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:
The **Members Only** Parental Defense Division provides opportunities for law clerks to engage in a variety of responsibilities aimed at supporting the legal representation of parents whose children are taken or are at risk of being taken by the government. The right to counsel begins within 24 hours of the child(ren) being removed. Law clerks are expected to work closely with OPD's attorneys to ensure the best representation possible. This involves client-centered, team-based representation and requires law clerks to zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceedings. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

- Client contact
- Witness preparation
- Conducting investigations
- Trial preparation
- Engaging in significant research and writing
- Collaborating with attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other support staff

Education and Experience Information:
The position is open to current law school students or recent law school graduates. The role offers a hands-on experience for law students to assist in the client-centered and team-based representation of OPD clients. This opportunity is designed to provide comprehensive advocacy experience, integrating law clerks fully into trial teams. Law clerks typically engage in significant research and writing, witness preparation, investigations, and trial preparation.

The position is a volunteer role, and it is unpaid. However, OPD supports externs seeking credits for their work and sponsors grant or other outside funding applications where applicable. 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.

Salary Information:
The law clerk position is an unpaid volunteer role. However, OPD supports externs in seeking class credits for their work and sponsors grant or other outside funding applications where applicable.

Application Process:
Applications for the Fall 2025 Law Clerk position are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates must complete an application form and submit the following materials via email to the designated OPD email address:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. List of four professional references
4. Writing sample no longer than 15 pages
5. Undergraduate transcript

The subject line of the email should indicate "Application for Fall 2025 Law Clerk." 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.

Candidates are required to specify which offices they are interested in for placement. Final placement decisions are made in accordance with the candidate's preferences. Note that only Montgomery County and Baltimore City offices are accessible via public transportation.

Additional Information:
- The position requires a commitment to working consistent days and hours for at least 10 weeks, starting by September 2, 2025.
- It is an in-person position.
- Candidates are asked to indicate whether they will be receiving class credit or financial compensation for the position and provide any supporting documentation if applicable.
- Candidates are also asked to disclose any current or previous applications or positions held with OPD and any communication with OPD supervisors or employees regarding internship possibilities.