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Civil Legal Extern Program - Recruiting for Summer 2026
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Summary
Civil Division Legal Extern Program - Summer 2026
The Civil Division Externship Program is designed to give students a 10-week meaningful experience and exposure to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office civil practice. The Civil Division is organized into eight different sections – contracts, county services, transportation and real property, employment, land use, natural resources, litigation, and involuntary treatment. Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal services to the King County government, including representing King County in lawsuits filed in state or federal courts and collaborating with client agencies to develop, fund, deliver, manage, and defend public projects, legislation, and initiatives that affect every aspect of civil society. A civil externship is an excellent way to become acquainted with the office, pursue an interest in civil law, and determine whether this is a future career path.
About the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
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.
Our office is comprised of six divisions that are further organized into specialized units:
To learn more about the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), please visit our website.
Job Duties
Civil externs may do various projects for different sections, including legal research and writing as well as observe and provide general support for depositions, mediations, court hearings and trials.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Must be a current 1L, who will be between their first and second years of law school during summer 2026.
- Candidates must have a genuine interest in public service and civil law.
- Basic legal and writing skills.
- Willingness to work under deadlines.
- Must submit to a criminal history check.
- The ability to consistently maintain a high standard of professionalism in interactions and conduct within a law office and courtroom setting.
Supplemental Information
Work Location:
- Columbia Center 701 5th Ave, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104
Work Schedule:
Externships are full-time* Monday through Friday for minimum of 10 weeks. Civil externs enjoy a hybrid work schedule that allows telecommuting, with a minimum of three days in office per week, subject to business needs and a telecommuting agreement. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
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 Lena.Madden@kingcounty.gov for other options.
Wages
Many law schools offer credit and some offer fellowships or grants. Our office also offers a $85/week travel stipend.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply through this recruitment and include:
1. Cover letter
1. Cover letter
2. Resume, and
3. 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 18, 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Interviews by our extern selection committee will take place March 5th and March 6th for competitive applicants.
Consideration for Future Employment:
Summer externs apply 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.
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.
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