12 Law Enforcement Internships for High School Students
Internships are an excellent way for high school students to explore careers without the commitment or cost of college courses. They offer practical experience, real-world skills, and industry exposure that can’t be found in a textbook. Many programs are hosted by top universities and trusted organizations, making them great entry points for motivated students. Some even offer stipends, which help make these opportunities more accessible and rewarding.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered the top 12 law enforcement internships for high school students. For students curious about law enforcement, these internships can be a great way to understand the field’s day-to-day realities. You’ll build connections, learn how the system works, and see if it's the right path for you.
1.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: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 2 – June 27 + Closing ceremony on July 11
Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school as of August; a resident of or attending a high school in Shelby County, TN
The Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program places motivated high school students in legal settings for a total of 60 summer hours. Whether you're in a government office, law firm, or corporate legal department, you’ll assist with legal research and case organization. The program prioritizes students from underserved communities and aims to build a diverse future in law. Along the way, you’ll strengthen workplace readiness skills like communication and professionalism.
2. Summer Law Institute (SLI) Program
Location: 7 law schools in New York City
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Acceptance rate: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: There is no deadline specified
Dates: July first week to August first week
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens
The Summer Law Institute (SLI) introduces rising ninth graders to the legal world through a structured five-week summer program. You'll attend classes on criminal justice, meet lawyers, and go on field trips to real legal institutions. One of the program highlights is preparing for a mock trial competition, where you’ll perform as an attorney in front of actual judges. Law students teach you foundational legal concepts while guiding you toward stronger academic habits. Completing the program makes you eligible for the College Bound program, a four-year initiative that builds on what you learned.
3. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan District Attorney, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid minimum wage
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 12
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors residing in Manhattan
Join the Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program and spend five weeks exploring the world of law, where you learn not only legal knowledge but also workplace etiquette. You’ll participate in structured workshops and legal discussions, gaining practical insights into criminal justice. The program includes a mock trial, allowing you to understand court proceedings. This experience helps you explore whether law or public service might be in your future.
4. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) by the New York City Bar
Location: New York City Bar, New York, NY
Stipend: $16 – $22/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: January 13
Dates: 6-8 weeks, beginning in March
Eligibility: New York City public high school students
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program gives you experience in the legal field by placing you in a professional law office. During the summer, you’ll take on key administrative duties like organizing documents, managing communications, and supporting day-to-day operations. While you won’t work directly with attorneys, you’ll collaborate closely with paralegals and other legal staff. This exposure helps you understand how a legal office functions behind the scenes. The program also includes professional development sessions that cover career pathways and essential workplace skills. It’s a great fit if you're curious about pursuing a career in law enforcement in the future.
5. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Location: Supreme Judicial Court (Boston, Springfield, and Worcester)
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Boston: Rolling | Springfield: April 11 | Worcester: April 10
Dates: Boston: July 1 – August 15 | Springfield: June 30 – August 8 | Worcester: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be residents of and attend high school in the city they apply to; specific requirements vary by location
The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program provides high school students with an in-depth look into the Massachusetts legal system. Running for six weeks in the summer, the program includes paid work in a courthouse and paid education sessions every Friday. You’ll learn from judges, clerks, and probation officers while participating in mock trials, group discussions, and field experiences. Applications require a teacher recommendation and an interview. It’s a structured program for students curious about careers in law.
6. Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW) - Law Links Internship
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law + Various law firms in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: April 5
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors attending a Baltimore City Public High School and living in Baltimore City
Through the Law Links Internship by MYLAW, you’ll be placed in a law firm or legal agency, where you'll handle tasks that keep the office running and observe legal professionals at work. Alongside this, you’ll attend the Law & Leadership Institute, a 50-hour legal seminar hosted by the University of Maryland’s law school. You’ll participate in weekly development sessions covering law-related topics and workplace readiness. The program begins with a structured orientation and equips you with professional business attire. It's a chance to experience legal work and develop career-building habits.
7. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: Paid
Cohort size: 35
Application Deadline: February 7 – March 20
Dates: May 27 – July 18
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school students who are juniors and seniors
Through the Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP), you’ll be placed at a law firm or legal organization in Atlanta and assist with administrative and research-based tasks. The program also includes mentorship components that help build your career skills and confidence. SLIP expects full availability over the summer, with no conflicting travel or personal plans.
8. National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: $4,395
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 5 - July 12 | July 19 - July 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
NYLF: Law & CSI offers high school students learning in either legal practice or forensic science. You’ll select one track and take part in simulations that mirror real courtroom trials or crime scene investigations. In the law track, you’ll conduct a mock trial and visit a courthouse to observe legal professionals in action. CSI participants will analyze evidence and attend sessions with university professors and forensic scientists. The program also includes a campus stay at the University of Maryland and a college tour of George Mason University with an admissions workshop. You'll experience legal or forensic careers while preparing for college life.
9. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 3-month commitment
Eligibility: High school students
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s High School Volunteer Internship Program offers you an opportunity to assist legal professionals. After completing initial training, you’ll work on tasks like contacting clients, attending hearings, and researching case law. The program introduces you to the prosecutorial process and the broader criminal justice system. You may be eligible to earn school credit for your participation. The internship is particularly valuable if you're exploring careers in law enforcement, social work, or public service.
10. Internship at The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York
Location: United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn and Central Islip
Cost/Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Schedules are flexible and determined by the student and supervisor.
Eligibility: Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited high school (entering seniors)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers unpaid student internships throughout the year in Brooklyn and Central Islip. You can apply if you're studying pre-law, IT, accounting, HR, library science, or criminal justice. Internship tracks include litigation support, law library development, paralegal assignments, and victim-witness services. In each role, you’ll assist federal staff with tasks like trial preparation, legal research, IT support, or coordinating witness travel. You’ll work closely with professionals in civil, criminal, or appeals divisions, depending on your placement. These internships provide firsthand exposure to federal legal operations and justice processes.
11. Dallas Bar Association’s Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Various law firms in Dallas, Texas
Stipend: $10+/hour
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – July 3 | Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors during the current school year with an academic average of 85 or above and no more than 10 absences
The Dallas Bar Association’s Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) offers you a 4- to 8-week paid internship at a law firm, corporate legal department, or nonprofit. You’ll work part-time or full-time, supporting legal teams through tasks like filing, client communication, or legal research. The program begins with a Summer Learning curriculum focused on professional behavior and workplace readiness. You’ll attend additional legal exposure sessions hosted by the Dallas Bar Association during the internship. A formal reception concludes the experience.
12.Remote Legal Support for Human Rights Advocacy Internships: Hosted out of Tanzania by Intern HQ
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Available year-round; you can start when you like
Eligibility: High School Students aged 16+ with relevant study experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field such as political science, sociology, African studies, etc.; Knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications is required
In this fully remote internship hosted out of Tanzania, you’ll support legal efforts that focus on human rights advocacy. You’ll assist licensed attorneys and NGOs working on issues such as discrimination, gender justice, family law, and labor protections. Your tasks may involve researching legal frameworks, preparing documents for court cases, and helping develop educational content. This internship provides a legal learning experience grounded in challenges faced by local populations.
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