VOLUNTEER INTERN DESCRIPTION:  The State of Maryland, Office of the Public Defender has 12 District offices and 7 Divisions throughout the State of Maryland and is seeking college students and recent graduates to work as interns assisting in the defense of criminal cases in the various county Circuit, District and Juvenile Courts.  The OPD is interested in recruiting volunteer interns, interns for school credit or students who have obtained public interest grants.  Interns assist with support staff duties and may also assist with the attorneys' criminal cases, which range in seriousness from misdemeanor theft to homicide.  The OPD accepts volunteer applications for all semesters and for the summer. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Intern responsibilities include:  answering telephones; data entry; conducting intake; filing motions and legal memoranda; participating in case planning and preparation for trial, hearings, and/or sentencing; and witness coordination.  Interns may also assist attorneys at court hearings and trial in their assigned cases.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Persons interested in applying should visit our website at www.opd.state.md.us and complete the Application Form for volunteer college/law students found under the tabs for “Employment”, “Law Clerk & Legal Internship Positions” and “College/Law School Volunteer Application”.  Please fax (410-333-8496) or mail the application, along with a current resume and cover letter to:

Diane Lach, Recruitment Director

State of Maryland, Office of the Public Defender

6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1400

Baltimore, Maryland 21202