Job Description
Salary: $3,069.60 Biweekly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Intern
Job Number: 2025FF25196
Department: DPD - Dept of Public Defense
Opening Date: 08/04/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Summary ABOUT THE POSITION The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is actively recruiting
2nd year law students to participate in a 10-week internship beginning in June 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for students considering a career in public defense. Students with a Rule 9 license can appear on the record, under supervision. DPD's internship program gives students meaningful opportunities to engage directly with clients and to appear in court with the support of experienced public defenders.
DPD represents indigent clients in several practice areas: criminal defense (felonies and misdemeanors), juvenile defense, family defense, involuntary commitment, 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.
This is a rolling application-internship positions will remain open until filled. Interns are paid bi-weekly. These positions are subject to approved funding. This is a non-benefit eligible position. We anticipate filling approximately 20 internship positions.
WHY JOIN DPD? DPD is a well-resourced public defense agency in a state that was the first to adopt new caseload standards grounded in the National Public Defense Workload Study (RAND). In July 2025, we began implementing the first phase of a case-weight credit model designed to promote sustainable workloads and ensure that every client receives the time and attention their case requires. Felony cases are assigned between 1 and 8 credits based on the seriousness of the alleged offense, with a first-year cap of 110 credits. This marks the beginning of a multi-year phased reduction process aimed at helping public defenders meet their constitutional and ethical obligations to each client.
Our model is based on the Washington State Bar Association's Standards for Indigent Defense Services (revised September 2024), which apply to both criminal and family defense. The goal is to create conditions where public defenders can consistently provide the level of representation the Constitution demands-while building sustainable and fulfilling careers in service to our clients and communities.
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients facing felony or misdemeanor charges in adult or juvenile court, loss of family integrity in dependency and termination cases, and petitions for involuntary commitment because of alleged mental illness or substance abuse.
We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients' liberty and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Internally, we strive to foster a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive-grounded in a shared commitment to anti-oppression principles and equity across lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, class, and other identities.
To learn more about DPD, visit our
Job Duties - Assist attorneys and appear on the record at: arraignment hearings; pretrial hearings; motion hearings; sentencing and probation review; or, if placed in civil practice areas, other hearings relevant to that practice (shelter care, review hearings, etc.).
- Assist with trial preparations (DPD makes an effort to provide but cannot guarantee trial experience).
- Communication with clients as well as social workers, service providers, and other individuals involved in a client's case.
- Other duties as requested.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills - By June 2026 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, under the WSBA rule. A demonstrated interest in representing indigent persons.
- Possess good moral character and fitness to practice law (APPs20-24). Effective writing and communication skills.
- Organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Initiative and accountability 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.
Supplemental Information At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Who May Apply Second year law students in good academic standing at an American Bar Association approved law school may apply. 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).
DPD seeks to hire interns with a wide range of life experiences. We particularly welcome applications from those who have personal experience in navigating the systems in which we work or come from communities most impacted by these systems.
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Internships will remain open until filled. All candidates selected for an interview will be interviewed using video conference technology.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to September 1, 2025. Once all positions are filled the posting will be closed Work Locations Positions may be assigned to work at the following locations:
- 710 Second Avenue, Seattle;
- 1401 E. Jefferson, Seattle; or
- 420 West Harrison Street, Kent.
Work Schedule Public Defense Attorneys should expect to work both in the office and telecommute, while being required to report to locations, such as court, jails, and hospitals/treatment centers throughout the county. If assigned to the civil commitment unit, assignments are to hospitals/treatment centers throughout the county.
Reporting requirements are determined by operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly. DPD prioritizes robust client contact and in-person court presence.
Rotations of work location and and/or work flow are an essential function and can occur based on business need. Placements may be made to any of our Seattle and/or Kent locations.
DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations: - Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle
- Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle
- Ninth & Jefferson Building, 908 Jefferson Street, Seattle
- Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent
To Apply: All candidates should submit the following:
- An online employment application completed at The employment history should go back long enough to include all relevant experience.
- A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing your experience and how you meet the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
- A resume.
- Unofficial Transcript.
- A three-page self-authored writing sample.
Selection Process Applications will be reviewed and screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or skills assessment. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates will be invited to an interview.
Please note: Students offered paid internship positions at DPD will be asked to forgo other employment or external funding opportunities during the summer. This ensures that all interns are compensated equally for performing the same work. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the job, and some night and weekend work is required.
DPD Policies DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures will apply to applicants, such that if you work or have worked for one of DPD's divisions, you may be ineligible to work in another division.
Outside Work Policy for Attorneys will apply to applicants, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Union Membership This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our
True North , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principleswe are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
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 the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed offered by King County.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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This recruitment requires that you submit ALL of the following materials with your online application in order to be considered for the internship: cover letter; resume; transcript; three-page self-authored writing sample, and a minimum of three references. Did you attach all of the required documents to your application?
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Will you have completed two years of law school and be enrolled in good academic standing at an American Bar Association-approved law school by June 2026?
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Are you eligible to qualify as a Rule 9 Licensed Legal Intern under WSBA regulations?
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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. Please acknowledge that you have read and understood this possibility by filling in your name in the box provided.
Required Question King County, WA
Job Tags
Bi-weekly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Summer work, Internship, Work at office, Remote work, Trial period, Flexible hours, Night shift,