Public Defense 10 Week Summer Legal Intern (Rule 9 Licensed)
- Summary
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is now actively recruiting 2nd year law students to begin a 10-week internship beginning in June 2021. This is an excellent opportunity for students contemplating a career in public defense. It is a rolling application – internship positions will remain open until filled.
We will be holding a remote open house on September 15, 2020 for those who would like to learn more about our program. Information about how to register for the open house can be found here.
Because of COVID-19, it's possible the summer 2021 internship program will be remote, rather than in-person. It is also possible that it will be shorter than 10 weeks. The internship will be paid, subject to budget approval, and we anticipate filling between 10 - 15 internships, although that may be subject to change.
DPD represents indigent clients in several practice areas: criminal defense (felonies and misdemeanors), juvenile defense, family defense, involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitments, and contempt of court. Students will be offered an internship in a single practice area and should express any preference in their cover letter.
King County is an excellent place to work in public defense. In criminal cases, our state has robust discovery rules, requiring compulsory discovery of all materials held by the prosecutor; the Washington State Constitution's exacting standards for search and seizure extend well beyond the Fourth Amendment; public defense attorneys have the ability to retain top expert witnesses; and, particularly in King County, comparatively more of our cases go to trial. Further, we are an institutional provider of family defense representation, which allows for specialization in that area.
Employment at DPD offers the chance to practice public defense at a very high level while living in a vibrant urban environment surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.
Who May Apply
Second year law students in good academic standing at an American Bar Association approved law school. Proof of full-time or part-time enrollment in school is required upon hire and throughout employment on a recurring schedule for the regular school year (e.g. quarterly or on a semester basis) in advance of the commencement of the next period of enrollment.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. All candidates selected for an interview will be interviewed using videoconference technology.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to October 1, 2020. Once all positions are filled the posting will be closed.- Job Duties
- Assist attorneys at arraignment hearings; pretrial hearings; motion hearings; sentencing and probation review; or other types of hearings in our civil practice areas.
- Legal research and writing.
- Assist with trial preparations (DPD makes an effort to provide but cannot guarantee trial experience).
- Discovery review and organization.
- Client contact including jail visits.
- Communication with social workers, service providers, and other individuals involved in a client's case.
- Other duties as requested.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- By June 2021 the student will have completed two years of law school and be enrolled and in good academic standing at an American Bar Association approved law school.
- Able to qualify as a Rule 9 Licensed Legal Intern.
- A demonstrated interest in representing indigent persons.
- Possess good moral character and fitness to practice law (APPs 20-24).
- Effective writing and communication skills.
- Organizational and problem solving skills.
- Initiative and accountability skills for work product or service
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment that may include personal computers, copiers, and fax machines.
- Ability to multitask and self-direct in a fast-paced environment.
- Multilingual skills are a plus.
- Completed at least one of the following courses: evidence, criminal procedure, and a clinical or trial advocacy course.
- Supplemental Information
Please note: An offer of internship will be contingent on the ability to successfully pass a security clearance and/or background check to secure access to correctional facilities.
Students offered paid internship positions at DPD may be asked to forgo other outside funding opportunities in order to ensure that all of our summer interns are compensated the same amount for the same work.
Required Application Materials: Interested individuals should submit an online application, cover letter, resume, transcript, a three-page self-authored writing sample, and at least three references. You can find the online application at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers.aspx
Electronic submission is preferred. For inquiries, please feel free to contact Susan Eddy at susan.eddy@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-6003.
Work Hours: The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Assigned work hours vary between 20 – 40 hours per week. Specific schedules may be discussed with supervisor.
Work Locations: Positions may be assigned to work at the following locations: Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle; 1401 E. Jefferson, Seattle.
Union: This position is not represented.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Have you completed any of the following courses? (Check all that apply).
- Evidence
- Criminal Procedure
- Clinical or Trial Advocacy
- None of the above
02This recruitment requires that you submit ALL of the following materials with your online application in order to be considered for the internship: Cover letter Resume Transcript Three-page self-authored writing sample Minimum of three references Did you attach all of the required documents to your application?- Yes
- No
03Students offered paid internship positions at DPD may be asked to forgo other outside funding opportunities in order to ensure that all of our summer interns are compensated the same amount for the same work. Please acknowledge that you have read and understood this possibility by filling in your name in the box provided.Required Question