Legal Intern

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.

Employee Type:

Paid Intern (Trainee)

Department:

Prosecuting Attorney

Salary:

$25.00/hour

Overtime Eligibile:

Yes

Job Posting Date Range:

09/03/2026 - Until Filled

Job Summary:

The position allocated to this class performs legal research, trial preparation and trial presentation work in the courtroom on misdemeanant criminal or traffic offenses under the supervision of a practicing attorney in the Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender or Counsel for Defense Office. Work is performed according to State Law and Code of Professional Responsibility, and reviewed for case preparation, thoroughness of research, and court presentation.

Job Description:

The following documents are required to be submitted with your application. Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered:
• Resume

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Under the supervision, advisement and counsel of an experienced attorney: 

• Obtains police reports and records; contacts and interviews witnesses; researches legal questions and prepares legal documents/briefs; drafts discovery requests and/or responses; attends/conducts depositions; prepares cohesive presentation for legal argument at trial.
• Conducts initial interview of client; discusses facts concerning the case; explains legal aspects of the charge and possible consequences; discusses possible trial tactics.
• Represents a client or prosecutes cases in court before a judge and/or jury including pre-trial and post-trial hearings, motions and orders.
• Handles infractions calendars, criminal arraignments, show cause hearings, criminal motions and trial work.    
• Keeps individual client files up to date.
• Performs other related duties as required.

When assigned to the Civil Division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

• Under the supervision, advisement, and counsel of an experienced attorney, researches legal questions and prepares legal documents/briefs; drafts discovery requests and/or responses; attends/conducts depositions; prepares cohesive presentation for legal argument in State and Federal Court.
• Interacts with client agencies to provide guidance and resources on legal questions. Participates in drafting new policies/procedures to ensure the County is complying with the relevant legal and statutory guidelines.
• Represents the Prosecuting Attorney in liaising with County stakeholders. 
• Assists in the Involuntary Commitment Act docket through case negotiation and contested hearings.    
• Keeps individual client files up to date.
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a limited license to practice law in accordance with the Washington State Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 9. 
• In lieu of Rule 9 licensure, completion of one (1) year of an accredited Juris Doctor program may be considered. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the basic concepts of the law and legal procedures.

• Knowledge of Washington statutes relating to civil or criminal law, evidence and procedure (depending on the area of assignment).
• Knowledge of legal procedures.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive and thorough research.
• Ability to provide effective and quality legal representation and advice with full knowledge of case facts and controlling law.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect:   Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness.  Communicating in a productive and professional manner.   

• Accountability:   Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity:   Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation:   Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Work may require occasional travel within the County, exposing the employee to weather extremes, various forms of precipitation and the hazards associated with travel on public roads.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. As every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may reasonably be considered incidental in the performing of their duties as though they were included in this job description.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA