Legal Internship/Externship (Fall/Winter 2027)

PURPOSE DIGNITY ACTION • US,

5h • Remote

About The Position

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) seeks a legal intern/extern to work with its Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity (LEAD) Legal Services team. The team provides varied legal representation to LEAD participants, including in eviction defense, family law, reentry and criminal vacation matters, immigration representation, and warrant quash assistance. Its goal is to provide high-quality representation in legal matters that create barriers to participants’ success, using harm-reduction principles and responding to clients’ individual needs.

Under the supervision of a LEAD Legal attorney, the intern/extern will research and write legal memoranda, engage in individual client representation, and assist with preparing filings for ongoing litigation. Past projects have included interviewing and strategizing with clients, briefing and representing clients in eviction hearings, drafting and submitting motions under staff attorney supervision, and assisting with discovery, filings, and other aspects of litigation.

The position is remote, with the opportunity for in-person meetings. PDA’s office is in Seattle, Washington. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample, and at least two references through PDA’s hiring portal. Applications are not considered complete until all materials are submitted.

Requirements

• Complete at least one year of law school by the start of the internship.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong interest in community-based public safety strategies and appreciation for the diverse partners supporting these solutions.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues.
• Desire to engage in individual client representation.
• Desire to work with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, and other disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Research and write legal memoranda under the supervision of a LEAD Legal attorney.
• Engage in individual representation of LEAD clients.
• Assist in preparing filings for ongoing litigation.
• Conduct client interviews and strategize, brief, and represent clients in eviction hearings as appropriate.
• Prepare and submit motions with staff attorney supervision.
• Assist with discovery, filing, and other aspects of litigation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed