Description

General Summary

The City of Puyallup is hiring for a Legal Intern (start date to be June 2026) The legal intern program is permitted under Rule 9-A limited license to practice in Washington State.

Area of Law: Prosecution (may be some civil work, time permitting).  A legal internship will provide opportunity for exposure to criminal trial practice. The intern works closely with the prosecutor's office staff and law enforcement, and is in regular contact with judges, the defense bar and the general public.

Compensation:  $30.00 - $37.00 per hour. Paid sick leave is provided per state law. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Hours: The position will be part-time and the hours will be set with input of the employee.  

Essential Functions

• The Criminal Rule 9 Intern is responsible for assisting in the prosecution of violations of the City’s criminal and civil codes, under the direction of a Supervising Attorney.
• Office duties include but are not limited to reviewing charging decisions, preparing cases for filing, and drafting documents to be filed in court.
• The Rule 9 Intern will also be tasked with representing the City in municipal court in a variety of criminal case proceedings such as arraignments, pre-trial hearings, evidentiary and motions hearings, and sentencing review hearings. The Rule 9 Intern will likely have the opportunity to second-chair jury and/or bench trials.  
• This position may also prepare and present contested infraction hearings in municipal court.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Legal research methodologies;
• Basic criminal law principles.

Ability to:

• Learn new skills efficiently;
• Undertake on-the-job training and implement feedback as necessary;
• Exercise strong research and writing skills;
• Organize and analyze case facts and legal precedents;
• Actively listen and appropriately respond to complex information under time
   constraints; and
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. 

Requirements:

• Completion of second year of law school -- Washington State Rule 9 qualification.
• Must pass a criminal history background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license. 

 
Selection Process
Applicants are to email a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to:
    Shelley Werner, Senior Human Resources Generalist, at [email protected].
Resumes will be reviewed and candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview.  
 
For additional information please contact:
Chandra Zimmerman, Paralegal
City of Puyallup 
Phone: 253 841-5598
Email: [email protected]