Legal Extern - Criminal Division
- Summary
- This is a 10-week program for law students during the summer between their first and second years of law school. The externship program is designed to give students a meaningful experience and exposure to our law practice. It is an excellent way to become acquainted with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, pursue an interest in criminal law, and determine whether trial practice is a future career path. The extern positions are unpaid, but many law schools offer credit for externship programs.
Legal Extern Program - Criminal Division
Summer externships are reserved for students between their first and second years of law school. Students in their second and third years of law school are eligible to apply for externships during the school year. Please be sure to include in your cover letter your current year of law school (1L, 2L, 3L) and whether you are applying for a summer or school-year externship.
About the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
The Criminal Division is the largest of four divisions and is organized into several specialized units. See the Criminal Division Overview for more information. We are guided by our core values of Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Leadership.
Our mission is to do Justice:- We exercise the power given to us by the people with fairness and humility.
- We serve our diverse community, support victims and families, and hold individuals accountable.
- We develop innovative and collaborative solutions for King County and the State of Washington.
We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with equity and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement. - Job Duties
Externs will be assigned to one or more deputies and assigned to a specialized unit in the Criminal Division. Click here to learn more about the specialized units in the Criminal Division.
Duties may include:- Witness contact, coordination and interviews.
- Legal research and writing.
- General preparation and support during trial.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Candidates must have a genuine interest in criminal law and procedure.
- Basic legal and writing skills.
- Willingness to work under frequent deadlines in the fast paced environment of criminal litigation.
- Able to work at any of our two locations (Seattle and Kent).
- Must submit to a criminal history check.
- Must be a current 1L, who will be between their first and second years of law school during summer 2023.
- Supplemental Information
Wages: Many law schools offer credit and some offer fellowships or grants. Our office also offers an $85/week travel stipend for 10 weeks.
Application Process: Interested candidates should apply through this recruitment and include:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. List of three references
4. Writing sample 5-10 pages in length
Applications or supplemental questionnaires that state "see my resume" or that are blank are considered incomplete and will not be competitive.
Timeline:
Applications due: February 15, 2023
Interviews by our extern selection committee will take place March 2nd and March 3rd for competitive applicants.
Consideration for Future Employment: Summer externs applying for our 2L summer intern program will be evaluated carefully by their supervising attorney. There is no guarantee that an externship will lead to a Rule 9 Intern position or a future position with our office.
* If you are enrolled in Seattle University School of Law's evening program and are interested in an Extern position, but unable to work full-time, please contact Lebryna Tamaela for other options.
Reasonable Accommodation:
Persons with disabilities may request special accommodations from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in order to participate in a selection process or to perform work once hired. Requests for accommodations should be made as soon as possible. This may be done by a written letter or an appropriate alternative format to our offices, or phone 206-477-1204.
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:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- 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: King County employees are eligible to 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
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
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. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
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.
-
01The Prosecuting Attorney's Office requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To meet this requirement, all employees must provide proof of vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- I understand this requirement.
- I cannot comply with this requirement.
02Which law school are you currently enrolled in?- Gonzaga
- Seattle University
- University of Washington
- Other
03This program is for current 1L law students who will be between their first and second years of law school during summer 2023. Are you currently enrolled as a 1L?- Yes
- No
04Please indicate if you are interested in the Summer 2023 program for 1Ls or if you're interested in a school year opportunity for 2L or 3Ls.- I am a 1L interested in the Summer 2023 program.
- I am a 2L or 3L interested in a school year opportunity.
05Please indicate which of our specialized units interest you. For more information on our various units, visit kingcounty.gov/depts/prosecutor/criminal-overview.aspx- Appellate Unit
- Collaborative Justice
- Data Analytics
- Domestic Violence Unit
- Economic Crimes Unit
- Felony Traffic
- General Crimes Unit
- Most Dangerous Offenders Project (MDOP)
- Regional Domestic Violence Firearm Enforcement Unit and Survivors FIRST
- Special Assault Unit
- Special Operations and Case Development
- Violent Crimes Unit
- Violent and Economic Crimes Unit
- No preference
06While we cannot ensure that we can assign externs to their preferred location, it's helpful to know if you have a preference or access to transportation. Do you have a preference and access to transportation for one of the following locations?- Seattle
- Kent
- No preference
07Interviews will be conducted in person for those in the Seattle area and remotely for those outside of the Seattle area. If invited for an interview, will you attend in person or remotely?- In person
- Remote via Zoom
Required Question