15 Free Law Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in law, policy, or public service, internships can be an excellent way to explore the field. Law internships often combine mentorship, research, and industry exposure, helping you build critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. As a participant, you may observe legal processes, assist with case-related tasks, learn how public institutions operate, and gain a clearer understanding of what it’s like to work in the legal field.
Many top universities and organizations offer such internships, and fully-funded internships cover materials, mentorship, and sometimes even travel expenses for selected students. This makes them a valuable way to explore law as a potential career path, learn from experts, and strengthen your college applications. Law internships can connect you with attorneys, policymakers, and legal advocates while allowing you to contribute to meaningful work.
To help you begin your search, we’ve compiled 15 free law internships for high school students.
15 Free Law Internships for High School Students
1. Jimerson Birr's School Internships: Business Law
Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; usually 40 students
Dates: 4-6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: High school students who can work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida
The Jimerson Birr Summer Internship is a premier business law internship for high school students, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how a professional law firm operates. You will rotate through departments such as legal services, accounting, IT, marketing, and communications while contributing to real-world projects. The experience helps you develop transferable skills in communication, business operations, and legal procedures, making it ideal for students interested in law, business, or economics. By the end, you’ll leave with professional mentorship and a stronger understanding of how firms function.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a competitive program that connects motivated high school students with fast-growing start-ups for hands-on, real-world experience. Startups that offer internships span across a variety of industries, including tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars, and are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Over the course of an 8-week virtual internship, you’ll work closely with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach on meaningful projects and present your final work to the company.
3. Law Links Internship
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law + Various law firms in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 7 weeks, starting late June
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Baltimore City public high school sophomores or juniors who are also residents of the city
The Law Links Internship is a seven-week, paid summer program that places Baltimore City public high school juniors and seniors in law firms and law-related agencies. It gives you daily exposure to real-world legal environments where you work full-time and participate in both on-site professional work. Alongside your internship duties, you will attend the Law & Leadership Institute, which is a 50-hour seminar series at the University of Maryland’s law school focused on legal education and career preparation. The program includes orientation, weekly professional development, and even provides business attire so every intern is prepared for the workplace.
4. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Location: New York City Bar, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 9 – August 15
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: New York City public high school students | At least 16 years old by June 1
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) is a prestigious, paid summer internship for New York City public high school students that lasts 6 to 8 weeks, giving them hands-on experience inside a professional legal office. Over the summer, you’ll support essential administrative tasks such as organizing files, handling mail, and assisting office staff, while observing paralegals and legal teams at work. Although you may not work directly with attorneys, the program includes workshops on legal careers and skill-building in communication and organization. It’s a strong entry point for students exploring law as a potential career path.
5. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Various private law firms, corporate law divisions, or governmental agencies in Memphis, Tennessee
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 2 – 27
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior as of August | Resident of or attending a high school in Shelby County, TN
This summer internship places high school students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, in legal settings such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices for 60 hours. You gain real-world experience by assisting with daily legal work such as case preparation, observing court proceedings, and supporting attorneys, alongside participating in group educational activities about the legal system. You are selected based on your interest in law and community or school involvement. The program helps students strengthen skills in professionalism, communication, and organization while helping them gain meaningful exposure to legal careers.
6. Communities in Schools (CIS) Summer Legal Internship Program
Location: Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, etc
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 20 students
Dates: 8 weeks between June – August
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who attend campuses supported by CIS of Houston
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program provides eight weeks of paid legal internships for students from Communities In Schools (CIS)–supported schools in Houston. In partnership with the Houston Bar Association, the program places students in law firms, corporate legal offices, and public interest agencies. You benefit from enrichment activities such as visits to legal institutions (courthouses, law libraries), mentoring by legal professionals, mock trials, and networking events. The program aims to empower at-risk students by exposing them to professional legal environments, inspiring confidence, and teaching persistence. You will also gain workplace experience and build leadership and career skills.
7. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Various law firms and legal organizations throughout Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – July 3; Session 2: July 7 – August 1; Full Session: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: High school juniors in Dallas ISD with an academic average of 85+ and at most 10 absences
The Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is a selective summer internship initiative for Dallas ISD high school juniors that places students in law firms, nonprofits, and corporate legal departments across Dallas for four to eight weeks. You can choose placements at law firms, nonprofit organizations, or corporate legal departments, where you’ll assist with tasks like filing, research support, or client-related work. The program begins with a Summer Learning orientation on workplace professionalism and also includes educational sessions through the Dallas Bar Association, culminating in a formal closing reception.
8. The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program for High School Students (SLIP)
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school students who are juniors and seniors
The Atlanta Bar Association’s SLIP offers paid, full-time legal internships for high school students in the Atlanta area. You will be placed in law firms or legal organizations where you’ll handle administrative tasks, assist with legal work, and take part in mentorship activities. You will also participate in weekly mandatory All Intern Meetings (AIMs) that focus on professional development, understanding legal concepts, and networking. The program emphasizes commitment and provides valuable networking opportunities. With more than 940 alumni, SLIP has a strong track record of inspiring students to pursue legal careers.
9. Internship at The United States Attorney’s Office (Eastern District of New York)
Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip, NYC
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 90 interns
Dates: 10 weeks, full-time, starting late May or early June
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Eligibility: Rising seniors from accredited high schools | U.S. Citizens
The Law Internships at The United States Attorney’s Office cover key legal areas, including Criminal, Civil, and Appeals Divisions, exposing interns to topics such as trial preparation, legal research, and courtroom procedures. You engage in activities like assisting with trial preparation, conducting legal research and writing memoranda, participating in witness interviews or civil depositions, and observing court hearings and trials. Unique features include special intern events like guided tours of the NYPD Ballistics Lab, detention centers, and guest speaker luncheons featuring prominent legal and law enforcement professionals. Through these experiences, interns develop skills in legal analysis, writing, critical thinking, courtroom etiquette, and professional communication.
10. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program
Location: Various law firms, government law offices, and corporate legal departments in Metro Nashville
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: High school seniors and graduating students who have a 2.0 GPA
The NBA Summer Intern Program offers full-time, paid legal internships for rising and current high school seniors in Metro Nashville. It generally runs for about six weeks, from early June to mid-July, and requires students to work approximately 6-8 hours daily. It places you in government offices, corporate legal departments, or law firms. The program begins with an orientation and features weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions with attorneys on topics such as legal careers and preparing for law school. The internship helps you gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and receive mentorship from practicing legal professionals.
11. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms
Cost/Stipend: Residence living cost is $1,200 per month, which is offset by an annual salary receipt of $37,238
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive
Dates: Fall: September 1 - January 23; Spring: January 25 - June 5; Summer Session I: June; Summer Session II: July
Application Deadline: Typically February-March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors | Must be 16–17 years old at the time of appointment | Minimum 3.0 GPA and submit health documentation completed by a licensed physician and a certification of immunization | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The U.S. Senate Page Program allows high school students to work directly with senators in Washington, D.C. As a Page, you will assist with delivering documents, supporting floor operations, and helping during debates and votes. During the school year, you will live at the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence, attend classes in the morning, and follow a work schedule that mirrors the Senate’s hours. The program emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and professionalism, including limited phone and social media use. You will also get to explore D.C. through organized activities while gaining firsthand insight into government and public service.
12. Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Supreme Judicial Court (Boston, Springfield, and Worcester)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies as per location
Dates: 6-week program between July – August
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Residents of and attend high school in the city they apply to | Specific requirements vary by location
The Judicial Youth Corps Program offers paid summer internships for high school students at courthouses in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester. During the internship, you will learn about the judicial system through experiences such as courtroom shadowing, mock trials, field trips, and structured legal discussions. Judges, clerks, and other legal professionals serve as mentors, helping you understand court procedures and legal careers. The program provides practical exposure and career guidance for students considering the legal field. Admission is competitive and based on an application, recommendations, and an interview.
13. California Innocence Project High School Internship
Location: San Diego, California (in-person at CIP office or California Western School of Law)
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small to medium cohort sizes
Dates: Multiple cohorts each year, typically Summer, Fall, and Spring trimesters
Application Deadline: Usually early March for Summer, early July for Fall, and early November for Spring cohorts
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who have completed at least one year of high school by the program start
The California Innocence Project High School Internship is a volunteer program based in San Diego that focuses on wrongful convictions and post-conviction criminal law. You work closely with attorneys and legal experts, gaining hands-on experience in case research, evidence analysis, and interviews with incarcerated individuals claiming innocence. Key activities involve legal document organization, conducting initial research, and participating in public education and outreach efforts. You will engage with real wrongful conviction cases and have the opportunity to learn investigative techniques alongside experienced legal professionals. You develop skills in legal research, forensic analysis, critical thinking, and understanding the ethical dimensions of the criminal justice system.
14. Internship Program at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Stipend: Minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors residing in Manhattan
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program is a paid summer internship that provides high school students with an immersive experience in the criminal justice system over five weeks. You will attend legal workshops, engage in discussions, and take part in a mock trial to strengthen skills like public speaking and persuasive argument. The program is structured to develop professional skills, offer insight into legal careers, and enhance students' understanding of law enforcement and judicial processes. Alongside courtroom exposure, you will also receive mentorship from legal experts and be paid minimum wage.
15. U.S. DOJ Pathways Internships
Location: U.S. Department of Justice
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: Depends on the internship
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students | At least 16 years old by the closing date of the announcement | Must be in good academic standing and eligible to continue as enrolled students
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internships program is a paid federal career opportunity designed for students from high school through graduate levels. You will work in paid or unpaid roles within federal agencies, gaining experience in areas such as public policy, administration, and law. The program features mentoring, professional skill-building, and the possibility of transitioning into a permanent government position. Listings are available year-round on USAJOBS.gov, making this a strong option for students who want to contribute to the work of a major federal agency.
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