Legal Interns – Rule 9

Why It’s a Great Opportunity:
We are looking for some great Rule 9 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.

Why It’s a Great Department:
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.

The DAC provides professional high-quality legal representation to individuals in a variety of settings. The 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 Courts; Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Fircrest and Ruston; and Pierce County Juvenile Court delinquency proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to indigent parents involved in Juvenile Court dependency and termination proceedings and to persons detained for involuntary civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital and other evaluation and treatment facilities. Please see the DAC’s website for our diverse list of services provided.

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, UP TO 6-month position. Position is 35-40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Department open to the public from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Hours are flexible and can accommodate student schedules. This is an extra hire temporary position not to exceed 6 months.

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.

• Must be able to obtain Rule 9 license from 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 by selecting “APPLY” above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• Submit resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript, and writing sample.
• 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 form 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 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final 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?