Court Advocate Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $35.00 - $37.00 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Extra Hire
Job Number: 26-00049
Department: Assigned Counsel
Division: Department of Assigned Counsel
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Description
Applicants who are in their second year of law school are encouraged to apply.
Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
We are looking for some great Licensed 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 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 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 5-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.
There is also a potential to become a Limited Duration Licensed Legal Intern, which is typically a position that works for 1 to 3 years.
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.

Minimum Qualifications
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 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.

The full classification for this role can be found
Additional Note:
Pay for Licensed Legal Intern is:
$35.00 hourly for pre-graduates
$37.00 hourly for post-graduates
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity, please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or visitingwww.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team atPCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.govand include the job number and title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may use computers available at your local public library or anyWorkSourcelocation.
• Individuals who need an accommodation in the application or testing process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Pay Transparency:
Compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.
EEO and Welcoming Workplace:
This is a competitive selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.
Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:
Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep 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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This position requires that you submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript and a writing sample. Applications without all the attached/completed information will not be considered. Did you attach all documents?

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