Legal Rule 9 Intern

Salary: $27.00 Hourly
Location : City Hall 333 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: LG-26-ADM-002
Department: LEGAL
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Definition
Internship Opportunity: Legal Rule 9 Intern

April 21, 2026
General Summary

The City of Puyallup is hiring for a Legal Intern (start date to be late May or early June 2026) The legal intern program is permitted under Rule 9-A limited license to practice in Washington State.

Area of Law: Prosecution (may be some civil work, time permitting). A legal internship will provide opportunity for exposure to criminal trial practice. The intern works closely with the prosecutor's office staff and law enforcement, and is in regular contact with judges, the defense bar and the general public.

Compensation: $27.00 per hour. Paid sick leave is provided per state law. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Hours: The position will be part-time and the hours will be set with input of the employee.

Essential Functions

• The Criminal Rule 9 Intern is responsible for assisting in the prosecution of violations of the City's criminal and civil codes, under the direction of a Supervising Attorney.
• Office duties include but are not limited to reviewing charging decisions, preparing cases for filing, and drafting documents to be filed in court.
• The Rule 9 Intern will also be tasked with representing the City in municipal court in a variety of criminal case proceedings such as arraignments, pre-trial hearings, evidentiary and motions hearings, and sentencing review hearings. The Rule 9 Intern will likely have the opportunity to second-chair jury and/or bench trials.
• This position may also prepare and present contested infraction hearings in municipal court.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Legal research methodologies;
• Basic criminal law principles.

Ability to:

• Learn new skills efficiently;
• Undertake on-the-job training and implement feedback as necessary;
• Exercise strong research and writing skills;
• Organize and analyze case facts and legal precedents;
• Actively listen and appropriately respond to complex information under time
  constraints; and
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Requirements:
• Completion of second year of law school -- Washington State Rule 9 qualification.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.


Selection Process
Applicants are to email a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to:
Shelley Werner, Senior Human Resources Generalist, at View email address on click.appcast.io.
Resumes will be reviewed and candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview.


For additional information please contact:
Chandra Zimmerman, Paralegal
City of Puyallup
Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Equal Employment Opportunity - The City of Puyallup is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran's status or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.
Background - The City of Puyallup will need to obtain the proper background and criminal history information pursuant to RCW View phone number on click.appcast.io for positions where the employee will or may have unsupervised access to children, developmentally delayed persons or vulnerable adults.
Disability - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability will be considered only in the context of an applicant's ability to perform essential functions of the job and to determine reasonable accommodation. Accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment will be made upon request with reasonable notice. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information.
The physical demands described in this job announcement are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Identification - Applicants who are offered employment with the City are required to provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States within three days of date of hire, as required by the 1986 Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act. A list of acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work will be provided to those who are offered employment. The City uses the E-Verify program.
Drug-Free Workplace -The City of Puyallup is a drug-free, tobacco-free workplace.
Note - The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
We value all our city employees, including those in part time/non-benefit designated positions.

Employees in these positions are eligible for:


Sick Leave: A ccrues at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked. Employees rehired within 12 months of previous city employment have their unused accrued sick leave reinstated.

Participation in Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) : Employees whose position normally requires five or more months of 70 hours or more of compensated employment in a 12-month period will be enrolled into the PERS program. Optional deferred compensation plans are also available.

Onsite workout facilities and fitness membership at the Puyallup Recreation Center.