Paralegal

Introduction

Looking for a role where your legal expertise truly makes an impact? Join our team in a professional position of considerable responsibility, providing high-level legal support to the Commission and Staff Attorneys on complex and high-visibility matters.

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) is looking for a Paralegal to join our team. WERC is headquartered on the Northside of Madison at 2418 Crossroads Dr.

WERC administers Wisconsin’s civil service law for State employee discipline, hiring and classification rights. Commission employees also promote peaceful and harmonious labor management relations by professionally and impartially administering Wisconsin's municipal, state and private section labor relations statutes. In that regard, the Commission provides mediation and grievance arbitration services and conducts elections to determine if employees wish to be represented by a union for the purposes of collective bargaining.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Position Summary

This professional position involves a high level of responsibility and complexity, providing advanced legal support services to the Commission and staff attorneys. This position requires prudent judgement, independent decision-making, excellent organizational skill, and the ability to manage deadlines for a large program area. Duties are performed utilizing a proprietary case management program.

This Position Provides Program And Administrative Support By:

• Creating and managing permanent, accurate record of legal proceedings held by the WERC.
• Performing extensive file management-primarily as to election proceedings
• Drafting legal documents for approval by the Commission and Staff Attorneys.
• Coordinating the caseloads of the Commission and Staff Attorneys
  
  

For more information, please view the complete position description.

Salary Information

Starting Pay Is Between $28.00 And $32.50 Per Hour, Depending On Qualifications. WERC Is a Great Place To Work! In Addition To Meaningful And Rewarding Work, We Offer a Competitive Benefits Package Featuring:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2026 rates start at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
  
  

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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

The classification title for this position is Paralegal-Confidential (schedule 81, range 04). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Job Details

Remote work: Following completion of the required initial training period, this position may operate under an approved hybrid remote work arrangement, consistent with agency policy and operational needs. The topic of remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow WERC to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need To Have The Following Experience:

• Providing administrative support in an office environment (Activities may include drafting and sending written correspondence, proofreading or editing documents, calendar and room scheduling, and/or processing and distributing mail)
• Using Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams or comparable programs, in a professional environment
• Drafting, proofreading, and cite checking legal documents
  
  

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• Experience with Circuit Court efiling and processes related to administrative and court litigation
• Experience interpreting and applying regulations governing the creation, management, analysis and disposal of official records.
  
  

How To Apply

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 19567) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Michelle at MSSJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov.
  
  

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to 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.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central time) on January 7, 2026.