About the Program:
The Rural Public Defense Fellowship (RPDF) is a 10-week summer program for those eligible to practice as Rule 9 interns and interested in gaining experience in public defense. The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) will provide training, support and resources to the entire fellow cohort, who will be placed in local public defense offices in rural and underserved counties across Washington. Fellows will receive mentorship, intensive skill training and financial support through the RPDF. Fellows can expect to gain hands-on public defense experience and plenty of exposure to the courtroom. They should expect to work with clients who face significant challenges and all levels of charges for a rewarding and hands-on experience. This fellowship is designed for those interested in exploring a career in public defense and serving those who need it most in communities severely in need of services.
Selection Process:
We are still accepting applications for our 2027 Summer Cohort. Applications will be reviewed in rounds:
First Round: July 1, 2026 through September 25, 2026
Second Round: September 26, 2026 through November 15, 2026
Third Round: January 1, 2026 through March 1, 2026.
To Apply:
You may submit applications at any time and applications will be distributed into the appropriate application review round. There will be fellowship positions open throughout the entire review process, but placement priority may be given to earlier rounds. To apply:
Please review the complete job description posting.
Fill out the Application cover sheet [PDF]
Email cover letter, resume, and completed cover sheet to: recruit.retain@opd.wa.gov.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Questions? Email Recruit.Retain@opd.wa.gov
Fellowship Program Addresses Public Defender Shortage
Jun 16, 2025
After the unanimous passage of SB 5780 in the 2024 Legislative Session, the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) established a Recruitment and Retention Program. The program addresses the critical shortage of public defense attorneys in rural and underserved parts of the state, which continues to threaten the right to counsel and courts’ ability to function efficiently. As a part of this program, this June OPD officially launched its Rural Public Defense Fellowship (RPDF). Through the RPDF, 12 rising third year law students are interning in 11 rural and underserved jurisdictions across the state. The program was recently featured on Matter of Fact, with Soledad O’Brien.