Chambers Counsel, Appellate Court of MarylandMaryland State Judiciary

**NOTE:

Judge Leahy's chambers is in the Circuit Court for Howard County in Ellicott City, Maryland. Garage parking is available and is free. Chambers Counsel is expected to work in chambers with occasional travel to Annapolis. Estimated to start in early summer 2026.

All applicants must complete an online application through www.mdcourts.gov/careers to be considered for this vacancy. After completing the online application, please send the following requested documents via email to min.ki.kwon@mdcourts.gov: 

Cover Letter

Resume

Law school transcript 

2 writing samples

A list of at least 3 references or three letters of recommendation

Purpose of Role: The Chambers Counsel will join a chambers team that consists of Judge Leahy and two Term Law Clerks. The Chambers Counsel conducts extensive research and analysis of both state and federal law to resolve complex and novel legal issues, apply the pertinent laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative opinions, and present oral recommendations and draft written opinions to the Judge. Chambers Counsel handles administrative duties in chambers and assists, assigns work to, and trains term Law Clerks, and supervises interns.

Essential Functions: 

Draft appellate opinions and legal memoranda touching virtually every aspect of criminal and civil law in Maryland. 

Conduct extensive research and analysis of both state and federal law to resolve complex and novel legal issues, apply the pertinent laws, regulations, and judicial decisions. 

Manage term law clerks and interns and ensure chambers operations are efficient and smooth.

Manage administrative operations for chambers, including but not limited to communicating with the Clerk's Office as needed, answering the telephone, and maintaining and organizing records. 

Education: Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.

Experience: Two years of legal experience and excellent analytical, writing, and organizational skills.

Preferred: Member of the Maryland Bar in good standing.  Prior litigation or appellate experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of laws, rules, court procedures, and process. Knowledge of general office work such as filing and recording information. Knowledge of computer software. Ability to perform legal research including on Westlaw. Ability to read and understand law-related materials. Ability to compose orders, memoranda, and draft opinions. Ability to brief the Judge on legal issues both orally and through written memoranda. Ability to apply policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and laws as required. Excellent analytical, writing, and organizational skills are required. Chambers Counsel must work well both independently and in collaboration with others, and have the ability to perform all essential functions of this position.

Selection Process:

Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work.  

Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted. Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

While Judge Leahy does not require journal experience, candidates must have well-developed legal research and writing skills. Therefore, all clerkship interviews include a thirty-minute writing exercise in chambers. 

For further information please contact Talent Acquisition at aocta@mdcourts.gov.

The Maryland Judiciary is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation during the application and/or interview process should send their request via email to ADA@mdcourts.gov or call 410-260-1732. The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be United States citizens oreligible to work in the United States. 

Please find the Maryland Judiciary's equal employment opportunity policy here: Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation