The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is now actively recruiting 2nd year law students to begin a 10-week internship beginning in June 2021. This is an excellent opportunity for students contemplating a career in public defense. It is a rolling application – internship positions will remain open until filled.
We will be holding a remote open house on September 15, 2020, for those who would like to learn more about our program. Please go to https://kingcounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkceCpqTguG9X6vVWoWOegjSz7... to register for the open house.
Because of COVID-19, it's possible the summer 2021 internship program will be remote, rather than in-person. It is also possible that it will be shorter than 10 weeks. The internship will be paid, subject to budget approval, and we anticipate filling between 10 - 15 internships, although that may be subject to change.
DPD represents indigent clients in several practice areas: criminal defense (felonies and misdemeanors), juvenile defense, family defense, involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitments, and contempt of court. Students will be offered an internship in a single practice area and should express any preference in their cover letter.
King County is an excellent place to work in public defense. In criminal cases, our state has robust discovery rules, requiring compulsory discovery of all materials held by the prosecutor; the Washington State Constitution's exacting standards for search and seizure extend well beyond the Fourth Amendment; public defense attorneys have the ability to retain top expert witnesses; and, particularly in King County, comparatively more of our cases go to trial. Further, we are an institutional provider of family defense representation, which allows for specialization in that area.
Employment at DPD offers the chance to practice public defense at a very high level while living in a vibrant urban environment surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.
Who May Apply
Second year law students in good academic standing at an American Bar Association approved law school. Proof of full-time or part-time enrollment in school is required upon hire and throughout employment on a recurring schedule for the regular school year (e.g. quarterly or on a semester basis) in advance of the commencement of the next period of enrollment.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. All candidates selected for an interview will be interviewed using video conference technology.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to October 1, 2020. Once all positions are filled the posting will be closed.
Job Duties:
-Assist attorneys at arraignment hearings; pretrial hearings; motion hearings; sentencing and probation review; or other types of hearings in our civil practice areas.
-Legal research and writing.
-Assist with trial preparations (DPD makes an effort to provide but cannot guarantee trial experience).
-Discovery review and organization.
-Client contact including jail visits.
-Communication with social workers, service providers, and other individuals involved in a client's case.
-Other duties as requested.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:
-By June 2021 the student will have completed two years of law school and be enrolled and in good academic standing at an American Bar Association approved law school.
-Able to qualify as a Rule 9 Licensed Legal Intern.
-A demonstrated interest in representing indigent persons.
-Possess good moral character and fitness to practice law (APPs 20-24).
-Effective writing and communication skills.
-Organizational and problem solving skills.
-Initiative and accountability skills for work product or service.
-Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
-Ability to maintain confidentiality.
-Knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment that may include personal computers, copiers, and fax machines.
-Ability to multitask and self-direct in a fast-paced environment.
Also desired:
-Multilingual skills are a plus.
-Completed at least one of the following courses: evidence, criminal procedure, and a clinical or trial advocacy course.
Please note: An offer of internship will be contingent on the ability to successfully pass a security clearance and/or background check to secure access to correctional facilities.
Students offered paid internship positions at DPD may be asked to forgo other outside funding opportunities in order to ensure that all of our summer interns are compensated the same amount for the same work.
Required Application Materials: Interested individuals should submit an online application, cover letter, resume, transcript, a three-page self-authored writing sample, and at least three references. You can find the online application at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers.aspx
Electronic submission is preferred. For inquiries, please feel free to contact Susan Eddy at [email protected] or 206-477-6003.
Work Hours: The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Assigned work hours vary between 20 – 40 hours per week. Specific schedules may be discussed with supervisor.
Work Locations: Positions may be assigned to work at the following locations:
-Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle;
-1401 E. Jefferson, Seattle.
Union: This position is not represented.
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To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.