Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Job Summary:

Law Clerks, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities of providing civil legal services to those most in need; learn about basic policies and procedures of legal practice, office administration, and non-profit management; learn how to complete administrative forms, organize and provide supporting documentation; practice and apply basic interviewing techniques to conduct client intakes, including methods to develop trust with clients, ensure complete disclosure, and identify sensitive issues; tracks policy changes; conducts legal research; files and mails relevant documents; assists with special research or other projects; and other tasks as assigned.

This clerkship provides professional development opportunities, including training in civil law and cultural competency, networking opportunities with community partners in the local area, and more.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled law school student.
• Prior experience and/or interest in working with low-income populations.
• Prior experience and/or interest in law or providing non-profit civil legal services.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• An interest in dispute resolution and legal advocacy.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment with a diverse client base.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications.
• Ability to work within an office environment and regularly interact via in-person, telephone, videoconference, IM, and email.

Duration:

Summer Law Clerks will begin on May 18, 2026, and conclude on July 24, 2026. Maximum of 35 hours per week for the ten weeks duration.

Compensation:

$17- $19 per hour. Applicants may receive credit for service completed through their school program.

Application Requirements:

Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.

• 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.

Maryland Legal Aid 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.

Anyone interested in applying must send an updated resume and cover letter via online application.