The State Bar of Wisconsin has an opening for a creative, credible, deadline-driven person to work on our fast-paced communications team as our Legal Writer. This is an exciting opportunity to be in the center of Wisconsin’s legal community interviewing high-profile people and reporting on the latest legal developments. Don't miss this chance to work with top legal professionals in the development and delivery of high-quality content for Wisconsin attorneys!
Who We Are
The State Bar of Wisconsin is a professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for all attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 25,000 members, the State Bar exists to serve its members and the public by promoting the law and access to justice. We aid the courts in improving the administration of justice, provide continuing legal education and other services for our members, support the education of law students, and educate the public about the legal system. The State Bar of Wisconsin also provides public services -- such as attorney referrals and public education – and supports programs that provide reduced-fee legal assistance for low-income state residents.
What You Will Love
• Variety, creativity, autonomy and the opportunity to provide a balanced and neutral voice for the State Bar. You make content decisions, do research, conduct personal interviews, determine newsworthiness, and more with the thought leaders and experts in Wisconsin’s legal community.
• Working with a mission-driven organization that acts with integrity, promotes justice, and addresses systemic racism and implicit bias in the legal system.
• The people and the culture! We care about our work, our members, and our colleagues. We work hard, but we also make time for fun as an organization. When pandemics aren’t happening, we’ve enjoyed time together in-person at holiday dinners, multicultural potlucks, and trivia competitions. Most recently, we’ve gotten together for fun events like virtual Bingo, Irish music, and a cooking class over Zoom.
• Flexibility and team support. Like our state’s motto, your colleagues at the State Bar want to see you move “Forward” and grow in your career. We offer flexibility and encourage and support professional development opportunities. Your growth contributes to our team and the organization’s growth.
What You Will Do
• Monitor and research legal news and developments to identify timely content to the legal community and report the impact of these developments.
• Write feature and other editorial content, summarizing court, regulatory, legislative, and other practice developments.
• Collaborate with law practice/court/legislative and legal industry experts and other contributors to develop content for the Wisconsin Lawyer™ magazine, InsideTrack, and other communications.
• Foster relationships with members of the legal community, volunteers, and staff to develop a diverse network for acquiring relevant content.
• Edit manuscripts and other materials submitted by contributors and rewrite as necessary.
• Develop, plan, and produce multimedia content for electronic communications to include capturing presentations and interviews in an electronic format.
What We Are Looking For
• Four-year degree in Journalism, Communications, or Marketing or equivalent education and related work experience. Law degree desired but not required.
• Three years advanced writing and editing experience
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, analyze complex legal material, and develop news on their own initiative.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• The ability to build trust and rapport and communicate effectively with a professional audience.
• Ability to travel (up to 20%)
Compensation and Benefits
The State Bar of Wisconsin offers competitive compensation with merit increases and excellent benefits including generous vacation and sick time, excellent health and dental insurance, 10 paid holidays, flexibility, and an 8% 401(k) contribution!! The State Bar is also a “qualified employer” for purposes of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
How To Apply
To apply, visit www.wisbar.org/careers to upload a resumé, writing sample, and a cover letter, including salary expectations. This position will be posted until it is filled, but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
The State Bar of Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and seeks to create a supportive, welcoming community for all. Candidates who share these values and reflect the diversity of our community are encouraged to apply.
