Legal Intern - Public Defender

Position Summary

The Churchill County Public Defender's Office has an opening for a Legal Intern position. This entry-level role offers valuable hands-on experience for law students interested in public service and criminal law.

If you are interested, please submit your application online at www.churchillcounty.org/careers by 3:00 PM on Monday, September 29, 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Support core legal functions, including client interaction, legal research, motion practice, discovery review, and courtroom preparation, while gaining exposure to a wide variety of criminal and related proceedings.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is an entry level position, usually filled by law students who have not yet passed the Bar. The work is characterized by additional exposure to various legal proceedings, while working under the close supervision and mentorship of experienced attorneys. This class is distinguished from the Legal Secretary in that the latter are administrative positions providing legal office support.

Essential Functions

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Research applicable legal and factual issues using computerized techniques and/or law library materials at the direction of an attorney.
• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of briefs, pleadings and other legal papers.
• Drafts memoranda, opinions and other documents related to findings on specific cases or issues.
• Research and explain departmental, County and State procedures to attorneys and departmental support staff.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Maintains accurate records and files; prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned.
• Assist attorneys with discovery review, case analysis, and trial preparation.
• Interview and consult with clients and witnesses, including jail visits.
• Observe and, where permitted under Nevada Supreme Court rules, participate in hearings and court proceedings.
• Support negotiations with prosecutors and assist with case strategy.
• Help maintain accurate records, reports, and case management data.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
Enrollment in an accredited university or college; Bachelor’s degree and, at minimum, completion of the 1st year of law school in good standing at a U.S. accredited law school; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Policies and procedures of the department to which assigned.
• Methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

• Researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports related to the work of the court or department to which assigned.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives and activities.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

• Valid Driver’s License.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable).

• Churchill County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.

DISCLAIMER: Churchill County provides benefits to regular employees. Benefits are prorated for some part time, regular positions (depending on job). Most part time positions provide no benefits.

No Nevada state income tax

Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada - Churchill County contributes 36.75% of an eligible Regular Member's salary for retirement. Churchill County contributes 58.75% of an eligible Police Member's salary for retirement. Retirement benefits are available to employees hired in positions that work 20 hours per week or more on a regular basis. Positions of less than 20 hours per week (or less than 1040 hours in a fiscal year) will receive Social Security contributions and will not be enrolled in PERS.

Deferred Compensation Plans
Employees can also participate in the VOYA 457 deferred compensation plan, which is funded by the employee. This allows the employee to save money in pre-tax dollars toward retirement.

Cafeteria Health Coverage Plan – Full-time employees' health insurance begins the first of the month after one month of employment. (Employees must work an average 30 or more hours per week on a regular basis to qualify for health insurance coverage.)

The county offers a "Cafeteria" health plan to full-time employees, which allows employees to pick and choose the best health plan for them and their family. The county offers three health plans - a base PPO plan with a $1,500 deductible, a "buy-up" PPO plan with a $750 deductible, and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a $2,700 deductible and a Health Savings Account (HSA), to which the county contributes $177 per month. In addition, the county also provides the following: a prescription plan, a dental plan, and a vision plan. The county currently contributes 100% of the employee premiums for the base PPO plan and the HDHP, as well as for the prescription, dental, and vision plans. Employees who elect dependent coverage pay 100% of the dependent premiums - employees can elect to have those premiums deducted in pre-tax dollars.

Vacation Leave
Full-time, regular county employees scheduled to work 40 hours per week accrue 8 hours per month of annual (vacation) leave per year. Part-time, regular county employees accrue annual (vacation) leave vacation at a prorated amount depending the number of hours worked. Employees earn additional annual leave hours at 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of service up to a maximum of 240 hours (30 days) per year. While on probation an employee is not granted vacation leave for the first six months; the employee still accrues vacation leave during this time and will be credited with 48 hours of vacation leave after six months of employment in their regular position.

Sick Leave
Full-time, regular county employees scheduled 10 hours of sick leave per month, with no maximum accrual. Part-time, regular employees accrue sick leave at a prorated amount depending the number of hours worked.

HOLIDAYS - Regular county employees enjoy 12 paid holidays per calendar year including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Nevada Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Day (Friday after Thanksgiving), and Christmas Day. In addition, County employees are entitled to one floating holiday per year, to be used at a time agreed to by the employee and his or her supervisor. (Regular, part-time employees receive prorated holidays based on the number of hours normally worked.)

Tuition Reimbursement
Churchill County values it's employees and empowers all employees to enhance their skills by taking job-related college courses as well as participating in job related workshops and seminars. To that end, for regular employees the county has a generous Tuition Reimbursement policy for accredited courses, reimbursing up to $1,200 per year in educational expenses.