Administrative Services Intern

The Department of Public Defense (DPD) within the Directors Office is excited to recruit student interns for an engaging 810-week internship program beginning approximately in June 2026. This internship offers students a valuable opportunity to explore careers in public defense while gaining meaningful insight into and a deeper understanding of how the Department of Public Defense serves King County the community our clients call home.

In this role interns will learn about the public defense system and the important work that goes into supporting client representation. Interns will assist with archiving filing and restocking closed case files while also supporting the Directors Office with a variety of administrative and operational projects.

In turn interns will also gain hands-on experience in areas such as office administration case and document management interdepartmental coordination and professional communication. Throughout the internship students will have opportunities to learn alongside and collaborate with a diverse team of dedicated public defense professionals including attorneys public defense trainers special counsel operations staff and human resources professionals.

DPD is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

This is a rolling application and internship positions will remain open until filled. Interns are paid bi-weekly. These positions are subject to approved funding. This is a non-benefit eligible position. We anticipate filling approximately 5 internships.

The Departments Mission Statement

The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives interests and dignity.

DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies misdemeanors juvenile defense family defense (dependency cases) involuntary commitment (mental illness) and sex offender commitment proceedings.

DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients liberty and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive respectful and supportive premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD visit our website.

• Perform general office functions such as answering phones photocopying e-mailing and processing/distributing/routing incoming and outgoing mail.
• Compose draft type proofread and edit documents.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of highly sensitive communications.
• Utilize various computer programs to maintain update enter and retrieve data including MS Word Outlook and Excel programs.
• Assist with special projects as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

• Interest in a career in public defense and/or in public service.
• Must be at least 16 years old when the program begins.
• Must be enrolled in college or be a high school student in King County.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must commit to the duration of the assignment.
• Must have the ability to work on-site Monday through Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion involving highly sensitive matters at all times.
• Be detail-oriented organized and use initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated comfort with the use of Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word email and electronic record filing systems to create correspondence and send and receive information.
• Experience operating standard office equipment including personal computer copier fax machines and multi-line telephone.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY
This opportunity to join DPD is available to currently enrolled high school college or university students. Proof of current enrollment will be required upon hire and interns must reside in King County. Please apply at position is not eligible for benefits. However interns will receive an ORCA card for the duration of their assignment providing access to King Countys public transportation system.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current resume.
• Cover letter detailing why you are interested in this Internship with the Department of Public Defense.