FALL 2025 INTERNS: STATEWIDE
(Positions throughout the State of Maryland)
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered undergraduate and graduate students to serve as interns. OPD provides superior representation to indigent defendants throughout the State of Maryland. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender maintains twelve District offices throughout the State of Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders in all of those District offices represent adult and juvenile indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor matters in Circuit and District Courts. OPD also has several statewide divisions that engage in direct representation, including the: Appellate, Post Conviction, and Parental Defense Divisions. Further, OPD maintains several statewide litigation support divisions including the: Forensics, Mental Health, Aggravated Homicide, and Juvenile Protection Divisions. Please visit our website (www.opd.state.md.us) for more information regarding our District offices and statewide Divisions.
OPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remaining united as a team in achieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
Interns are incorporated into OPD’s team-based representation model and assist our attorneys and staff in client-centered tenacious advocacy. Each of OPD’s twelve District offices as well as our seven statewide Divisions maintain intern programs that provide meaningful and exciting opportunities for students committed to zealous public defense.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assisting with investigations for ongoing criminal cases;
- Preparation for trial, motions, and/or sentencing hearings;
- Conducting witness interviews and aiding with witness coordination for trials and hearings;
- Reviewing electronic, physical and forensic evidence;
- Assisting and observing criminal court proceedings; and
- Providing administrative and clerical assistance as needs arise.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills.
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the online application and please submit the following items in one PDF attachment to opd.volunteer@maryland.gov: (1) a current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) writing sample, and (5) undergraduate transcript. In the email’s subject line, please indicate “Application for Fall 2025 Internship.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cover letters should be addressed to:
Dawn Kouneski, Director of Human Resources
6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1302
Baltimore, MD 21202