Criminal Trial Law Clerk/Legal Intern

1-1 yrs required

Part-time

No

Criminal Trial Law Clerk/Legal Intern

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is recruiting dedicated and client-centered law students and recent law school graduates to serve as Law Clerks/Legal Interns. OPD provides superior representation to indigent individuals. Law Clerks/Legal Interns will assist trial attorneys in the representation of adult and youth individuals in criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanor theft to homicide. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Our vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy.

Responsibilities

- Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
- Locate and interview witnesses, interview clients, and take detailed witness statements under Defense Team supervision and/or with Law Clerk/Legal Intern partner accompanying.
- Conduct background checks and legal research.
- Draft legal memos.
- Write reports regarding investigations and tasks in assistance with case development.
- Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies and Requirements

- Demonstrated commitment to zealous indigent defense and client representation.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational and administrative skills to manage and meet deadlines.
- Current Law student preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: .
Experience: One year performing secretarial or clerical work involving typing duties.

Salary

Student Technical Assistant:
Undergrad Students:

Benefits

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

Further Instructions

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment under the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is actively recruiting for Criminal Trial Law Clerks/Legal Interns. This position offers law students and recent law school graduates a unique opportunity to gain experience in client-centered and team-based representation. The Law Clerk/Legal Interns will be assigned to one of the following locations: District III (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, or Talbot Counties), District IV (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s Counties), District VI (Montgomery County) District VII (Anne Arundel County), District IX (Harford County), District X (Carroll or Howard Counties), District XI (Washington County and Frederick Counties) or with our Legislative Affairs team. The position is specially funded and expires June 30, 2024.

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Student Technical Assistants earn per hour and Undergrad Students earn between and per hour.

Core Responsibilities of the position include:

- Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
- Locate and interview witnesses, interview clients, and take detailed witness statements under Defense Team supervision and/or with Law Clerk/Legal Intern partner accompanying.
- Conduct background checks and legal research.
- Draft legal memos.
- Write reports regarding investigations and tasks in assistance with case development.
- Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies and Requirements:

- Demonstrated commitment to zealous indigent defense and client representation.
- Ability to work independently.
-

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees

Legal Research, Writing, Interviewing Witnesses, Conducting Background Checks

Education A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Fill out the Application NOW using the Internet or Apply via Paper Application

Qualification and Experience A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Legal