15 Law Firm Internships for Undergraduates in NYC

If you’re an undergraduate student interested in a career in law, an internship can offer valuable early experience. Law firm internships in New York City allow you to observe the legal profession up close, develop relevant skills, and understand what day-to-day legal work involves. These roles can also help you clarify your interests—whether in corporate law, criminal justice, public defense, or human rights—and introduce you to potential mentors in the field.

To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 law firm internships for undergraduates in NYC. These programs were selected based on factors such as selectivity, quality of mentorship, and alignment with different areas of legal practice.

1. U.S. Attorney’s Office – Southern District of New York 

Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer, 8 weeks (June - August); Spring, (January - April); Fall, (September - December)
Application Deadline: Summer, February 1-15; Spring, September 1-30; Fall, May 1-31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current undergraduates (U.S. citizens)
Selectivity: Highly selective

At the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, interns assist with investigations and cases in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. As an intern, your tasks may include drafting subpoenas, organizing evidence, and observing witness interviews or court proceedings. The program offers exposure to federal cases and regular seminars with prosecutors and staff. It’s a selective law firm internship for undergraduates in NYC and requires a background check and strong analytical skills. Interns must demonstrate discretion and a clear interest in public service. This is a great opportunity if you're aiming for a legal career in government or prosecution.

2. Ladder University Internship Program 

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (need-based financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter); 8 weeks
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: Undergraduates
Selectivity: Moderately selective

Ladder Internships is a virtual program where undergraduates work with startups on projects across fields like tech, policy, legal services, and more. Over 8 weeks, you’ll collaborate with company leaders, complete a project aligned with your interests, and present your work at the end. Interns also receive mentorship from a dedicated ladder coach throughout the experience. The program is selective and emphasizes communication, research, and problem-solving skills. It’s a strong fit for self-motivated students looking for a virtual, skills-driven experience. 

3. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – National Office Internships

Location: New York, NY (hybrid options available)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies)
Dates: Year-round (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by department)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
Selectivity: Highly selective

At the ACLU’s National Office in NYC, undergraduates contribute to legal, policy, and advocacy work focused on civil rights, public interest, and constitutional law.. You might assist with legal research, campaign strategy, and more while learning from experienced staff. The program includes mentorship, speaker sessions, and professional development workshops. It’s an excellent fit if you’re interested in civil liberties and social justice.

4. Queens District Attorney’s Office – Brave Justice Summer Internship

Location: Kew Gardens, Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Fall (September - December); Spring (January - April)
Application Deadline: As soon as vacancies close
Eligibility: Undergraduate law students
Selectivity: Highly selective

In this internship at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, undergraduates work with prosecutors in specialized bureaus like Trials, Investigations, and Special Victims. Interns assist with legal research, organizing case files, and drafting memos. The program includes mock trials, skills workshops, and field visits to places like the NYPD Academy. Interns also engage in team-building activities and receive mentorship from experienced ADAs. The program values diversity and offers a foundation for students interested in criminal law. 

5. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office – Semester Law Internship

Location: One Hogan Place, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Academic credit only (unpaid)
Dates: Rolling as per semester cohort
Application Deadline: Spring: October 1 - November 1; Fall: March 1 - April 1
Eligibility: 2nd‑year or 1st‑semester 3rd‑year law students; required to have taken criminal law and constitutional law
Selectivity: Highly selective

In this semester-long internship, undergraduate interns assist Assistant District Attorneys with case prep, legal research, and trial support. You’ll help organize documents, review evidence, and observe court proceedings in the Manhattan Criminal and Supreme Courts. Interns may also work on projects involving witness interviews, charging decisions, and hearings. It’s one of the most rigorous law firm internships for undergraduates in NYC if you’re seeking courtroom exposure and prosecutorial experience. Interns gain insight into the inner workings of a DA’s office while developing legal writing, case management, and analytical skills. This role is great for students interested in public service and criminal law.

6. New York State Unified Court System – Summer  Judicial Internship Program

Location: Various courthouses, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: June - July (6 weeks, tentative)
Application Deadline: January - March
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

In this six-week program, undergraduate interns are placed in judges’ chambers across the New York State Ninth Judicial District. You’ll support judges with legal research, drafting memos, preparing decisions, and observing courtroom proceedings. Interns also attend weekly lectures and professional development sessions held at the Westchester County Courthouse. This is a civically focused law firm internship for undergraduates in NYC and nearby counties, offering firsthand exposure to the judicial decision-making process. The internship is full-time, in person, and placements are based on your preferred county. It’s a strong option if you’re considering law school and want to explore courtroom work from the judicial side. 

7. The Innocence Project – Undergraduate Internship

Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Stipend: $19/hour
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

At the Innocence Project, undergraduate interns review claims from incarcerated individuals seeking exoneration. Tasks include summarizing trial transcripts, organizing case files, and identifying red flags for possible DNA testing or investigation. Interns support attorneys and analysts with early-stage case evaluation and correspondence. It’s one of the more research-focused internships for undergraduates in NYC, offering exposure to non-profit work in the legal sector. This role is great for students interested in criminal justice reform and wrongful convictions.

8. Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) – Undergraduate Internships

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current undergraduates
Selectivity: Moderately selective

Brooklyn Defender Services offers part-time summer internships where undergraduates assist attorneys on active criminal, family, and immigration cases. Tasks may include organizing discovery materials, supporting investigators, and helping prepare for court. Interns also attend client meetings and strategy sessions. It’s one of the more flexible law firm internships for undergraduates in NYC, making it great if you’re balancing other summer commitments. BDS exposes students to a wide range of legal work and tailors assignments based on interest.

9. Rosenblum Law – Undergraduate Legal Internship

Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Stipend: Unpaid; performance-based compensation ($7,000 and $9,000 per month) and a $10,000 annual scholarship available)
Dates: Rolling; flexible start dates, minimum one-year commitment preferred
Application Deadline: Rolling (early applications encouraged)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

At Rosenblum Law, undergraduate interns work with attorneys on legal cases in areas such as criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. You’ll assist with research, prepare case files, communicate with clients, and observe court proceedings. Interns receive mentorship, attend training sessions, and provide support to attorneys during hearings and consultations. High-performing interns may earn stipends or receive law school funding if they stay with the firm. 

10. New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) – Summer Internships

Location: Various locations, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer, late May - early August (10 weeks) 
Application Deadline: Summer, December 1 - March 31
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

At NYLAG, undergraduate interns support attorneys across practice areas like immigration, housing, domestic violence, and public benefits. You can request placement in a specific unit and will receive training at the start of the program. Interns assist with client intake, legal research, and case prep, and often attend workshops on core legal skills. The program also includes professional development events and networking with legal aid professionals. It’s a great fit if you want to assist underserved communities.

11. The Legal Aid Society – Undergraduate Internships

Location: Various offices, New York, NY
Stipend: Eligible interns can receive a $1,000 stipend from the Howard Rossbach fund
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Fall (June 2 - September 30); Spring (October 3 - December 29); 2L Summer (September 5 - February 6); 1L Summer (December 2 - February 6)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

Undergraduate interns at the Legal Aid Society support attorneys across various practice areas, including criminal, juvenile, and civil, depending on unit needs. You may assist with client intake, organize case files, and contribute to legal research or outreach efforts. Interns also observe court proceedings, attend team meetings, and shadow staff on cases. It’s a great law firm internship for undergraduates in NYC, offering varied experience in public interest law. Placements often include opportunities to participate in volunteer events or community-based initiatives.

12. Chapman and Cutler LLP – Pre-Law Summer Internships

Location: Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid (not disclosed)
Dates: To be announced (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Begins in August
Eligibility: Current law undergraduates
Selectivity: Moderately selective

Chapman and Cutler’s Pre-Law Summer Internships offer undergraduates a paid, structured experience at a finance-focused law firm. Interns join either the Finance Law or Administration track, working on projects with attorneys or operations teams. The program begins with an orientation and includes regular mentoring, shadowing, and skill-building sessions. This internship combines legal exposure with insight into firm operations and culture. Chapman prioritizes diversity and offers scholarships to support access to the legal profession. 

13. Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. (GLK) – Summer Internship

Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None 
Dates: Vary 
Application Deadline: Varies 
Eligibility: Current undergraduates and law students
Selectivity: Moderately selective

At GLK, a personal injury law firm in NYC, undergraduate interns support attorneys with case prep and client work. You might request and organize medical records, assemble trial binders, or contact hospitals to gather key documents. Interns also help prepare for depositions and may observe court proceedings or client meetings. The firm values initiative and curiosity; interns are encouraged to ask questions and take ownership of tasks. It’s a great fit if you want exposure to civil law in a close-knit, client-focused environment, especially if you're interested in litigation and plaintiff-side work.

14. NY State Attorney General’s Office

Location: Multiple locations in New York, NY (hybrid options available) 
Cost/Stipend: Paid (varies by type)
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current undergraduates
Selectivity: Moderately selective

At the New York State Attorney General’s Office, undergraduate interns serve as Student Mediators or assistant staff across bureaus like Consumer Frauds and Protection, Economic Justice, and regional offices. Interns mediate consumer complaints, handling issues such as defective products, overcharges, or contract disputes, under supervision, while conducting legal research, interviewing, and drafting correspondence or memos. Interns are trained in interviewing techniques and given significant responsibility and discretion to resolve cases, with staff attorneys available for guidance and support. Interns build valuable skills in legal writing, negotiation, client interaction, and case analysis.

15. Queens Defenders – Emerging Leaders Internship Program

Location: Jamaica, Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid (10–20 hours/week)
Dates: Part of a 9-month program (Phase Three)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students and early-career individuals from NYC
Selectivity: Moderately selective; preference given to Southeast Queens residents

Through the Emerging Leaders Program, Queens Defenders offers summer internships to students interested in law, advocacy, and public service. Interns are placed within Queens Defenders’ legal offices or partner organizations, working 10–20 hours per week while receiving ongoing coaching and mentorship. You’ll gain exposure to legal services, case management, and community-based defense in one of NYC’s most diverse boroughs. t The program includes leadership workshops and career guidance, combining on-the-job training with civic leadership development.