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Investigator Intern Program

The Defender Association is seeking interns/volunteers for our Investigator Intern Program.

The Defender Association provides legal representation to indigent and low-income clients. Our office represents individuals in criminal matters, as well as in civil matters involving liberty interests, such as civil commitment and dependency Typically, investigators are used in the criminal divisions of the office-misdemeanors, felony and juvenile-although we occasionally handled limited investigations in other divisions.

The Investigator Internship allows interested individuals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the direction and close monitoring of two supervisors who, taken together, have 35 + years of investigation experience. Although reasons for participating in the program vary, the program attracts many considering law school and wanting some experience in a legal setting, or those wishing to gain experience while considering a career in private investigation.

Training for the Investigator Intern Program starts in a classroom setting for the first six business days of the quarter from 1-5pm. The training covers all aspects of investigation that an intern might be allowed to do including, but not limited to, how to effectively interview witnesses, write reports, and how to conduct field work. In addition to investigation techniques there are also presentations on legal issues and ethics as they apply to investigators. Almost daily contact with supervisors throughout the quarter insures that learning continues your entire internship experience.

Investigator Interns work with the attorneys as team members to ensure that cases are adequately investigated. This work is conducted with the consultation and help of the two division supervisors.

Since the Investigator Intern Program was started in 1981 more than 1500 interns have participated. At the beginning of each quarter approximately 10-20 interns are accepted into the program. All Investigator Intern positions are volunteer.* The Defender Association works closely with universities and colleges for those interns seeking college credit for participation in the program. The Investigator Intern program is competitive, especially during the summer sessions. Therefore, it is to your advantage to complete the short application and return it promptly.

The Investigator Intern Program is an excellent place to gain hands-on experience interning in the criminal justice field. The average intern stays in the internship around six months, with some interns staying a year or longer. An intern needs to commit to a minimum of twenty hours a week for a minimum of three months. During this time an intern can expect to spend 10-12 hours in the office each week and the remainder in the field.

* Participants in the Investigation Intern Program will not be compensated, although we will reimburse for most expenses. Participation in the program does not imply that at the conclusion of the training or internship the participant will obtain employment with our office.

Please call (206) 447-3900 ext. 692 with any questions.

Download the application form

Position Description

Title
Investigator Intern
Purpose of position
To perform pretrial investigation for staff attorneys representing indigent and low income youth and adults.
Responsible to
Intern Supervisors and individual staff attorneys.
Volunteer Position Description

Defense investigators are the eyes and ears for the attorneys. An investigator may be asked to: photograph or diagram a crime scene, check criminal, medical, or other records of witnesses or clients, interview witnesses, police officers, and victims and write concise reports from each interview, subpoena defense witnesses, and be available for testimony at time of trial.

The investigator intern is required to confer with the staff attorneys and his/her supervisor throughout the investigation to exchange information. The intern must maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information gathered during the investigation.
Length of internship

Positions are available for three months or more, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week. The time commitment is divided into office hours and field work. Office hours are scheduled over three or more business days each week between the hours of 8-5pm. Field work is scheduled based on the availability of witnesses involved in our cases. For new interns, the internship starts with a mandatory six business days of training from 1-5pm each day.

Location
The Defender Association's main office is located at 810 Third Avenue, Room 800 of the Central Building, in Seattle, Washington. We are within approximately three blocks of all of the Seattle courts, with the exception of the Juvenile, Civil Commitment, and Kent courts.
Qualifications
Because of the seriousness of each case and the importance of maintaining the high standard of legal representation in our office, each intern must be reliable and demonstrate initiative in their work. Assertiveness, self-confidence, and well-developed interpersonal skills are necessary. Interns must be willing to work hard and to work in high crime areas. Interns must display excellent judgment and be able to "think quickly on your feet." Interns should have college level writing skills, the ability to organize their work, and an understanding of advocacy in criminal defense work. Good investigators are people who thrive on challenges and problems presented by their assignments.
Finances

Interns are responsible for finding their own housing if coming from out of state.

Interns intending to use a vehicle for Defender business must get insurance with bodily injury limits of $100,000 for any one person, and $300,000 for any accident, property damage of $50,000, and business use coverage.

The Defender Association will reimburse up to $100 every six months if your rates increase due to the increased coverage for business use. The Defender Association currently reimburses $.37 per mile for Defender use. Reimbursement is normally paid twice monthly. Records should be submitted to the Intern Supervisor for authorization to the accounting department.

If you do not have a vehicle and intend to use the bus, the Defender will reimburse for the purchase of a bus pass.

School Credit
School credit is usually available for college students. The normal procedure is to contact your advisor at your institution before applying to the program.