Law Clerk Internship/Externship for Academic Year

State of Washington; Pasco (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Law clerk benefits

Public Employees’ Retirement System

Paid holidays

Professional trainings

Location pay: Seattle

Job summary

Washington State Attorney General's Office seeks law clerk externs who have completed at least one year of ABA-accredited law school and are enrolled during the clerkship. This position emphasizes public service, exposure to litigation, and professional development within a diverse and inclusive office in Washington.

Clerks will research and draft memoranda and pleadings, assist with litigation preparation, and may observe court proceedings.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least one year of law school at an ABA-accredited law school and must be enrolled during the duration of service.
• Applicants should be committed to public service and demonstrate a diverse background in education, experience, activities and interests that enhance the office.
• Must be able to work in WA State for the duration of the clerkship.

Responsibilities

• Researching and writing memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence.
• Assist in preparation for litigation, including depositions, witness interviews, and discovery.
• Draft client advice memos and attend meetings where that advice is presented to the client; observe attorneys in court.
• Rule 9 law clerks may be allowed to present in court.

Job description

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

Law students interested in externing at the AGO

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

Benefits

Serving as a law clerk or extern for the AGO not only can provide you the opportunity to earn valuable academic credit, but it can also offer the following, equally important benefits:

• Exceptional legal experience working in a professional law office
• Demonstration of one’s interest in and commitment to public service
• Engagement with experienced, professional colleagues and legal mentors
• Expansive breadth and diversity of work
• Opportunity to attend a wide array of effective, interesting legal trainings (e.g., CLEs) and events
• Work that makes a tangible and positive difference to the people of Washington

Details About Working For The Attorney General’s Office

The Office is committed to the benefits of a healthy life-work balance with a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace where you will experience belonging and be part of a supportive and collegial team. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO as a law clerk include:

• Competitive salary – If your law school allows being paid while receiving academic credit - Law clerks who have completed their first year of law school will receive $23/hour. Law clerks who have completed their second year of law school will receive $24/hour
• Law clerk positions assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Health and wellness program
• Access to attend training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
• Enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, receiving one service credit per each month worked of 90 hours or more.
• Due to the limited duration of these positions (if less than six months), they are not eligible for medical and dental benefits.

Duties

• Researching and writing memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence;
• Assistant in preparation for litigation, i.e., depositions, witness interviews, and discovery;
• Drafting client advice memos and attending meetings where that advice is then presented to the client; and
• Opportunity to observe attorneys in court, particularly for those cases for which the law clerk provided assistance. Rule 9 law clerks may be allowed to present in court.

Qualifications

To be considered for a law clerk internship or externship opportunity, you must have completed at least one year of law school at an ABA accredited law school and must be enrolled in said law school during the duration of your service. In addition, the AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. We also seek applicants with a diverse background in education, previous work experience, law school activities, extracurricular activities, community service and areas of interest that enhance our respectful, diverse and professional office. Applicants must also be able to work in WA State for the duration of the clerkship.

Note that this program is not for summer clerkships. Those seeking a summer externship must apply via the formal fall/spring recruitment program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail].

Required Documents

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Law School Transcript (Official/Unofficial)
• *Letter of Recommendation if a 2L, 3L or LL.M.
• Note about the letter of recommendation: If your recommender would prefer to send the letter directly to the AGO, they can send it to the Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail]. If you already have your current letter of recommendation, feel free to upload it with your application. If you receive the letter of recommendation after you’ve submitted your application, you can send it to the Talent Acquisition Team via the email address above and we will upload it to your application.

Background and Compliance Information

NOTE! Some positions require that employees and volunteers submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division.

In accordance with WAC 162-12-140, the AGO will conduct permissible pre-employment inquiries of preferred candidates, to include the completion of a criminal conviction screening questionnaire.

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

More About Benefits

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Preferred Name and Pronoun(s)

Status Questions

• Yes
• No

Visa Sponsorship

• Yes
• No

Law School Enrollment

Are you currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school? If so, please provide the name of your law school, anticipated JD date and your year of law school (1L, 2L etc.).

Compensation while Earning Academic Credit

If you are looking to serve as a law clerk extern (receiving academic credit), does your law school allow compensation while earning academic credit? Enter N/A if you are not seeking an externship.

Community Involvement

List all activities or community involvement, past or present, that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Office Locations

• Olympia (O)
• Seattle (Se)
• Tacoma (T)
• Spokane (Sp)
• Bellingham (B)
• Everett (E)
• Kennewick (K)
• Port Angeles (Po)
• Pullman (Pu)
• Vancouver (V)
• Wenatchee (W)
• Yakima (Y)

Divisions

• Administration (O, Se)
• Agriculture & Health (O)
• Antitrust (Se)
• Children, Youth, and Families (O)
• Civil Rights Unit (Se)
• Complex Litigation (O, Se)
• Consumer Protection (Se, Sp, T)
• Corrections (O, Sp)
• Criminal Justice (Se, Sp)
• Discovery Division (Se)
• Ecology (O)
• Education (O, Se, Sp)
• Environmental Protection (Se)
• Government Compliance & Enforcement
• Labor & Industries (O, Se, T, B, E, V, Po, Sp, K, W, Y)
• Labor & Personnel (O, Sp)
• Licensing & Administrative Law (O, Se, Sp)
• Medicaid Fraud Control (O, Se, Sp)
• Public Counsel Unit (Se)
• Public Lands & Conservation (O)
• Regional Services (B. E, V, Po, K, W, Y)
• Revenue & Finance (O)
• Social & Health Services Division (representing the Department of Children, Youth, & Families) (Se, T, B, E, V, Po, Sp, K, W, Y)
• Social & Health Services (representing the Department of Social & Health Services, Healthcare Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Services for the Blind) (O)
• Solicitor General (O)
• Torts (O, Se, Sp, T)
• Transportation & Public Construction (O)
• University of Washington (Se)
• Utilities & Transportation Commission (O)
• Washington State University (Pu)
• Worker Rights Unit (O, Se)

Previous Experience

Have you ever worked or volunteered for the Washington State Attorney General's Office? If yes, indicate dates and positions in which you served, as well as the reason for leaving the Office.

Bar Discipline

Have you ever been subject to discipline or censure by a Bar Association or other licensing organization?

Pending Bar Disciplinary Proceedings

Is there any Bar disciplinary proceeding pending against you?

Termination History

Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from any position?

Conflict of Interest

Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter.

Other Potential Conflicts

Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee?

Reference Source

Where did you learn about this employment opportunity? Careers.wa.gov AGO Website (atg.wa.gov) AGO Attorney Email Subscription Service LinkedIn/Indeed (Or other employment websites) WSBA Diversity Listserv Law School Career Services Office Career Fair AGO Presentation at law school Court Current/Former AGO employee or law clerk Other For your answer above, please specify, if applicable (e.g. name of law school, specific career fair, or website where you learned of opportunity).