15 Best Legal Internships for Undergraduates
Internships are one of the most practical ways to figure out whether a career path actually fits you, especially when you’re still in college and exploring options. They help you build skills and let you start forming connections with mentors that can matter later when you apply for jobs or graduate programs. For students interested in law, internships can clarify what legal work looks like day-to-day before you commit to law school.
Why should I do a legal internship in college?
Doing a legal internship while you're still in college allows you to gain experience drafting documents, observing client interactions, and watching attorneys handle their caseloads. This experience helps you figure out what kind of law you want to practice before you commit to a specific career path. Most importantly, it boosts your employment chances after graduation. Law firms and legal departments prefer hiring candidates who have proven they can handle workplace responsibilities.
This list of the 15 best legal internships for undergraduates should help you decide where to invest your time and effort. We have prioritized programs that are selective or have extremely small cohort sizes, because admissions officers and future employers tend to value competitive experiences. They are a mix of government, nonprofit, and policy-focused roles, all of which can strengthen your profile.
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Costs vary depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per session
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: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, 8-week virtual internship program designed specifically for undergraduate students and young professionals. Founded by entrepreneurs from Harvard, it connects students with high-growth startups and non-profits to work on real-world projects. While not law-specific, many roles involve compliance, policy research, or work closely related to law, where you’ll be paired with a manager and work on projects with real impact. The structure emphasizes accountability and professional communication, making the program a good option for those who require flexibility. It’s one of the more accessible programs among the best legal internships for undergraduates. Apply now!
2. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) Judicial Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically around 2 interns per term, per office
Dates: Fall (16 weeks), Spring (16 weeks), and Summer terms
Application Deadline: The USAJobs portal opens May 15 (Fall), Sept 12 (Spring), and Feb 15 (Summer) for exactly two weeks
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; must have completed two semesters of undergraduate study; actively enrolled in or returning to a Bachelor's program
The Supreme Court Internship Program offers you a firsthand look into the administrative, historical, and operational functions of the nation's highest court. Along with tackling active legal casework, you will also explore topics like the court's institutional history, museum practices, and public-facing operations. Your activities will include answering public inquiries, conducting historical research, attending live Court sessions, and participating in exclusive seminars hosted by Supreme Court Fellows. A unique feature of this internship is your complete separation from pending litigation, ensuring a strict focus on court administration instead of judicial decision-making. Through these experiences, you will build strong public speaking abilities, interpersonal communication techniques, and precise historical research skills.
3. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Student Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. (HQ) & 12 Regional Enforcement Offices
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohort sizes
Dates: Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students in good academic standing
The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights internship immerses you in the direct enforcement of federal civil rights laws across the nation's schools. During this program, you will explore legislative topics like Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VI anti-discrimination protections. As an intern, you will evaluate incoming civil rights complaints, conduct extensive data analysis on school policies, shadow live mediations, and assist with on-site compliance visits. Your role directly collaborates with federal investigators and attorneys on active, high-stakes investigations, along with doing administrative background work. Ultimately, you will develop skills in legal research, investigative data analytics, professional legal writing, and federal case processing.
4. ACLU National Internship Program
Location: Remote and hybrid options
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 1–4 interns
Dates: 10 weeks starting May 26 or June 8
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: Currently matriculated undergraduate student; lawfully authorized to work in the U.S., and must be physically located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship
The ACLU National Internship Program is a highly structured, paid opportunity for students to engage in civil liberties advocacy and legal work, focusing on civil rights and impact-driven legal work. You may conduct legal research, support litigation teams, or assist with policy analysis and public education, often working with attorneys and advocates on cases and campaigns. The program’s national reputation adds prestige, especially for students interested in constitutional law. Networking opportunities extend beyond law into advocacy and policy spaces. It is a demanding yet highly respected internship.
5. Brennan Center for Justice
Location: New York, NY, and Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1–3 interns per cycle
Dates: Summer and Spring/Fall cohorts available
Application Deadline: Summer: Early January; Spring: Late November
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students; U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S.
The Brennan Center internship is best suited if you’re interested in how law shapes democracy and public policy. As an intern, you’ll support research and advocacy on issues like voting rights, criminal justice reform, and constitutional protections. Your work may include legal research, policy memos, data analysis, and helping organize briefings or public-facing reports. The experience is intellectually rigorous and requires strong reading and writing skills. Because the Center is closely affiliated with NYU School of Law, you’ll be exposed to high-level legal scholarship and policy conversations. This internship is especially useful if you’re considering law school with a focus on policy, constitutional law, or governance.
6. Human Rights Watch Internships
Location: Global offices; remote opportunities often available
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 1–3 interns per cycle
Dates: Summer: June – August (approx. 10 weeks); Fall: September – December; Spring: January/February – May
Application Deadline: Summer: Late January – early March; Fall: June – July; Spring: October – November
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students
Human Rights Watch internships give you direct exposure to international human rights research and advocacy. You’ll support regional or thematic teams by conducting background research, monitoring human rights developments, and assisting with reports used by governments and international bodies. The work is detail-heavy and requires careful evaluation of sources. While not courtroom-focused, the legal reasoning involved is strong and policy-relevant. You’ll also see how legal frameworks are applied across different countries. This internship is one of the most apt legal internships for undergraduates interested in international law or global justice careers.
7. Earthjustice Internships
Location: Regional offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed publicly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small and selective cohorts
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall cohorts available
Application Deadline: Summer: Mid-February; Fall: April/May; Spring: August/September
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students
Earthjustice offers a variety of undergraduate internships across departments like Marketing, Internal Communications, Social Media, and Policy & Legislation, where interns focus on using law as a tool for environmental protection. You’ll assist with legal research related to climate change, clean water, endangered species, and environmental policy. The work supports active litigation and advocacy campaigns, requiring strong writing and analytical skills. You’ll also learn how environmental cases move through courts and agencies, and this internship is well-regarded in environmental law circles.
8. State Attorney General's Office Internships
Location: State Capitals and Regional Offices (e.g., NYC, Albany, Boston, Tallahassee, San Francisco)
Stipend: Paid and volunteer options available; varies by state
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; national offices (NY/CA) hire 30–50+ total; small regional offices may take 1–2 interns
Dates: Summer: Late May – late July (8–10 weeks); Fall/Spring: Semester-based (approx. 12–15 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by state
Eligibility: Current full-time undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, seniors); U.S. work authorization required
The State Attorney General (OAG) Undergraduate Internship is a professional development program that embeds students into the highest legal office of a state government. While law students handle litigation, undergraduate interns function as Student Assistants or Mediators, providing critical support for investigations that protect the public interest. The work varies depending on the state and division, where you may assist with consumer protection cases, civil litigation, or policy research. You’ll gain insight into how state laws impact residents directly. This is practical experience that complements federal internships and is especially useful if you plan to work regionally.
9. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) Summer Internship
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $6,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 8–12 undergraduates
Dates: June 2 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending U.S. colleges/universities
At FIRE, you will actively defend First Amendment rights and civil liberties on college campuses nationwide. You will cover legal topics like freedom of expression, due process, and academic freedom. Throughout the summer, you will conduct substantive case research, write articles for the organization's Newsdesk, and assist in running the FIRE Student Network Summer Conference. The program also features a weekly Friday constitutional law seminar led by FIRE's Legal Director. These expert-led sessions give you direct exposure to high-level legal theory and practice alongside your small intern cohort.
10. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Undergraduate Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. (Headquarters) and various regional field offices nationwide
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by individual office and term
Dates: Summer (8-10 weeks full-time); Fall/Spring (flexible, typically 10-20 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Proof of current academic enrollment in a college or university
In this internship, you will focus on the topics of employment discrimination, federal civil rights law, and workplace equity. You will conduct initial intake interviews with individuals alleging discrimination, research and draft responses to congressional inquiries, assist in the mediation of employment claims, and help investigators resolve charges. The program has a direct involvement in enforcing federal anti-discrimination statutes alongside experienced government personnel. Ultimately, you will walk away with sharpened analytical problem-solving abilities and highly effective communication skills.
11. Legal Aid Society of New York City Volunteer Internship
Location: New York, NY
Stipend: Unpaid volunteer position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; estimated 20–40 interns across all five borough offices
Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring
Application Deadline: Fall: September 30; Spring: December 28; Summer: February 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate law students (availability-based)
The Legal Aid Society of New York City offers a highly regarded Investigative Intern Program specifically for undergraduate students. This program provides hands-on experience in criminal defense, where interns work directly in the field to support the Society's mission of providing equal justice. You’ll support attorneys working in civil, criminal defense, or juvenile rights, often interacting directly with clients. Your tasks will include legal research, preparing case files, and attending court proceedings. The experience provides a realistic glimpse into public defense and legal aid work and is especially valuable if you are passionate about access to justice and underserved communities.
12. Office of the Federal Public Defender Internships
Location: Various federal districts
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 2–4 undergraduate interns per office location per term
Dates: Summer, Fall, Spring
Application Deadline: Summer: Early March; Fall: Mid-July; Spring: Mid-November
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduates; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Office of the Federal Public Defender (FPD) Undergraduate Internship is a highly competitive, investigative-focused program designed for students interested in criminal justice, civil rights, and indigent defense. They allow you to see the federal criminal justice system from the defense side. You’ll help with legal research, evidence review, and drafting motions under attorney supervision, and in some offices, you may observe client meetings and court proceedings. The work requires discretion and attention to detail and is a strong complement to prosecution-focused internships. Admissions officers often view this as a mature and grounded experience.
13. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Competition & Consumer Protection Internships
Location: Washington, D.C. (Onsite)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohorts
Dates: Summer, Fall Semester, and Spring Semester
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28; Fall: May 31; Spring: September 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; U.S. citizens
The FTC’s undergraduate internship program embeds you directly into the Honors Paralegal Division, where you see federal law enforcement in action. You will explore complex topics surrounding antitrust law, consumer protection, public policy, and national economics. During your tenure, you will participate in witness interviews, conduct substantive legal research, and review critical case documents. You will also help prepare the evidentiary record for federal trials. You work side-by-side with experienced trial attorneys and federal economists on live mergers and conduct investigations.
14. Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) Investigative Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 6–15 interns per session
Dates: Summer, Fall, Winter/Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Summer: Early February; Fall: Early June; WinterSpring: Early November
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) at the Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of Columbia is one of the most "hands-on" undergraduate internships in the nation. Described by the Princeton Review as "criminal law at its in-your-face best," it transforms students into sworn-in defense investigators. Your training will include criminal procedure and investigative techniques, followed by assisting with investigations, interviewing clients and witnesses, and supporting trial preparation. The experience is intense and very practical, where you’ll learn how cases develop outside the courtroom. This internship is a strong option if you’re serious about pursuing criminal law as a career.
15. The Bronx Defenders Undergraduate & Social Work Internship
Location: The Bronx, New York City, NY
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohorts
Dates: 10 weeks (Summer program) or September–May (Academic year program)
Application Deadline: Varies (Typically January/February for summer; rolling for academic year)
Eligibility: Current undergraduates (BSW preferred for the social work track); demonstrated commitment to marginalized communities; Spanish fluency required for the immigration practice
At The Bronx Defenders, you will immerse yourself in an innovative defense model that addresses both the legal and socio-economic consequences of carceral system involvement. Throughout the program, you will explore diverse topics including criminal defense, family defense, immigration rights, and civil action. You will participate by interviewing clients, reviewing behavioral and medical records, drafting persuasive mitigation reports for judges, and visiting clients in courts or detention facilities. The program features an interdisciplinary approach, pairing you directly with attorneys, social workers, and advocates to treat the whole person rather than just the isolated legal case.
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