13 Prestigious Law Internships for High School Students
For high school students interested in law, policy, or social justice, internships offer an opportunity to explore the legal system in depth. These experiences let you observe legal work, from courtroom procedures and legal research to public policy and advocacy. Interning in law provides firsthand exposure to legal professionals, helping you develop critical thinking and communication skills that are vital in any legal career.
Why Should I Participate in a Law Internship?
Law internships are valuable because they provide early exposure to a highly specialized and competitive field. Many programs are selective and structured, pairing you with attorneys, judges, or legal scholars who offer mentorship and insight into the profession. Whether you’re assisting with case research, sitting in on trials, or working with advocacy organizations, these internships give you a meaningful look into the many paths within the legal field.
In this list, we’ve highlighted 13 prestigious law internships for high school students. Each program offers a unique way to engage with law, whether through placements in courts, law firms, or government offices.
1. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; ~35–50 students selected annually
Location: NYC Bar Association & various NYC Law Firms
Stipend: $16 – $22/hour
Dates: Pre-employment training (March – May) | Full-time Internship (July – August)
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: New York City public high school students 16 years or older
Hosted by the New York City Bar Association, this program connects high school students with established law firms and legal departments across New York. Interns assist with daily operations, legal documentation, and professional workshops. Students can gain early exposure to the professional standards and communication skills required in the legal field. The program also includes networking opportunities with attorneys and judges, offering a realistic look at different legal careers. It’s among the most prestigious law internships for high school students in the U.S.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Judicial Youth Corps Program (JYC)
Acceptance rate: Selective; small cohorts per city
Location: Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts (Boston, Springfield, Worcester)
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: Boston: July 1 – August 15 | Springfield: June 30 – August 8 | Worcester: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling (Boston) | April 10 – 11 (Springfield & Worcester)
Eligibility: Students attending high school in and residing in the participating city
This paid internship offers students the opportunity to work in courthouses across Massachusetts, where they can observe court proceedings, engage with judges, and deliberate on constitutional matters. Interns take part in simulated trials and civic engagement initiatives under the guidance of legal mentors. Students develop an understanding of how justice operates at the state level and the framework behind court decisions. Educational workshops and field trips supplement court placements, giving you exposure to public service and law.
4. Law Links Internship
Acceptance rate: Selective; approximately 20–25 students accepted
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and Baltimore law firms
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors attending Baltimore City Public Schools and living in Baltimore
Law Links places Baltimore high school students in local law firms for a structured, seven-week internship. You will learn how professional offices operate while taking part in the Law & Leadership Institute, an educational series on legal ethics and communication. The combination of paid work, mentorship, and formal legal instruction will help you build both confidence and clarity about your future paths. The program also provides students with business attire and workplace-readiness resources, reflecting its commitment to professional development.
5. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Location: Law firms and legal organizations in Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by placement)
Dates: May 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Atlanta-area high school juniors and seniors
The Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program allows high school students to assist legal professionals across Atlanta. Tasks range from research and document preparation to case organization and client interaction. You gain early insight into professional expectations and the structure of legal careers. The program also hosts development workshops and networking sessions that connect you with attorneys and judges. Its strong alumni network and selective process make it one of the most prestigious law internships for high school students in the Southeast.
6. California Innocence Advocates High School Internship
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; small student cohort each summer
Location: California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: At least 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in California with a demonstrated interest in criminal justice
The Cal-IA program introduces you to the appeals process and the role of forensic review. Interns may conduct legal research, review documents, handle administrative tasks, and assist with investigations. You may work with legal staff who investigate claims of wrongful conviction and analyze trial records. The internship is unpaid and lasts a minimum of 10 weeks. Cal-IA's internship program enables you to earn academic credit for unpaid work under the direct supervision of an attorney. They also host public-interest students who may receive funding from their law school or from outside funders.
7. District Attorney’s High School Internship Program – New York County (Manhattan DA)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; approximately 50 students accepted annually
Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid (rate varies by city guidelines)
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: Applications open January 26
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors in Manhattan
HSIP is a rigorous five-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system. This competitive program places high school students within the Manhattan DA’s Office, where they learn about the justice system from prosecutors and investigators. Interns attend workshops on case development, ethics, and public policy while shadowing staff in different departments. Students gain an early appreciation for how prosecution and defense balance fairness within the justice process. The internship’s structured learning model and direct exposure to one of the busiest DA offices in the U.S. make it one of the most prestigious law internships for high school students in the country.
8. Senate Page Program
Acceptance rate: Selective; fewer than 100 pages per term
Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid ($37,238 annualized salary); $1,200 monthly for residence
Dates: Session dates vary by term (Spring, Summer I, Summer II, Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by Senator’s office
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, >3.0 GPA, 16–17 years old high school juniors or rising seniors, and meet all health and insurance requirements
This historic program places high school students at the center of federal government operations. As a Senate Page, you’ll assist senators during sessions, deliver official documents, and observe legislative proceedings. Students experience the pace and professionalism of national policymaking firsthand within the U.S. Senate. The role demands discipline, responsibility, and academic commitment, with structured classes in addition to work duties. It’s among the most prestigious and career-shaping government internships available to students.
9. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Memphis, TN (law firms, corporate legal offices, and agencies)
Stipend: $500 stipend
Dates: June 2 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Minority rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Shelby County, TN
This four-week paid internship gives high school students from underrepresented backgrounds a chance to explore legal careers in professional settings. Interns support lawyers with research, case preparation, and administrative tasks. You will receive professional exposure while contributing to important legal work that can benefit the community. The program highlights mentorship, academic success, and community service, helping participants recognize law as both a career and a means to create civic change.
10. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Various law firms and legal offices in Dallas, TX
Stipend: $10+/hour
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – July 3 | Session 2: July 6 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Current high school juniors in Dallas ISD with an academic average of 85 or above
This paid internship places high school students in law firms, nonprofits, and corporate legal departments across Dallas. You will handle daily office tasks, including document preparation, scheduling, and case organization, while observing how legal teams collaborate. The program begins with a workplace readiness orientation and continues with weekly professional development events hosted by the Dallas Bar Association. You gain exposure to legal workflows while building communication, organization, and professional confidence. Because of its selective admissions process and structured mentorship, this program stands out as an early introduction to the legal profession.
11. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Law firms, government law offices, and corporate legal departments in Nashville, TN
Stipend: $10–$15/hour (some placements may be unpaid)
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising seniors or current seniors enrolled in Metro Nashville public schools
This program is a full-time paid seven-week internship with a legal employer placement in legal offices across Nashville, including law firms and government agencies. You will assist attorneys and staff with administrative support, research tasks, and case preparation as needed. Weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions introduce students to legal ethics, academic pathways, and professional expectations. The program emphasizes meaningful mentorship, helping students understand career paths in the legal field.
12. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internship Program
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Nationwide; placements vary by department
Stipend: Paid and unpaid positions available
Dates: Rolling, depending on the hiring office
Application Deadline: Listed throughout the year on USAJOBS.gov
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a high school or degree-granting program
This program offers you the opportunity to work in legal and administrative roles alongside federal professionals. Interns may assist with research, document review, and organizational tasks depending on departmental placement. The program includes mentorship from DOJ employees who provide guidance on career pathways and public service. Because some positions may lead to continued federal employment, this internship can serve as an early stepping stone into government and law. Students interested in public policy, national law, or the civic system, this can be a good opportunity.
13. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Summer Advocacy Program
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; limited to approximately 100 students nationwide
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: $2,700 (need-based scholarships available)
Dates: Session 1: July 13 – July 19 | Session 2: July 20 – July 26 | Session 3: July 27 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 interested in civil rights, policy, or law
The ACLU Summer Advocacy Program introduces students to civil rights law and public policy. In this internship, you will engage with ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts working to defend civil rights and civil liberties. You’ll participate in workshops, case studies, and simulations on issues like voting rights and free speech. Students also gain exposure to advocacy and how constitutional principles are defended through lawmaking and litigation. The program includes seminars with policymakers and attorneys in Washington, D.C., giving participants an insider’s view of legal activism.
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