The Attorney General’s Office is pleased to invite qualified first and second-year law students to apply for summer 2026 law clerk or externship positions via our 2026 Spring Recruitment Program.

Qualified first and second-year students interested in participating in the 2026 Spring Recruitment Program must apply here or going to the “2026 Spring Recruitment Program – Summer Clerkships” posting at https://www.careers.wa.gov. Once on the website, click “apply” using the green button and submit a profile.

Why you should apply

Law clerks and externs with the Washington Attorney General’s Office have opportunities to engage in meaningful work making a difference for Washingtonians. Our office is committed to supporting you in your growth through worthwhile, enriching, and educational experiences working for what we believe to be the best public law firm in the country.

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 – 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 a 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 (less than six months), they are not eligible for medical and dental benefits.

Duties

Although each law clerk's experience is unique, the following duties are typical of an AGO law clerk:

• Researching and writing memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence;
• Assist 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

Students must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school during the duration of their 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 office.  Applicants must also be able to work in WA State for the duration of the clerkship.

Supplemental Information

Qualified first and second-year students interested in participating in the Spring Recruitment Program must apply to this posting by clicking the "apply" button and submitting a profile. In addition to fully completing a profile and responding to all supplemental questions, you must upload the following materials by Thursday, February 12, 2026:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law School Transcript (official or unofficial); and
• Letter of recommendation (2L only)
• List of References (1L only)

Second-year law students are required to submit one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation is the only document that will be accepted separately. The letter of recommendation can be submitted by the recommender before the application deadline directly to the recruitment office by e-mail (HRemployment@atg.wa.gov). First-year law students must submit a list of at least three professional references with their application materials.

Additional information (e.g., writing sample, additional letters of recommendation) will be accepted, but are not required. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.

A little more about our process:

Please be sure to indicate your division and location preferences on your application as your application materials will be forwarded to the participating divisions for which you indicate an interest. Please refer to our Annual Report for more information on specific divisions. The divisions will determine who to interview and will directly contact students to set up interviews. It is expected that divisions will make their final decisions mid-March. Applications of those not selected for an interview or not selected by a division with whom they have interviewed, will be retained should additional opportunities arise.

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.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that 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 HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. 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.