What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seattle City Attorney's Office Criminal Division Rule 9 Program Legal Intern position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
About the Seattle City Attorney’s Office:
The Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office (SCAO) seeks law students committed to our mission of providing justice and public service as interns in our Rule 9 Program.
The Criminal Division represents the City in Seattle Municipal Court, prosecuting all traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors that occur within Seattle city limits. The types of cases prosecuted by the Criminal Division include civil infractions, driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, harassment, and assault.
A Rule 9 internship with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office provides an opportunity for significant courtroom experience, starting in infractions and potentially advancing onto criminal proceedings. Interns work closely with prosecutors, professional staff, law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, and the public. The position is fast paced and provides a unique and rewarding experience.
Job Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns are assigned to Infractions in the Specialty Courts Unit, providing opportunities for significant court experience representing the City on civil infractions. After becoming comfortable handling infractions, interns may be assigned criminal trials, motions, and calendars. Interns gain substantial experience in applying court rules and case law to specific issues for presentation in court. The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite work in Seattle when operational needs require.
Infraction Rule 9 Duties:
Successful candidates must meet the requirements per the Rule 9 licensing requirements of the Washington State Bar Association by their start date. The most competitive candidates will have taken the following prior to any Rule 9 position: Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Trial Advocacy, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure. Lack of any of these classes will not automatically disqualify an otherwise competitive candidate.
Current Openings:
The Criminal Division currently seeks to fill several full-time and part-time Rule 9 positions for the Winter 2024; Spring, Summer and Fall, 2025 quarter/semesters. The ideal candidates will be available for court coverage three or four days per week for at least one quarter/semester.
Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
Completed NEOGOV online application available on the City of Seattle’s website here: Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | City of Seattle (governmentjobs.com);
This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The SCAO values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Additional Information
Hourly Salary Range: $30.13 - $30.13.
Benefits:
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
This position does not guarantee future employment with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office
Questions? Please contact Alicia O'Flaherty at Alicia.oflaherty@seattle.gov
About the Seattle City Attorney’s Office:
The Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office (SCAO) seeks law students committed to our mission of providing justice and public service as interns in our Rule 9 Program.
The Criminal Division represents the City in Seattle Municipal Court, prosecuting all traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors that occur within Seattle city limits. The types of cases prosecuted by the Criminal Division include civil infractions, driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, harassment, and assault.
A Rule 9 internship with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office provides an opportunity for significant courtroom experience, starting in infractions and potentially advancing onto criminal proceedings. Interns work closely with prosecutors, professional staff, law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, and the public. The position is fast paced and provides a unique and rewarding experience.
Job Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns are assigned to Infractions in the Specialty Courts Unit, providing opportunities for significant court experience representing the City on civil infractions. After becoming comfortable handling infractions, interns may be assigned criminal trials, motions, and calendars. Interns gain substantial experience in applying court rules and case law to specific issues for presentation in court. The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite work in Seattle when operational needs require.
Infraction Rule 9 Duties:
- Represent the City on infractions calendars
- Engage in pre-hearing negotiations with defense attorneys and pro se defendants
- Review and evaluate evidence to determine appropriate preparations, negotiations, and dispositions
- Contact witnesses and prepare for direct examinations
- Research and argue specific issues as required
- Prepare and conduct jury trials with supervision
- Contact witnesses and evaluate evidence to determine appropriate preparations and negotiations
- Represent the City on pretrial and review calendars
- Represent the City on a variety of motions, including researching and writing briefs and presenting oral arguments
Successful candidates must meet the requirements per the Rule 9 licensing requirements of the Washington State Bar Association by their start date. The most competitive candidates will have taken the following prior to any Rule 9 position: Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Trial Advocacy, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure. Lack of any of these classes will not automatically disqualify an otherwise competitive candidate.
Current Openings:
The Criminal Division currently seeks to fill several full-time and part-time Rule 9 positions for the Winter 2024; Spring, Summer and Fall, 2025 quarter/semesters. The ideal candidates will be available for court coverage three or four days per week for at least one quarter/semester.
Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
Completed NEOGOV online application available on the City of Seattle’s website here: Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | City of Seattle (governmentjobs.com);
- Cover letter describing your interest in SCAO and how your skills and experience align with the stated responsibilities and qualifications;
- Résumé indicating relevant experience and education;
- Writing sample; and
- Law school transcript (Must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for graduate intern.)
This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The SCAO values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Additional Information
Hourly Salary Range: $30.13 - $30.13.
Benefits:
- The City of Seattle will pay for the interns’ Rule 9 application fee with the Washington State Bar Association.
- Meaningful and educational opportunities that compliment your academic program.
- Establish effective networking relationships with professional staff, which may be beneficial to future career development.
- Access to City sponsored trainings and professional development modules.
- Diverse array of work experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities to help make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play.
- Working for the city builds your career and your community.
- Commuting benefits including ORCA passes, car share discounts, and ride matches.
- Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment).
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
This position does not guarantee future employment with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office
Questions? Please contact Alicia O'Flaherty at Alicia.oflaherty@seattle.gov
Salary : $30
