Law Clerk - Summer Law Clerk Program

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) expands access to justice by providing free, compassionate, innovative, and high-quality legal services. Through comprehensive legal advice, education, and collaboration with community partners, we empower all people, regardless of means or background, to navigate the civil legal system with confidence. 

MCLA, through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary, operates Court Help Centers throughout Maryland to provide legal advice to civil litigants in person and via phone, chat, email, and videoconference. The Help Centers deal with a wide range of civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant, consumer matters such as debt collection and credit card cases, child support, and criminal record expungements to remove barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and child custody. 

Summer Law Clerk Program

The Summer Law Clerk Program is a full-time opportunity for college and law students to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities involved in providing civil legal services to individuals and communities most in need. Responsibilities may include:

• Learning the fundamental policies and procedures of legal practice, office administration, and nonprofit management;
• Completing administrative forms and organizing supporting documentation;
• Conducting client intake interviews using techniques that build trust, encourage complete disclosure, and help identify sensitive issues;
• Monitoring relevant policy changes;
• Conducting legal research;
• Preparing, filing, and mailing legal and administrative documents;
• Assisting with special research and other projects; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Professional Development

The program offers professional development opportunities, including training in civil law and cultural competency, as well as opportunities to network with community partners and legal professionals in the local area.

• Currently enrolled law student; 
• Experience working with, or a demonstrated interest in serving, low-income populations;
• Experience with, or an interest in, law, legal advocacy, or nonprofit civil legal services;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Interest in dispute resolution and legal advocacy;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment serving a diverse client population;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as web-based applications; and
• Ability to work in an office environment and communicate regularly through in-person meetings, telephone calls, videoconferences, instant messaging, and email.

Duration:  

The program begins May 17, 2027, and concludes on 7/23/2027. Maximum of 35 hours per week for ten weeks during the summer.

Compensation:  

1L/1E - $21

2L/2E - $22

3L/3E/4E- $23

Applicants may receive credit for service completed through their school program.

Application Requirements:

• Please submit a resume, academic transcripts, legal writing sample, and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. 
• References will be required at the time of the final interview. 
• No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.