Government
Chestertown, MD
Law Student - Government in Chestertown, MD
Law Student
No
Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk
Job Responsibilities:
The **Members Only** (OPD) is seeking law clerks for its Juvenile Protection Division. Law clerks will engage in a variety of tasks aimed at advocating for youth within the justice system. Responsibilities include:
- Observing Juvenile Court proceedings to gain insight into the judicial process.
- Drafting modification motions to support case development and client advocacy.
- Locating and interviewing witnesses to gather information and evidence for cases.
- Visiting clients in detention and placements to ensure their rights and needs are addressed.
- Drafting letters and memos for effective communication and legal documentation.
- Assisting with case development both in and out of the courtroom to support the defense strategy.
- Conducting research on legal issues pertinent to juvenile justice and defense.
Law clerks are expected to work zealously for their clients, with guidance and supervision provided by assigned staff attorneys. They will also receive training on child development, best practices, and juvenile reform efforts from across the country. This role is designed to help law clerks gain substantive skills, produce written work, and gain real case experience necessary for future employment as a criminal defense attorney.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must be current law students or recent law school graduates. Preferences are given to applicants who have experience working with juveniles and have completed coursework in Criminal Procedure. Candidates should possess strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment, and a strong work ethic.
Application Process:
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for spring, summer, and fall clerkships.
- Applicants must submit 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 application form, but no later than August 1, 2025.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- This is an in-person position, and all students must start the clerkship by September 2, 2025, for at least 10 weeks.
Salary Information:
These are unpaid volunteer positions. However, OPD supports externs seeking academic credits for their work and sponsors grant or other outside funding applications where applicable.
Additional Information:
- 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 representation of clients.
- The position offers a hands-on experience, allowing law clerks to engage in significant research and writing, witness preparation, investigations, and trial preparation.
- OPD has offices throughout the State of Maryland, with specific placement preferences considered during the application process. Only the Montgomery County and Baltimore City offices are accessible via public transportation.
- Applications are submitted through a centralized process, and final selections are made by the District Offices based on the candidate's preferences.
By joining OPD, law clerks become an important member of the defense team, contributing to the organization's mission of client-centered and team-based representation.
Jun 11, 2025
|
Tell us where to send your access instructions: