties as an attorney and legal advisor for the Department of Children and Families. This position will serve as the Deputy General Counsel. This position represents the department in legal actions and proceedings and liaises on representation of the department performed by the Department of Justice or other agencies.  This position will provide legal advice regarding the administration of DCF programs and draft and review legislation and administrative rules affecting DCF. This position will also represent DCF at legislative hearings and other public forums. 

View the complete position description. 

Salary Information

 

The classification title for this position is Attorney Management. The starting salary is between $50.69 and $62.00 per hour ($105,435 and $128,960 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.

 

The pay schedule/range is 71-01. A two-year career executive trial period may be required.  

Job Details

 

Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.

 

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications

 

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

  • Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting law
  • Experience providing legal advice, counsel, and recommendations
  • Experience providing legal representation (e.g., conducting litigation or hearings, negotiating, etc.)
  • Experience preparing legal documents or memorandums (e.g., pleadings, briefs and allied court papers, legal opinions, administrative rules, orders, etc.)
  • Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin
  • Experience leading a team or a project with multiple staff persons assigned

 

Well-qualified applicants will have:

  • Legal experience related to Child Welfare, Child Day Care, or Human Resources 
  • Experience providing legal advice to state or local governmental entities
  • Supervisory experience (e.g., hiring, promoting, transferring, disciplining or discharging employees, providing training, delegating and directing work activities, managing performance, managing employment relations, etc.)
  • Experience managing the assignment of work within a team

How To Apply

 

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials.  Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered. 

Both a resume and letter of qualification are required.  If both documents are not submitted during the application process, your application will be disqualified.  Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

 

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.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.

Deadline to Apply

 

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on July 14, 2025. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Jenn Hale at 608-422-6418 or via email at Jennifer.Hale@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.