FREDERICK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE INTERN AND CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
The Intern Clerkship Program provides college and law school students with invaluable legal experience in Frederick County. This program has been implemented to allow a student in the Criminal Justice field to observe and participate in all facets of a Criminal Investigation and due process through the Criminal Court System. It is the intention of the State’s Attorney’s Office and the prosecutor assigned to the intern to offer the intern a hands-on experience which will enhance their traditional course of study at their university.
We offer many rewarding and exciting opportunities litigating the following types of cases including:
The Intern and Clerkship Program is designed for students only. Internships and Clerkships are offered in the summer and during the academic year. We accept applications year-round and interview candidates on a rolling basis. Undergraduate students with relevant experience or education are welcome to apply.
All undergraduate and law student internships are unpaid. Interns have the unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience in the preparation of the prosecution of criminal cases in either our District Court, Circuit Court, or Juvenile Division. The intern will be assigned to a full time Assistant State’s Attorney and/or Division Chief who will supervise the intern. Although the intern will generally be assigned to a primary prosecutor, from time to time he or she will be assigned to others within the State’s Attorney’s Office to include other prosecutors, investigators, and victim/witness coordinators. The Internship Coordinator will complete a work performance evaluation at the conclusion of the program. A copy of that evaluation will be provided to the student’s university’s practicum coordinator when applicable.
All Divisions of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office are located in the Frederick County Courthouse, 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.
For any questions please contact Chief Counsel, Joyce King at jking1@statesattorney.us.
Undergrad College Internship
Undergraduate Internships:
The Undergraduate Internship Program is designed to give undergraduate students exposure to the prosecutor’s role in the criminal justice system and for the Office to scout perspective employees. At the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, interns are an integral part of our workforce. Students gain exposure to criminal case prosecution and are given responsibility, meaningful work, and a chance to leave their mark.
The internship program also affords students the opportunity to get “real world” experience in their area of study, possibly for college credit. The program is intended to provide knowledge, skills, and experiences that an intern can apply to future challenges and professional pursuits, while giving back to the Frederick community.
Most students are assigned to one unit for the duration of the internship as determined by the current needs of the Office. Occasionally these needs may require a student to split time between units. Each student will have unique experiences and duties based upon unit assignment. Some students will closely assist paralegals and/or Assistant State’s Attorneys, while others will work more independently fulfilling unit tasks. Regardless of unit placement, all students will be given the opportunity to observe the various aspects of criminal case prosecution. To further enhance the experience, State’s Attorney’s Office personnel will lead breakout sessions highlighting units and office initiatives during each semester.
Students are required to give the office a minimum of 15 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters. If a student is performing the internship for academic credit, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate the institutional requirements to the Office. All undergraduate internship positions are unpaid.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Depending on the assignment, students may assist in investigations, hearings and trials; prepare, compile and analyze legal and non-legal documents and financial data; perform research, observe witness interviews, participate in community outreach programs and attend trials.
As a Victim/Witness Coordinator, the undergraduate college student acts as a liaison between victims and State’s witnesses, and the prosecuting attorney. The intern is assigned a particular day in court, and each week is responsible for pulling the files in preparation for that court day. The intern also contacts the State’s victims and witnesses regarding their court appearance and answers any questions they may have.
Interns also play a critical role in preparing (screening) and assisting Assistant State’s Attorneys in the District Court with misdemeanor criminal cases. The intern is a bridge between the citizens and the legal system, to educate the community to better understand the workings of the criminal justice system, and assist citizens to more effectively utilize the legal system to achieve justice.
Other tasks include:
Law School Student Internship
The Intern Clerkship Program provides college and law school students with invaluable legal experience in Frederick County. This program has been implemented to allow a student in the Criminal Justice field to observe and participate in all facets of a Criminal Investigation and due process through the Criminal Court System. It is the intention of the State’s Attorney’s Office and the prosecutor assigned to the intern to offer the intern a hands-on experience which will enhance their traditional course of study at their university.
We offer many rewarding and exciting opportunities litigating the following types of cases:
The Intern and Clerkship Program is designed for students only. Internships and Clerkships are offered in the summer and during the academic year. We accept applications year-round and interview candidates on a rolling basis. Undergraduate students with relevant experience or education are welcome to apply.
Each Division has a limited number of placements for non-salaried interns. Interns have the unique opportunity to receive two hands-on experiences in the preparation of the prosecution of criminal cases in either our District Court Division or our Circuit Court Division. The intern will be assigned to a full time Assistant District Attorney and/or Division Chief who will supervise the intern. Although the intern will generally be assigned to a primary prosecutor, from time to time he or she will be assigned to others within the State’s Attorney’s Office to include other prosecutors, detectives, and for at least one day, personnel from the victim/witness advocacy unit. The primary prosecutor will complete a work performance evaluation at the conclusion of the program. A copy of that evaluation will be provided to the student’s university’s practicum coordinator.
Rule 19 Program
The program is an invaluable opportunity for law school students. The program is meant to be informative and helpful to students considering a career in criminal prosecution or law.
Application Process
Spring Semester (January – May): Resume deadline is November 1 and the internship begins in January.
Summer Intern Program (June – August): Resume deadline is April 1 and the internship begins in June.
Fall Semester (September – December): Resume deadline is August 1 and the internship begins in September.
Interviews will be scheduled a week after the deadline date. Students are encouraged to submit applications well before the deadline.
Students invited to interview will be required to provide a written personal statement explaining your interest in public service and a letter of recommendation from professional or academic references.
Qualifications
Undergrads must be enrolled in classes at his/her college or university during the semester programs. Summer undergrad interns must be returning to school in the fall.
Law students must have attended at least one year of law school and be presently enrolled in law school.
Rule 19 applicants must be enrolled in a criminal clinical program at his/her accredited law school and meet the requirements of Maryland Rule 19-217*.
A complete application consists of the following items:
Accepted applicants will be subject to a criminal record check
To apply please complete the following form and attach a cover letter and resume below
All Job Opportunities are posted on the Frederick County, MD official website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/frederickmd
All Divisions of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office are located in the Frederick County Courthouse, 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.
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