Summer Legal Intern
About The Position
The City of Port Townsend City Attorney's Office seeks a Summer Legal Intern for summer 2026 with a strong interest in land use and municipal law. This internship provides hands-on experience supporting a small Washington municipal law practice with particular emphasis on land use/planning, public works, and public records. Under the supervision of the City Attorney, the intern will conduct legal research and writing related to land use and environmental issues, including development regulations, comprehensive planning, and Growth Management Act compliance. There may be an opportunity to assist with an appeal of the City's Comprehensive Plan to the Washington Growth Management Hearings Board during the summer. The intern will also assist with matters arising under the Washington Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act and support general civil municipal legal work such as code enforcement, administrative proceedings, contracts, real property matters, employment matters, and interlocal agreements. Opportunities may include observing City Council, Planning Commission, and other board or City Council meetings. The position may be in-person, hybrid, or fully remote based on the selected candidate. If fully remote, the selected candidate must be a Washington state resident. If the selected candidate's law school prohibits compensation for summer internship/externships, the City may convert this position to an unpaid externship without further notice.
Requirements
- Rising 2L or 3L at an American Bar Association accredited law school
- Strong interest in land use and municipal law
- Ability to work professionally with attorneys, planners, City staff, elected officials, and the public
- Must apply using the "Apply Now" feature and submit a Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample (not to exceed 10 pages, double spaced), and Unofficial law school transcripts.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or experience related to land use planning, environmental law, administrative law, or state and local government is preferred.
- Interest in practicing or learning Washington State law.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and writing related to land use and environmental issues, including development regulations, comprehensive planning, and Growth Management Act compliance.
- Assist with an appeal of the City's Comprehensive Plan to the Washington Growth Management Hearings Board (potential opportunity).
- Assist with matters arising under the Washington Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act.
- Support general civil municipal legal work such as code enforcement, administrative proceedings, contracts, real property matters, employment matters, and interlocal agreements.
- Observe City Council, Planning Commission, and other board or City Council meetings.
Benefits
- 1 hour of sick leave accrued per 40 hours worked (for paid internship)
- Access to the City's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (for paid internship)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
