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.