Rule 9 - Legal Intern - Assigned Counsel

Pierce County, WA•Tacoma, WA

38d•$31 - $34

About The Position

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. 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. Why It's 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 Courts; Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Fircrest, and Ruston; and Pierce County Juvenile Court 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. 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. The Department of Assigned Counsel provides professional high-quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings. 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 6-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. This is an extra hire temporary position not to exceed 6 months.

Requirements

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
A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

Nice To Haves

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

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.