Description:
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.
Why It's a Great Department:
A Government Entity 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 A Government Entity.
The DAC provides professional high-quality legal representation to individuals in a variety of settings. The DAC is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in A Government Entity Superior Court; A Government Entity District Courts; Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Fircrest and Ruston; and A Government Entity Juvenile Court delinquency 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. Please see the DAC's website (https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/92/Assigned-Counsel-Public-Defender) for our diverse list of services provided.
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, UP TO 6-month position. Position is 35-40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Department 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 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.
Qualifications:
- Must be able to obtain Rule 9 license from 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 various 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.