Legal Intern - Rule 9

Overview Applicants who are in their second year of law school are encouraged to apply. Why It’s a Great Opportunity: We are looking for Rule 9 Legal Interns. You will gain courtroom experience while contributing 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; you will also assist with motions, pre-trials, and trial. The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is 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 contribute positively to Pierce County. About the Department The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for delivering mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court, Pierce County District Court, Municipal Court of Tacoma, and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for Involuntary Civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital, and other evaluation and treatment facilities, and a limited number of participants in Dependency proceedings. 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. For more information about our organization, please visit our website. Success 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 the ability to 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 per 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. Core Daily Responsibilities Assist in the 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. Minimum Qualifications 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. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a courtroom or clinic. Experience working with populations such as those living with mental illness, English as a second language, or low income. Special Requirements/Qualifications As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required. Compensation Pay for Rule 9 Interns is: $35.00 hourly for pre-graduates; $37.00 hourly for post-graduates. How to Apply Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visit the Pierce County jobs site. If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at View email address on click.appcast.io and specify the Job Number and Title. If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location to use their computers. Individuals needing accommodation in the application or testing process, or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least two days prior to the need. Additional Information This is a competitive selection process. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience. Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be considered for further steps. Notification of status typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given for further selection processes such as assessments, phone screens, and interviews. Diversity and Inclusion At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We seek to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from diverse backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home? #J-18808-Ljbffr Piercecountywa