Law Student - Government in Upper Marlboro, MD

Government

Upper Marlboro, MD

Law Student - Government in Upper Marlboro, MD

Law Student

No

Job Title: Fall 2025 Law Clerk

Job Responsibilities:
The Fall 2025 Law Clerk position at the organization offers law students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, client-centered, and team-based representation. The position is within the Parental Defense Division of the **Members Only** (OPD), which represents parents whose children are taken or at risk of being taken by the government. The right to counsel begins within 24 hours of the children being removed.

Law clerks will work closely with OPD attorneys to provide comprehensive advocacy. They are expected to zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceedings. Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Client contact
- Witness preparation
- Investigations
- Trial preparation
- Engaging in significant research and writing

Law clerks are fully integrated into trial teams and collaborate with attorneys, investigators, paralegals, social workers, and other support staff to ensure clients receive the best representation possible.

Education and Experience Information:
The position is open to current law school students or recent law school graduates. Law clerks join OPD three times a year: summer, spring, and fall. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and candidates can indicate their office preferences for placement. The clerks typically work for at least 10 weeks, starting by September 2, 2025.

This opportunity is ideal for students who are:
- 1L, 2L, or 3L law students
- Interested in gaining class credit or financial compensation (though the position itself is unpaid)

Salary Information:
These are unpaid volunteer positions. However, OPD supports externs seeking credits for their work and can sponsor grant or other outside funding applications.

Application Process:
Interested candidates must complete an application process, submitting the following materials via email:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- List of four professional references
- A writing sample no longer than 15 pages
- An 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.

Candidates must commit to working consistent days and hours throughout the duration of their clerkship. The position is in-person, and candidates should note that only the Montgomery County and Baltimore City offices are accessible via public transportation.