Government
Ellicott City, MD
Law Student - Government in Ellicott City, MD
Law Student
No
Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk
Job Responsibilities:
The **Members Only** (OPD) offers law clerk positions in its twelve district offices across the State of Maryland. These positions allow current law students to gain hands-on experience by working closely with attorneys, staff, and other trial team members to provide zealous and comprehensive defense for indigent clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors. Key responsibilities for law clerks include:
- Conducting legal research
- Researching and writing motions and memoranda
- Planning cases
- Conducting investigations
- Coordinating witnesses
- Preparing for and assisting during trials, hearings, and/or sentencings
Education and Experience Information:
The law clerk positions are open to current law students or recent law school graduates. Applicants should be enrolled in a law school and can be in their first (1L), second (2L), or third (3L) year of study. The program is designed to provide law students with practical experience in a public defender setting, integrating them fully into trial teams to support comprehensive client representation.
Salary Information:
These 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.
Additional Information:
The OPD offers these clerkship opportunities during three periods: spring semester (January-May), summer (May-August), and fall semester (September-December). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through a centralized process, with final selections made by the district offices. Candidates are encouraged to specify their preferred district offices, noting that only the Montgomery County and Baltimore City offices are accessible via public transportation.
Candidates interested in the Fall 2025 Law Clerk positions must submit an application by August 1, 2025. Required application materials include a resume, cover letter, list of four professional references, a writing sample (no longer than 15 pages), and an undergraduate transcript. The position requires a commitment to work in-person for at least 10 weeks, starting by September 2, 2025.
The application process involves the following steps:
- Completing an online application form
- Indicating whether they will receive class credit or financial compensation for the position
- Specifying availability for consistent days and hours during the clerkship
- Providing information on any current or previous applications or positions held with the OPD
Law clerks are expected to support OPD's mission of tenacious advocacy and zealous client representation, committing to consistent work schedules throughout their tenure.
Jun 11, 2025
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