Licensed Legal Intern

Licensed Legal Intern

Applicants who are in their second year of law school are encouraged to apply.

Why It's a Great Opportunity: We are looking for some great Licensed Legal Interns! You will get invaluable courtroom experience while being able to give back to the community. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, interns learn to review files, meet with clients, and appear in court. You will primarily represent clients at arraignment and post-conviction review hearings; but will also have the opportunity to assist with motions, pre-trials, and trial.

The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with training and opportunities to improve trial skills and gain significant courtroom experience. As a DAC employee you will make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Court; Municipal Court of Tacoma; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for Involuntary Civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital, and other evaluation and treatment facilities, and a limited number of participants in Dependency proceedings.

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.

To succeed in this role, you must have strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and help provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings. This is a great way to improve trial skills and gain significant courtroom experience. This is a temporary position (up to 5-months). Position is 35-40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The department is open to the public from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Hours are flexible and can accommodate student schedules.

There is also a potential to become a Limited Duration Licensed Legal Intern, which is typically a position that works for 1 to 3 years.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Assist in legal representation of clients at in-custody arraignments, pretrial hearings, and post-conviction review or violation hearings.
• Case review for legal issues; legal research, writing, and oral argument.
• Trial preparation, investigation, and presentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in and in good academic standing in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school or be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must be able to obtain a Rule 9 license from the Washington State Bar prior to commencement of internship.
• Must pass background check for jail access.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a courtroom or clinic.
• Experience working with various populations such as those living with mental illness, English as a second language or low income.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.