Law Student - Government in Silver Spring, MD

Government

Silver Spring, MD

Law Student - Government in Silver Spring, MD

Law Student

No

Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
The **Members Only** offers law clerk positions within its Parental Defense Division. Law clerks will assist OPD attorneys in providing client-centered, team-based representation to parents whose children are taken or at risk of being taken by the government. The right to counsel begins within 24 hours of the child's removal, and law clerks will play a crucial role in ensuring the best representation possible. Responsibilities include:

- Client contact: Engaging with clients to gather information and provide updates on their cases.
- Witness preparation: Assisting in the preparation of witnesses for court proceedings.
- Investigations: Conducting investigations to support the defense case.
- Trial preparation: Assisting in the preparation of cases for trial.
- Research and writing: Conducting legal research and drafting documents to support the defense strategy.

Law clerks will be fully integrated into trial teams, working closely with attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other support staff.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must be current law students or recent law school graduates. The position is open to students from various law schools, and candidates will need to specify their law school name in the application process. Law clerks join OPD during the summer, spring, and fall semesters, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The position is unpaid, but OPD will support externs seeking credits for their work and sponsor grant or other outside funding applications. Law clerks must be able to commit to working consistent days and hours for at least 10 weeks, starting by September 2, 2025.

Salary Information:
The law clerk positions are unpaid volunteer roles. However, OPD supports externs seeking academic credits for their work and sponsors grant or other outside funding applications where applicable.

Application Process:
Candidates interested in the Fall 2025 Law Clerk position must complete an application form and submit the following materials via email:

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

Applications must be emailed within a couple of days of submitting the form and no later than August 1, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position requires in-person attendance, and candidates must indicate their availability and whether they will receive class credit or financial compensation for the position.