Licensed Legal Intern

Licensed Legal Intern

Salary

$35.00 - $37.00 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Extra Hire

Job Number

26-00049

Department

Assigned Counsel

Division

Department of Assigned Counsel

Opening Date

04/22/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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

Summary

Why Its 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 peoples lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County.

Why Its 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.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

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.

Your Future in this Role:

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

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 Drivers License is required.

The full classification for this role can be found here.

Additional Note:

Pay for Licensed Legal Intern is:

$35.00 hourly for pre-graduates

$37.00 hourly for post-graduates

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

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 Countys needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

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. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Our benefits:

Sick Leave

Extra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.

Social Security

All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Pro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washingtons Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

ORCA Passport Program

Pierce County employees may participate in the Countys ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

To participate once hired the employee will need to contact the Planning and Public Works Commute team.

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This position requires that you submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript and a writing sample. Applications without all the attached/completed information will not be considered. Did you attach all documents?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Pierce County

Address Pierce County Human Resources

1501 Market Street, Suite 410

Tacoma, Washington, 98402

Phone (253) 798-7480

For Sheriffs Office positions: 253-798-6250

Website http://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs