Program Representative I (Public Defender Legal Intern)
About The 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: Program Representative I-J23-U00-H Extra Help Intermittent On Call Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) Overview: Pay Range: $24.76 - $31.40 per hour (Non Bargaining Pay Plan, B23 Step 1-13) Hiring Range: $24.76 - $26.27 per hour (Non Bargaining Pay Plan, B23 Step 1-4 DOQ) Job Closing Date: Open until March 27, 2026 with weekly reviews. Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel is recruiting for Extra Help Program Representative I (Public Defender Legal Interns). This position is responsible for assisting staff attorneys in indigent defense representation performing professional legal work of a criminal defense nature including, but not limited to: legal research and analysis, case management and preparation, assisting with client, witness, victim and other interviews and testimony preparations, assisting with hearings and trials. This is an extra help, intermittent on call position. Benefits included in position: Washington State Paid Sick Leave Note: This is a Non Bargaining Unit Position. 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)
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree and must be enrolled in an accredited law school.
- Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background investigation which may include fingerprinting; and general employment verification.
Responsibilities
- Evaluates cases and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzes all information available to assist the supervising attorney.
- Collaborates with staff attorneys to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of cases strategy and trial preparation.
- Assists staff attorneys with case investigation for trial preparation as necessary, including the attorney’s review of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviewed of witnesses as required.
- Assists staff attorneys within interviewed and consultations with clients regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Washington State Paid Sick Leave
- Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
- Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Voluntary Benefits – vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
- Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS)
- 457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
- Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays and Sick Leave
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
