Law Student - Government in Rockville, MD

Government

Rockville, MD

Law Student - Government in Rockville, MD

Law Student

No

Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
Law clerks serving with the Post Conviction Defender's Division (PCD) will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring fairness in criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system. They will represent indigent inmates at post-conviction proceedings throughout the state. Key responsibilities include:

- Conducting legal research and analysis.
- Performing investigations.
- Writing legal memorandums, post-conviction petitions, and motions for modification.
- Interviewing incarcerated clients both in prison and via video conference.

Education and Experience Information:
Applicants must be current law students or recent law school graduates. Qualified applicants should 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.

The position offers law students a hands-on experience to assist in client-centered and team-based representation. This experience allows law clerks to engage in significant research and writing, witness preparation, investigations, and trial preparation.

Salary Information:
These positions are unpaid volunteer roles. However, where applicable, the organization will support externs seeking credits for their work as well as sponsor grant or other outside funding applications.

Additional Information:
The 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 positions are in-person and require a commitment to work for at least 10 weeks starting no later than September 2, 2025.

Application Process:
Applications are submitted through a centralized process, but final selections are made by the Post Conviction Defender's Division. Interested candidates must complete an application form and email the following materials: 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.

Applicants must be prepared to commit to working consistent days and hours for the duration of the clerkship.