Legal Intern (1L or 2L)

Legal Intern Opening at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess

About Us: 

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC is a thriving law firm with offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Portland, specializing in real estate, land use, construction, probate, employment, and business law. We provide legal services to individual, business, and municipal clients across a broad range of practice areas. We pride ourselves on delivering practical, effective legal solutions through a collaborative and client-focused approach. At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we prioritize our core values of integrity, high-level service, and maintaining a positive, warm, inclusive, collegial, and drama-free office environment.   

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a highly motivated 1L or 2L law student to join our team as a Legal Intern. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical legal experience in a dynamic private practice environment, with exposure to land use law, municipal law, and general civil litigation. The intern will work directly with attorneys in our Seattle office, focusing in civil litigation, contributing to active client matters and developing skills in legal research, writing, and client service.

This is a paid internship expected to last 10-12 weeks, dependent on the candidate’s school schedule. All interns are expected to work on-site Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week at our Seattle office. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and academic year, listed in the job advertisement. Since this is a temporary work assignment, benefits are not included. 

Key Responsibilities:

Land Use Law:

• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, and case law related to zoning, permitting, and land use entitlements.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for administrative proceedings, including Hearing Examiner hearings.
• Draft legal memoranda and supporting materials for client and agency presentations.

Municipal Law:

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and editing contracts and resolutions.
• Conduct legal research related to the Public Records Act, Open Public Meetings Act, and other municipal law issues.
• Support attorneys in advising city and public agency clients on day-to-day legal compliance and governance matters.

Civil Litigation:

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on procedural and substantive legal issues.
• Assist with drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery responses.
• Help organize and manage case files, discovery documents, and trial preparation materials.
• Observe hearings, depositions, or client meetings as opportunities arise.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled as a 1L or 2L student at an accredited law school.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in land use, municipal law, and/or civil litigation.
• Professional demeanor and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in administrative law, land use planning, or state/local government
• Previous experience working with or for a public agency or in a law firm setting

Submission Requirements: 

All applications must include:

• Resume.
• Writing sample (between 5-10 pages).
• Unofficial law school transcript.
• Cover letter.
  

To apply, please submit the above documents and complete the application process at https://dfpblaw.bamboohr.com/careers. 

Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. 

Salary : $31 - $36