13 Business Law Internships for High School Students
Doing a business law internship as a high school student can help you bridge the gap between classroom theory and the corporate legal world. Beyond skill-building, internships offer industry exposure and the chance to connect with senior partners, attorneys, and corporate leaders who can serve as mentors. These programs allow you to explore your career interests and figure out if business law is right for you.
Why should I do a business law internship in high school?
A business law internship provides experience in understanding contracts, corporate governance, and legal ethics. You'll gain insights into how businesses operate and how legal frameworks shape decision-making, boosting your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This experience demonstrates to colleges that you're proactive and capable of handling complex issues, making it a great addition to your resume.
Whether you are looking for a virtual role or an in-person immersion, we have narrowed down the field to the top 13 business law internships for high schoolers!
1. Jimerson Birr School Internship Program
Location: Jimerson Birr, P.A., Jacksonville, FL.
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 2 – 5 students per summer
Dates: 4–6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: High school students who can work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida
The Jimerson Birr High School Summer Internship Program offers a direct look into the operations of a high-stakes business law firm. You will work alongside department leaders in legal services, marketing, and accounting to contribute to professional projects that reflect the firm's daily workload. You will attend client meetings and hearings, assist with the drafting of legal documents, and organize case files. By participating in the firm’s internal workflows, you gain a practical understanding of how various business departments support a legal practice. By the end, you will have developed transferable skills in business administration, professional communication, and critical thinking.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: 8-week cohorts available year-round, including summer, winter, fall, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connect you with startups and nonprofits, including specialized legal-tech firms, from across the globe. You will benefit from a work-based coaching model where you complete a real-world project of strategic importance to your host organization, culminating in a final presentation. You will work closely with a startup manager and a professional Ladder Coach who guides on navigating the fast-paced startup environment and developing professional soft skills. The program includes both 1-on-1 and group training sessions that cover topics like finance, machine learning, and business marketing. This program is ideal for those looking to explore the intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship while building a network of international professionals. Apply now!
3. 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: Highly competitive; 35 –40 students each year
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school students who are juniors and seniors
Aspiring legal professionals in metro Atlanta can gain direct exposure to the field through the Atlanta Bar Association’s SLIP, a program that has guided over 940 alumni toward successful careers. These paid, full-time internships place you in local law firms and organizations to work on administrative duties and substantive legal projects under professional mentorship. Beyond daily office responsibilities, you must attend weekly development sessions designed to sharpen your networking skills and deepen your grasp of the law. It is a demanding commitment that offers a rare bridge between high school and the legal industry for those ready to work.
4. Boeing High School Internship
Location: Puget Sound region, WA; Huntington Beach, CA; and other select Boeing sites (Mesa, AZ; St. Louis, MO)
Cost/Stipend: $16.28/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 100–150 students per summer
Dates: June – August (typically 6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Late January to February
Eligibility: High school students (must be 16+ by start date) enrolled in "Core Plus" or aligned STEM/Business curricula
In the Boeing High School Internship, you dive into the corporate infrastructure that keeps a global aerospace giant compliant and efficient, specifically focusing on how business law intersects with daily operations. You will explore critical topics such as regulatory compliance, contract management, and export control requirements, which are essential for navigating the legal landscape of international aviation. Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on activities like performing risk assessments, documenting standardized processes, and gathering data to ensure supplier commitments align with legal and ethical standards. By the end of the program, you will have sharpened your skills in analytical thinking, professional communication, and project management.
5. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program of the New York City Bar
Location: Various locations across New York City
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 35 students per cohort
Dates: 6 – 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: NYC public high school students aged 16 or older by program start and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program allows aspiring legal professionals in New York City to bridge the gap between the classroom and the courtroom. Before being placed in paid roles at corporate firms, government agencies, or nonprofits, you will undergo training in professional ethics and interview skills. Once on the job, you handle meaningful tasks like organizing evidence and observing live hearings. The experience is further enriched by career panels and networking events with seasoned attorneys. By connecting students with prestigious institutions like Columbia Law School, the program offers an authentic look into the diverse career paths within the city’s legal landscape.
6. Genesys Works – Corporate Pipeline Program
Location: Various locations (includes firms like Kirkland & Ellis)
Stipend: Generally between $10,000 – $12,000 across one year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 1,200+ students move into the year–long internship phase
Dates: Training: 8 weeks (usually June–August); Internship: Entirety of senior year (August/September –June)
Application Deadline: Around February or March
Eligibility: High school juniors who attend a partner high school within a Genesys Works city with U.S. work eligibility
The Genesys Works Corporate Pipeline Program provides an entry point into legal practice by placing high school seniors in firms like Kirkland & Ellis and other global corporate leaders. After a summer of intensive professional skills training, focusing on corporate communication and public speaking, you transition into year-long roles within the firm’s operational departments. By handling technical projects in Information Technology or Business Operations, you gain a deep understanding of how global law firms function as businesses. This paid experience not only offers a substantial salary but also serves as a prestigious credential for future law school and career pursuits.
7. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 150 students per year
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are year-round residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City | Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
The Meta Summer Academy offers you exposure to the operations of a global tech giant, providing a unique lens into the business and regulatory side of the digital world. While often associated with coding, the program explores how large-scale platforms navigate business strategy, public policy, and product design. You will engage in hands-on activities like researching emerging social tech trends, assisting with data organization, and participating in career seminars. Through workshops on leadership, communication, and professional ethics, you’ll develop the soft skills necessary to thrive in high-stakes corporate legal or administrative environments.
8. Summer Law Intern Program – Dallas Bar Association
Location: Various law firms and legal organizations throughout Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 80 – 100 students
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – July 3; Session 2: July 7 – August 1; Full Session: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above and having no more than 10 absences
The Summer Law Intern Program is offered through a partnership between the Dallas Independent School District and the Dallas Bar Association, wherein you can secure an eight-week placement within local legal departments, nonprofits, or private firms. This pre-law program introduces you to the daily operations of an office in Dallas. Beyond your daily work duties, you will follow a structured curriculum featuring educational workshops and networking orientations designed to sharpen your professional skills. Whether you work full-time or part-time, the experience culminates in a formal reception to celebrate your growth.
9. Nashville Bar Association: High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost/Stipend: $10–$15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 20–30 students
Dates: June 1 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school rising seniors or graduating seniors (2.0+ GPA)
In the Nashville Bar Association’s High School Summer Intern Program, you will gain a unique perspective on the intersection of business and law by working within the corporate legal departments and private firms that power Middle Tennessee’s economy. This seven-week program covers professional ethics, the structure of business entities, and the fundamentals of corporate compliance. You will engage in activities like organizing case files, observing high-stakes negotiations, and attending "Lunch and Learn" sessions where you can ask veteran attorneys about their career paths. A standout feature of the program is its commitment to diversity and mentorship, as you are paired with a legal professional who provides one-on-one guidance throughout your placement.
10. Maryland Youth & The Law – Law Links Internship
Location: Various law firms and agencies in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 25–40 students
Dates: Late June – Early August (7-week duration)
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Baltimore City Public High School sophomores or juniors
In the Maryland Youth & the Law (MYLaw) Law Links Internship, you will gain a unique vantage point into the intersection of business and the legal system. Specifically focusing on how law firms and agencies operate as businesses, the program covers vital topics such as corporate ethics, professional dress and conduct, and the administrative structures of legal practices. During your seven-week experience, you will engage in practical activities like performing legal research, assisting with document management, and participating in the Law & Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. This experience not only builds your resume but also provides a tangible sense of what it takes to thrive in a high-stakes professional environment.
11. CIS of Houston / HBA Summer Legal Internship
Location: Various law firms and legal offices in Houston, TX
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 25–35 students
Dates: 8 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Typically, early March
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) at a CIS-supported campus
In the CIS of Houston and Houston Bar Association (HBA) Summer Legal Internship, you engage with the foundational principles of business law by working directly within law firms and corporate legal departments. Over eight weeks, you explore critical legal topics such as contract management, records compliance, and the administrative structures of commercial litigation. You will conduct basic legal research, manage discovery documentation, and present arguments in a mock trial presided over by a judge. The program features dedicated mentorship from legal professionals and exclusive enrichment trips to federal courtrooms to observe the law in action.
12. Boston Bar Association Summer Jobs Program
Location: Various law firms, government agencies, and non-profits in Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 40–60 students
Dates: Early July – Mid-August (typically 7–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Late February / Early March
Eligibility: Current students at a Boston Public High School (Ages 16+)
In the Boston Bar Association Summer Jobs Program, you gain a professional foothold by working within the busy environments of prestigious law firms and government agencies. While the program introduces you to the legal field broadly, your exposure to business law occurs through rotations in departments like accounting, records, and legal practice groups, where you manage corporate documents and verify indices. You will conduct research for cases, organize complex pleading binders, and participate in a mock city council hearing to see how local regulations are formed. Through these experiences, you develop vital professional skills in data entry, office administration, and analytical communication.
13. Justice Resource Center (JRC) High School Internships
Location: New York City, NY (Corporate/Legal offices in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150–200 students across all JRC-affiliated internships
Dates: Early July – Mid-August (typically 6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Late March to early April
Eligibility: NYC public high school students (16+); must be enrolled in a Law-CTE program or a MENTOR-affiliated school
In the Justice Resource Center (JRC) internship focused on business law, you will explore the intersection of the legal system and corporate entrepreneurship, specifically through the "Start-up Law Academy" curriculum. You will cover topics like business formation, intellectual property rights, and the ethical regulations governing commercial transactions. Throughout the program, you will simulate courtroom arguments in mock trials, analyze legal case files, and draft professional correspondence for law firms. This experience is designed to sharpen your professional communication while providing a clear pathway toward a career in the legal field.
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