Public Defender Investigative Intern
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
Summer Internship Deadline: May 1, 2025
Fall Internship Deadline: July 1, 2025
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking detail-oriented applicants with demonstrable acumen for building rapport and engendering trust, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills, to serve as Investigative Interns in our Prince George’s County, Maryland office during the Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters.
The Public Defender Investigative Intern is the in-training level of work conducting investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Investigations are conducted to develop, gather, or verify information that serves to inform defense counsel’s decision-making. The Investigative Intern interviews defendants, witnesses, and complainants to develop leads and gather information and evidence for the defense’s case. Investigative findings are documented in written reports that are submitted to counsel. There will be frequent contacts with all parties to alleged criminal offenses to obtain and verify information for use by counsel. Appearance in court as a witness may also be required. Additional responsibilities can include conducting background checks on relevant parties, social media and other electronic research, reviewing discovery materials to develop new leads, and serving subpoenas.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Public Defender Investigative Intern conducts investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct by persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Such investigations may involve tasks including, but not limited to, the following:
- Planning investigations based on available information gleaned from various sources, including defendants’ accounts of events, defense theories provided by counsel, and statements of charges submitted by law enforcement
- Interviewing defendants, witnesses, and victims, both via phone and in-person at various locations including crime scenes, detention centers, private residences, and places of employment
- Conducting investigative research via social media, public records databases, and various other electronic and documentary sources
- Documenting investigative findings via written reports and, when required, verbally briefing counsel on investigative progress
- Providing sworn testimony as a fact witness in criminal court proceedings
- Service of subpoenas
Travel to locate and interview relevant parties is required. Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.
All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multi-task, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current student in good academic standing with an accredited university
- Possess strong communication, organizational, and time-management, skills
- Possess or have uninterrupted access to a reliable motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Maryland
- Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check
Desired Qualifications
The following qualifications, while not required, are preferred:
- Ability to speak and understand Spanish with fluent and/or native-level proficiency
- Possess demonstrable skills in building rapport and engendering trust with others
- Possess experience working or volunteering in the criminal justice system
- Possess knowledge of court processes and procedures, particularly pertaining to criminal trials
- Currently enrolled in a program of study and/or major focusing on criminal justice, psychology, or law
How to Apply
MOPD is currently seeking applicants for the Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters. Candidates interested in serving during the summer semester must apply by no later than 11:59PM EST on May 1, 2025.
Candidates interested in serving during the fall semester must apply by no later than 11:59PM EST on July 1, 2025.
All candidates must submit a formal resume. Cover letters are not required but will be considered if included. All submissions should be sent to Investigator Dan Lattimore via email at daniel.lattimore@maryland.gov.
If selected, candidates will be subject to an interview and writing sample prior to a final determination. Candidates who are chosen to serve in the Investigative Intern role will be subject to a criminal background check. Failure to successfully pass a background check will result in the candidate’s offer being rescinded.