Attorney in Seattle, WA

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Government

Seattle, WA

Attorney in Seattle, WA

Attorney

Min 9 yrs required

No

### Job Title: Rural Public Defense Fellowship

### Job Responsibilities:
The Rural Public Defense Fellowship (RPDF) is a 10-week summer program designed for individuals eligible to practice as Rule 9 interns, who are interested in gaining experience in public defense. Fellows will be placed in local public defense offices located in rural and underserved counties across Washington State. The program aims to provide fellows with mentorship, intensive skill training, and financial support.

Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on public defense experience and exposure to courtroom proceedings.
- Work with clients from marginalized communities who face all levels of charges.
- Represent clients from diverse backgrounds in various courts, including District Court, Municipal Court, Superior Court, or Juvenile Court.
- Assist supervising attorneys by researching, analyzing, and writing motions, briefs, and legal memos.
- Participate in trial preparations and potentially engage in on-the-record participation in jury trials.
- Communicate directly with clients, social workers, service providers, and other public defense professionals.
- Read and analyze police reports and review other evidence.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or office.

### Education and Experience Information:
To qualify for the Rural Public Defense Fellowship, candidates must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible as a Rule 9:
- Be a . student enrolled and in good academic standing in an approved law school who has completed 2/3 of the law school’s 3-year program.
- Be an Enrolled Law Clerk (Rule 6) who has completed 5/8 of the 4-year program.
- Be a recent . graduate (within the last 9 months) from an approved law school who has not been admitted to practice in any state or territory.
- Be a Rule 6 who has completed the program (within the last 9 months) who has not been admitted to practice law in any state or territory.

Additional qualifications include:
- Possessing good moral character and fitness to practice law as outlined in the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct.
- An interest and ability in working with indigent individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Effective writing and communication skills.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently or with a team.
- Willingness to relocate to the job placement site for 10 weeks as necessary.
- A demonstrated commitment to public service.

### Desired Qualifications:
- Multilingual skills, with proficiency in Spanish being a plus.
- Basic knowledge of criminal procedure and the rules of evidence.
- Commitment to equitable and client-centered representation.
- Experience working with people living in poverty or from other marginalized communities.

### Salary Information:
The fellowship provides financial compensation of up to $28 per hour, along with a housing stipend of up to $900 per month for three months.

### Work Schedule:
Fellows are expected to work a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

### Placement:
Fellows will be placed in one of thirty rural or underserved counties in Washington State. Placement will depend on the availability of placement sites, and while efforts will be made to accommodate applicants’ preferences, it is not guaranteed that fellows will be placed in one of their top three choices.

### Application Process:
Applicants must submit the following documents via email with the subject line "RPDF Application":
- RPDF application cover sheet.
- A cover letter addressing interest in public defense, practicing in a rural or underserved county, preferred counties, and any counties they would not want to be placed in, with reasons.
- A current resume.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews will be granted to qualified applicants on a rolling basis. The organization reserves the right to close the job posting at any time.

### Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated persons, those with prior child welfare involvement, and military veterans to apply. The agency strives to ensure all fellows enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

Jun 24, 2025
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