Description:

Job Information:
Non-exempt; part-time; Monday - Friday; varied hours.; no-benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.

This part-time professional position is intended for law students and recent graduates during the Fall (late August–December), Spring (January–May), or Summer (June–early August) terms. The Law Clerk supports attorneys in the State's Attorney's Office by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and performing other essential tasks that advance the office's prosecutorial work. The clerk will gain practical experience in complex criminal litigation, evidentiary analysis, and trial preparation. Supervision is provided by the Chief Counsel.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive legal research on criminal law matters, including complex evidentiary issues, admissibility of "other acts" evidence, and relevant Maryland case law
  • Draft legal documents, including motions in limine, trial briefs, and legal memoranda for trial attorneys and the Chief Counsel
  • Assist in the ethical application and research of legal technologies, strictly adhering to the office's AI and data security policies
  • Support attorneys in trial preparation, including reviewing discovery, organizing exhibits, and drafting oral argument outlines
  • Observe court proceedings, including hearings, motions, and trials, to gain practical courtroom experience
  • Provide general legal and administrative support to the prosecution team as directed
  • Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications and Requirements:
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Successful completion of at least three (3) semesters of law school at an accredited institution

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
  • Knowledge of legal research methodology and standard legal citation formats
  • Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and the Maryland Rules of Evidence
  • Knowledge of confidentiality standards applicable to legal, criminal justice, and sensitive personnel information
  • Knowledge of legal principles and procedures
  • Skilled in drafting, preparing, and reviewing legal documents such as motions and memoranda
  • Skilled in written and oral communication
  • Ability to conduct legal research and organize work
  • Ability to communicate effectively, written and verbal
  • Ability to prepare and review legal documentation accurately and efficiently
  • Ability to use discretion in dealing with highly sensitive information and confidential matters
  • Ability to interpret and apply office policies, court procedures, and legal practices to daily work

Preference May Be Given For:
Experience in Legal Research And/or Legal Writing

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
  • While Working in This Position, the Employee Is Required to Constantly Sit and Occasionally Walk
  • While Working in This Position, the Employee Is Required to Constantly Work Indoors

Additional Information / Examination Process
  • Available to Work Varied Working Hours for Special Activities, Meetings, Programs, Etc.
  • This Position Is Subject to Random Drug Testing, to Include Testing for Marijuana

Kind of Examination (may Include):
  • An Evaluation of Training and Experience
  • One or More Interviews
  • Pre-Employment Drug Test, to Include Testing for Marijuana
  • Pre-Employment Background Investigation Conducted by The State's Attorney's Office

Frederick County Government Is Committed to Providing an Inclusive Work Environment and Complies with All Applicable Laws and Regulations Regarding Workplace Accommodation, Including for Individuals with Disabilities. Applicants Who Require Reasonable Accommodation During the Application and Hiring Process May Contact the Talent Acquisition Section of Human Resources. Inquiries About Accommodations Can Be Sent to Recruitment@frederick County Md.Gov