Legal Intern (L1)

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

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values:

• Integrity

• Common Sense

• Innovation

• Accountability

Position Data:

Intern-H Extra Help Intermittent On Call Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

Overview:

Pay Rate: $18.00

Closing Date: March 10, 2026

This is a program for students who are considering pursuing a career in public service, criminal justice, or law school. If you have been accepted to law school or are already in law school between your first and second year, please consider applying. The internship program is designed to give students meaningful experience and exposure to public service law practice in our office. It is an excellent way to become acquainted with the Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the criminal justice system.
The intern will be assigned to one or more deputies and to a specialized unit in one of the following divisions: Civil Division, Felony Division, District Court Division, Juvenile Division, or the Child Support. There is opportunity to gain exposure to multiple areas of practice.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

• Legal research and brief editing, brief writing

• Determine which RCW, WAC, Federal, state and local rules apply to and can provide merit to the case.

• Assist in the review of cases for charging consideration.

• Collaborate in case staffing, where the Intern will discuss the progress of cases with attorneys, victim advocates, and other members of the team.

• Participate in discussions with law enforcement.

• Restorative justice principles and how they can be applied.

• Trial preparation; provide professional legal support prior to and during trial.

• Participate in court hearings and trials, depositions and/or mediations.

• Additional duties will be assigned as priorities and needs change.

Education and Experience:

Must be Enrolled in a related undergraduate program, or have successfully completed an undergraduate program, and/or have been accepted to law school, are considering law school or the APR6 program, or are already in law school and have achieved 1L or L2 status.

Equipment Used:

Computer, fax, scanner, copier, multi-line phone, multi-media equipment, video/audio recording equipment and other basic office equipment.

Working Conditions:

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Skills (and abilities):

• Candidates must have a genuine interest in criminal and civil law and procedure.

• Willingness to work under frequent deadlines in the fast-paced environment of criminal litigation.

• In depth research and analytical capabilities, ability to make independent decisions based on research and analysis.

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively.

• Capable of drafting legal briefs and other high-level writing.

• Critical thinking skills.

• Effective public speaking.

• Ability to ask questions and take direction; work independently on assigned tasks.

“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”
Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply.

Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person’s age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish the information.

Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information.

Yakima County is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Yakima County is an E-Verify Employer.