Law Clerk Internship/Externship for Academic Year

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) invites law students to apply for law clerk internship or externship opportunities during the academic year, either for academic credit or as a law clerk without credit. Applying expresses interest but does not guarantee placement. This program is not for summer clerkships. Law clerks gain professional legal experience, work with experienced colleagues and mentors, and contribute to public service through work that makes a tangible difference to the people of Washington. The AGO describes its workplace as respectful, inclusive, diverse, supportive, and collegial, with an emphasis on work-life balance and professional development. If a law school permits students to be paid while receiving academic credit, clerks who have completed their first year of law school earn $23 per hour, and those who have completed their second year earn $24 per hour. Positions assigned to the Seattle office receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay. Clerks may receive vacation, sick, military and civil leave, and paid holidays; access to a health and wellness program and training and career development; and enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, with one service credit for each month worked at least 90 hours. Positions lasting less than six months are not eligible for medical or dental benefits. Applicants must have completed at least one year of law school at an ABA-accredited law school and remain enrolled there throughout their service. They must be able to work in Washington State for the duration of the clerkship. Applicants should apply in coordination with their law school’s externship-program schedule and allow divisions ample time to review their applications. Required application materials are a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), and—if the applicant is a 2L, 3L, or LL.M.—a letter of recommendation. Some positions require passing a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Requirements

Completed at least one year of law school at an ABA-accredited law school.
Remain enrolled in the ABA-accredited law school throughout the period of service.
Be able to work in Washington State for the duration of the clerkship.
Demonstrate commitment to public service through background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, and official or unofficial law school transcript.
Applicants who are 2L, 3L, or LL.M. students must submit a letter of recommendation.
Some positions require passing a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

A diverse background in education, previous work experience, law school and extracurricular activities, community service, and areas of interest that contributes to a respectful, diverse, and professional office.

Responsibilities

Research and write memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence.
Assist with litigation preparation, including depositions, witness interviews, and discovery.
Draft client-advice memoranda and attend meetings where advice is presented to clients.
Observe attorneys in court, particularly in cases the law clerk assisted with; Rule 9 law clerks may be allowed to present in court.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay, when payment is permitted while receiving academic credit: $23 for clerks who have completed their first year of law school and $24 for those who have completed their second year.
Additional 5% King County Location Pay for positions assigned to the Seattle office.
Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
Health and wellness program.
Access to training and career development programs.
Enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, with one service credit for each month worked at least 90 hours.
Exceptional legal experience in a professional law office.
Opportunity to demonstrate commitment to public service.
Engagement with experienced professional colleagues and legal mentors.
Broad and diverse work experience.
Opportunity to attend legal trainings, including CLEs, and other events.
Work that makes a tangible and positive difference to the people of Washington.
Supportive, collegial workplace with professional development encouraged and supported.