LEGAL ASSISTANT FELLOW presso Kitsap County, WA

About the Department

About the Fellowship Program

The Kitsap County Office of Public Defense partners with Hiring Heroes and the Department of Defense SkillBridge initiative to provide transitioning service members, military spouses, and caregivers with meaningful professional experiences. This 12-week fellowship is designed to bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers by offering structured learning opportunities, professional development, mentorship support, and authentic workplace experiences that build skills and create pathways to sustainable employment.

About the Opportunity

Join our team of professionals dedicated to serving the community through public defense. As a Legal Assistant Fellow, you will gain hands-on experience in a legal environment while supporting our mission to provide quality representation to those who need it most. This fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to develop legal administrative skills, understand court procedures, and work alongside experienced attorneys and staff in a fast-paced public defense setting.

What You Will Do

As a Legal Assistant Fellow, you will support our legal team by performing essential administrative and paralegal functions, with a primary focus on:

Primary Project:

• Scan, digitize, and organize case files into our electronic database system
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of digital records
• Maintain file organization and document management protocols

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare, organize, assemble, and maintain case files
• Review local rules and State and Federal mandatory timelines to ensure timely action by attorneys
• Assist in preparation of legal documents and pleadings at each stage of case progress
• Provide assistance and serve as a liaison to witnesses, clients, law enforcement, victims, and experts
• Interview and assess witness and client needs; educate on court procedures and answer questions
• Coordinate scheduling of depositions, hearings, and appointments between attorneys, witnesses, and other offices
• Prepare correspondence, reports, legal pleadings, subpoenas, notices of appearance, motions, affidavits, and other materials with high standards of accuracy
• Serve documents or arrange process service
• Respond to inquiries regarding status of pending cases and routine inquiries from attorneys and agencies
• Provide general assistance to Public Defenders

What You Bring:

Three years' experience providing legal administrative or paralegal support with progressively responsible experience is required.  That includes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain professionalism with the public
• Proficiency with computer systems and ability to learn new software
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Capability to work independently and as part of a team

Background Check Requirements

This position requires a thorough background check through law enforcement agencies and previous employers will be conducted prior to the fellowship start date. The incumbent will have access to secured/confidential facilities and computer systems. Please review the disqualifying crimes and negative actions list to determine eligibility.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move files/documents and case materials (up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently)
• May be required to lift/transport file boxes weighing up to 50 pounds (assistance available)
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time
• Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment
• May have exposure to violent or hostile individuals

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Program Support: Professional development and mentorship throughout the fellowship

• Eligibility: Transitioning service members, military spouses, and caregivers participating in the DOD SkillBridge program

This fellowship provides authentic workplace experience that mirrors regular employment while supporting the unique transition needs of military personnel. Upon successful completion, fellows may be considered for future employment opportunities within our County!