Law Student - Government in Oakland, MD

Government

Oakland, MD

Law Student - Government in Oakland, MD

Law Student

No

Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
Law clerks serving with the Post Conviction Defender's Division (PCD) will have several key responsibilities aimed at ensuring fairness in criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system. Their duties include:

- Conducting legal research and analysis pertinent to post-conviction proceedings.
- Engaging in investigations to gather relevant information for cases.
- Writing legal memorandums, post-conviction petitions, and motions for modification.
- Interviewing incarcerated clients both in prison and via video conference to gather information and provide legal assistance.

Education and Experience Information:
The law clerk positions are designed for current law students or recent law school graduates. Qualified applicants must demonstrate:

- A commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- The ability to work independently.

These positions provide an unparalleled experience for law students, allowing them to assist in the client-centered and team-based representation of clients. Law clerks are fully integrated into trial teams and collaborate closely with attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other support staff. This role typically involves significant research and writing, witness preparation, investigations, and trial preparation.

Salary Information:
These law clerk positions are unpaid volunteer roles. However, the organization supports externs seeking academic credits for their work and can sponsor grant or other outside funding applications where applicable.

Application Process:
Applications for the Fall 2025 Law Clerk position are submitted through a centralized process, although final selections are made by the Post Conviction Defender's Division. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the final deadline being August 1, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interested applicants must complete an application form and email the following materials no later than the specified deadline:

1. A resume
2. A cover letter
3. A list of four professional references
4. A writing sample no longer than 15 pages
5. An undergraduate transcript

The subject line of the email should indicate "Application for Fall 2025 Law Clerk." This is an in-person position, and all students must start the clerkship by September 2, 2025, committing to work for at least 10 weeks.

Additional Information:
Law clerk opportunities are available during the spring semester (January-May), fall semester (September-December), and summer (May-August). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The organization provides a hands-on experience, allowing law clerks to assist in providing comprehensive advocacy. They are expected to work consistent days and hours for the duration of their clerkship to support the mission of tenacious advocacy and zealous representation of clients.