Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD)

Fall 2026 Internship Opportunity

Application Deadline: July 10, 2026

• Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) offers hands-on experience for current undergraduate, paralegal studies, and graduate students to assist in the client-centered and team-based representation of OPD clients.
• This unparalleled experience allows interns to be fully incorporated into OPD's innovative and strategic approach to aggressive litigation and comprehensive advocacy. 
• The vast majority of interns work in OPD's District offices assisting OPD trial attorneys in the representation of adult and juvenile clients in criminal cases. 

OPD has 12 District offices spread across the State of Maryland. 

If you are interested in trial work, be sure to request placement with one of OPD's District offices (the specific office would depend on your geographical preferences and transportation). 

Some of OPD's more specialized division also provide internship opportunities. These smaller divisions offer a unique opportunity to work closely with a smaller group of attorneys in a more highly specialized area of the law. The following offices host interns (please note the location of these offices in parentheses): 

​Criminal trial (All Locations) 

• Post Conviction Defenders (Baltimore City)
• Parental Defense (Rockville, Upper Marlboro, Baltimore City, Towson, Snow Hill)
• Forensics (Baltimore City)
• Juvenile (All locations)
• Legal Affairs

Note: All internships are in-person positions.

Students must start the internship by September 8, 2026 and work for at least 10 weeks.

Visit this website for more information, including the Fall 2026 Intern Application.

The Maryland Hispanic Bar Association (MHBA) is awarding scholarships to offset the costs of an LSAT preparation course to college students and recent graduates who have demonstrated commitment to the Latinx community.

• Recipients of the scholarship will receive a registration for an LSAT prep course from Kaplan titled "LSAT Prep -- Live Online" and it provides 12 months of unlimited access to expert-led instruction and practice materials valued at $1,299.
• Award recipients will also receive one courtesy ticket entry to the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association's 2026 Gala to network with attorneys and judges in attendance. 

To be eligible applicants must:

• Show that they have earned a Bacherlor’s Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university in Maryland, DC, or Virginia, OR be on track to obtain a Bachelor’s degree by the end of 2026 or 2027 (applicants who have already graduated cannot be more than 5 years out from their graduation date by the application deadline).

• Submit an Unofficial Transcript along with their application.

• Demonstrate involvement and commitment to the Latinx community.

• Be eligible to register and attend the Kaplan LSAT Online Prep Course in 2027.

• Plan to sit for the LSAT exam in 2027.

• Plan to apply to law school for the 2027 or 2028 cohort (spring or fall)

• Demonstrate a financial need.

• Attend the 33rd Annual Maryland Hispanic Bar Association Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026 in Ellicott City, MD

Application materials along with unofficial transcripts must be submitted no later than 11:59PM, July 31, 2026. 

Any questions regarding the scholarship can be directed to MHBAScholarships@gmail.com.

Scholarship finalists will be notified via email to attend an online interview with the Scholarship committed to be held on July 18, 2026. 

Scholarship finalists will be notified no later than September 1, 2026.

Applications are now open, and information on how to apply can be found here.

https://www.marylandhispanicbar.com/scholarship

Reminder: Applications are still open for the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Affiliates Program.

Application Deadline: July 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Affiliates Program

• In honoring UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence, the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program has established an Affiliates Program to support more undergraduate students in pursuing their public service goals.
• The Affiliates Program creates an opportunity for UMBC students who did not apply for or were not selected for the Sondheim Program as prospective freshmen, but whose qualities and goals align with the Sondheim Program. 
• The Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program supports, inspires, and empowers talented undergraduate students as they address society’s most pressing problems. 

Eligibility

For the 2026-2027 academic year, applicants may be:

• Freshmen
• Sophomores
• Juniors
• Transfer students with at least two years remaining at UMBC
• Note: Seniors, graduate students, and current Sondheim Scholars are not eligible to apply
• Applicants must have a 3.0+ GPA.

Application and Selection Process

The application process will include completing an online application form, and submitting a resume and unofficial transcript by email to sondheimscholars@umbc.edu.

• A cohort of up to 10 Sondheim Affiliates will be selected for the upcoming academic year. 
• Affiliates will have access to many of our Sondheim events, resources, and activities.
• After 1 year of active participation in the program, Affiliates will be eligible to apply for an Experiential Learning Award (up to $5,500) and an Academic Enrichment & Professional Development (up to $550) Award.
• The Affiliates Program is open to students who will be incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and transfer students (with at least 2 years of time remaining at UMBC).

Sondheim Program Affiliates Information Sheet

Sondheim Affiliates Application

Questions can be directed to sondheimscholars@umbc.edu. 

This program is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

The Maryland Hispanic Bar Association (MHBA) is awarding scholarships to offset the costs of an LSAT preparation course to college students and recent graduates who have demonstrated commitment to the Latinx community.

• Recipients of the scholarship will receive a registration for an LSAT prep course from Kaplan titled "LSAT Prep -- Live Online" and it provides 12 months of unlimited access to expert-led instruction and practice materials valued at $1,299.
• Award recipients will also receive one courtesy ticket entry to the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association's 2026 Gala to network with attorneys and judges in attendance. 

To be eligible applicants must:

• Show that they have earned a Bacherlor’s Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university in Maryland, DC, or Virginia, OR be on track to obtain a Bachelor’s degree by the end of 2026 or 2027 (applicants who have already graduated cannot be more than 5 years out from their graduation date by the application deadline).

• Submit an Unofficial Transcript along with their application.

• Demonstrate involvement and commitment to the Latinx community.

• Be eligible to register and attend the Kaplan LSAT Online Prep Course in 2027.

• Plan to sit for the LSAT exam in 2027.

• Plan to apply to law school for the 2027 or 2028 cohort (spring or fall)

• Demonstrate a financial need.

• Attend the 33rd Annual Maryland Hispanic Bar Association Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026 in Ellicott City, MD

Application materials along with unofficial transcripts must be submitted no later than 11:59PM, July 31, 2026. 

Any questions regarding the scholarship can be directed to MHBAScholarships@gmail.com.

Scholarship finalists will be notified via email to attend an online interview with the Scholarship committed to be held on July 18, 2026. 

Scholarship finalists will be notified no later than September 1, 2026.

Applications are now open, and information on how to apply can be found here.

https://www.marylandhispanicbar.com/scholarship

The Pre-Law Society is excited to launch the UMBC Pre-Law Review!

The UMBC Pre-Law Review is a student-run academic journal dedicated to producing rigorous, original legal scholarship at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County — giving undergraduate voices a seat at the table of legal discourse. 

Explore original legal scholarship authored and edited by UMBC undergraduates across all areas of law and public policy!

Follow the UMBC Pre-Law Review on Instagram

Questions? Email: umbcprelawreview@umbc.edu

Howard County Law Days of Summer 2026

The event is open to all high school, college, and post-college students interested in law and law-related professions.

Dates: June 25, July 18, and July 28

Time: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM 

Location: Howard County Circuit Courthouse, Ellicott City, MD

• Spend the day at the courthouse and have networking opportunities with legal professionals from organizations such as the Howard County State's Attorney's Office and the Office of the Public Defender. 
• There are three dates this summer - June 25, July 18, and July 28.
• You can attend all, or some, of those days to have the opportunity to watch court cases and meet and learn from judges, lawyers, and other court partners.
• The event is free, with lunch provided.
• Note: You do not have to be from the Howard County area to attend.

Please see the attached flyer has a QR code to register for the event. 

The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) seeks candidates for the Fall 2026 internship program. 

GOCPP is seeking talented students with an interest in criminal justice and public service.

GOCPP is Maryland's one-stop shop for resources to improve public safety.

Main Purpose of Job: Individuals will experience the inner workings of state government from the vantage point of each division within the office. Individuals can expect to assist the office in making data-driven and policy-driven decisions and utilizing evidence-based practices to create a safer Maryland. This program also provides an opportunity to network with professionals throughout state and local government agencies, corrections, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, all of whom will support professional growth and career interests.

Learned outcomes or skills learned throughout this program include developing work habits and attitudes necessary for career success; receiving informal feedback and mentoring from their supervisor; developing communication, interpersonal, and other critical skills necessary for success in the workforce; and building a record of professional work experience in the public sector.

Potential Program Placements: 

·        Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN)

·        Audits

·        Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB)

·        Data and Research

·        Victim Services

·        Grants

A successful candidate will be enrolled in criminal justice, social sciences, research, business, or a related program.

Be a Junior or higher standing (i.e., a minimum of 60 credit hours obtained).

Possess a demonstrated interest in criminal justice-related subjects.

Have a strong desire to engage and learn about the criminal justice system and public safety. Possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.

Additional Program Information: This is an unpaid opportunity; therefore, students must be eligible to receive school credit (or an equivalent) from their university.

Program Dates: September 2nd, 2026 through December 15th, 2026.

Up to 16 hours per week. Most positions are located at 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032, however the CICB position is located at 6776 Reisterstown Rd #206, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Both require at a minimum one in-office day per week, with the Crownsville location having preferred in-office days on Wednesdays, whereas the Baltimore location has a preference for Tuesdays or Thursdays.

For more information, visit this website

Please reach out to melissa.bitting@maryland.gov or dlinfo_goccp@maryland.gov if you have any questions or need assistance.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in environmental justice, policy, and advocacy!

UMBC's Office of Sustainability is looking for undergraduate students who are excited about campus sustainability and want to be a part of our team of peer to peer educators.

Eco-Ambassadors lead unique events and campaigns throughout the academic year to spread awareness on environmental issues, engage the campus community, and drive impactful change in areas like waste, policy, and ecosystem conservation. 

Eco-Ambassadors receive a stipend of $1500 for their efforts, as well as access to professional development opportunities and real world experience in climate action and sustainability. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you or someone you know, review the full job description here and apply with the google form before Sunday, May 3rd.

 Please email us at sustainability@umbc.edu with any questions!

(1) Amica Center for Immigrant Rights: Undergraduate Internship - Development and Communications

Amica Center is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond.

Undergraduate Internship- Development and Communications

Amica Center is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student to support their staff on their Development and Communications Team.

The internship will provide the opportunity to learn and work in a wide range of projects centered on communications, nonprofit development, grants, and database management.

Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If relevant, please discuss in your application how your background motivates your interest in this position or otherwise affects your career goals.

The Summer Internship program asks for a commitment of 15-30 hours a week for at least 10 weeks, starting on or about May 26, 2026.  

Internships are unpaid; however, Amica Center can assist students seeking internship credit or funding.

See Amica Center's LinkedIn post for more information.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, May 1

(2) Global Refuge: Policy and Advocacy Intern

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just their duty-it's an inherent part of their identity, rooted in their Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.  

The Policy and Advocacy Intern will support the Global Refuge Policy and Advocacy Team and assist in the daily activities of Global Refuge's office in Washington, D.C. We're looking for someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills and who's passionate about advancing our organizational mission.

This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity ($18/hour) for students pursuing a relevant undergraduate or advanced degree.

See this website for more information.

You can also see the full internship posting on LinkedIn.  

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Although there is no posted deadline, interested students should apply ASAP.

Reminder: FreeState Justice is hosting a virtual training for UMBC student volunteers on Thursday, April 23 (TODAY) from 12:00–1:00 PM.

This training is in preparation for the Legal Name Change & Gender Designation Clinic hosted by UMBC and FreeState Justice at the Catonsville Library on Monday, April 27.

All UMBC students are welcome to join the training and learn more about the importance of this work and how it supports the community.

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/284082005214544?p=pZGz66rfvmIqg9tvdt
Meeting ID: 284 082 005 214 544
Passcode: LM2pR6PN

The training will be recorded for those unable to attend live.

FreeState Justice is Maryland’s leading legal nonprofit working to improve the lives of Maryland's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.