Rule 9 - Legal Intern - Assigned Counsel

Salary : $31.00 - $34.00 Hourly

Location : Tacoma, WA

Job Type : Extra Hire

Job Number : 25-00007

Department : Assigned Counsel

Division : Department of Assigned Counsel

Opening Date : 08 / 29 / 2025

Description

Minimum Qualifications updated effective 2 / 28 / 25

Position Summary

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.

The Pierce County 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 Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department :

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Courts; Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Fircrest, and Ruston; and Pierce County Juvenile Court 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.

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. The Department of Assigned Counsel provides professional high-quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking .

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 toimprove trial skills and gain significant courtroom experience. This is a temporary position (up to 6-months). Position is 35-40 hours a 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 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

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Special Requirements / Qualifications :

Additional Note :

Pay for Rule 9 Interns is :

$31.00 hourly for pre-graduates

$34.00 hourly for post-graduates

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please :

This is a competitive selection process. Your application form will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education / experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have 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?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Our benefits : Sick Leave

Extra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.

Social Security

All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Pro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.

Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.

ORCA Passport Program

Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.

To participate once hired the employee will need to contact the Planning and Public Work's Commute team.

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Will you be able to attain your Rule 9 license prior to commencement of this internship?

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This position requires you to submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript, and a writing sample. Did you attach all documents?

Required Question