Law Student - Government in Upper Marlboro, MD

Government

Upper Marlboro, MD

Law Student - Government in Upper Marlboro, MD

Law Student

No

Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
The **Members Only** (OPD) is seeking law students for the position of Law Clerk in the Immigration Services Division. The division focuses on criminal and immigration law, providing training, case consultations, and direct advocacy for noncitizen clients during all stages of the criminal legal process, as well as in Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and juvenile delinquency proceedings. The mission is to ensure noncitizen clients understand the potential immigration consequences of their cases and work with counsel to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Responsibilities for Immigration Law Clerks include:
- Researching and drafting case consultation memos.
- Developing training materials and resources on immigration topics for Assistant Public Defenders.
- Interviewing clients and reviewing their documents to assess immigration status and history.
- Following up with former clients and their family members to track immigration outcomes.

Law clerks are fully integrated into trial teams and work closely with attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other support staff to ensure comprehensive advocacy and the best representation for clients. The role involves significant research and writing, witness preparation, investigations, and trial preparation.

Education and Experience Information:
Applicants must be current law students or recent law school graduates. The position offers a hands-on experience for law students to assist in client-centered and team-based representation. Law clerks are expected to work for at least 10 weeks, starting by September 2, 2025.

These positions are unpaid and volunteer-based. However, OPD supports externs seeking academic credits for their work and sponsors grant or other outside funding applications when applicable. Law clerks have the option to work partially remotely but will be based in the Rockville or Upper Marlboro offices. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Salary Information:
These are unpaid volunteer positions. Where applicable, OPD will support students who have obtained public interest grants or seek academic credit. There is no direct financial compensation provided by OPD for these roles.

Application Process:
Applications are submitted through a centralized process, with final selections made by the Immigration Division. Only the Montgomery County and Baltimore City offices are accessible via public transportation. Applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with a resume, cover letter, list of four professional references, a writing sample no longer than 15 pages, and an undergraduate transcript. Application materials must be emailed within a couple of days of submitting the form but no later than August 1, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Law clerks are expected to commit to working consistent days and hours for the duration of their clerkship, supporting the organization's mission of tenacious advocacy and zealous representation.