13 Law Internships for College Students in NYC (New York City)

If you’re a college student in New York City interested in the legal field, law internships are a valuable way to explore career paths, sharpen your skills, and gain experience. Whether you're planning to attend law school or looking to work in adjacent areas like public policy, compliance, or advocacy, these opportunities can provide the exposure and training needed to take the next step in your professional journey.

Many of these internships are hosted by law firms, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions, offering you the chance to engage in legal research, client services, case preparation, and more. Some roles may also offer stipends or hourly pay, and many help build lasting professional connections. 

To help you explore your options and find the best fit, here’s a list of the top 13 law internships for college students in NYC. These opportunities are designed to strengthen your resume, grow your network, and prepare you for future roles in law and beyond.

1. U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York Internship Programs

Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip offices, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: The internship will be held in the summer. Exact dates are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: First-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students

The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York offers several internships to students interested in law. Some of the specialized placements within the internships offered are Information Technology, Automated Litigation Support, Accounting Assistance, Library Legal Information and Resource Center, Human Resources Assistance, and Paralegal-Legal Studies. If you’re interested in criminal law, this internship is a great way to gain insight into how legal processes unfold. It’s especially well-suited for students considering paths in pre-law, criminal justice, or community-based crime prevention. Depending on the placement, your responsibilities may include assisting with courtroom logistics, supporting legal research and case analysis, helping with trial prep, or organizing legal documents and evidence.

2. Manhattan District Attorney's Office College Internship

Location: One Hogan Place, Manhattan, New York
Stipend: Academic credit and/or hourly compensation, varies; $560 per week for Summer
Application Deadline: Summer (January 15 to February 1); Fall (April 1 to May 1); Spring (October 1 to November 1)
Dates: Fall (September – December); Spring (January – May); Summer (starts first Monday of June and lasts for 9 weeks)
Eligibility: Current college sophomores and juniors enrolled in a four-year university + taken at least one criminal law-related class + legally authorized to work in the United States

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office offers college students an internship experience in criminal justice and public service. Interns work alongside Assistant District Attorneys and staff on tasks such as supporting victims, assisting investigations, analyzing legislation, and observing courtroom proceedings. Assignments are tailored to your interests and the office’s needs, allowing you to explore different facets of legal work. Whether during the semester or summer, this in-person internship provides exposure to the inner workings of the justice system. You’ll take part in legal research, attend trials, observe interviews, and join community outreach efforts while building real-world professional experience.

Note: The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office offers a few more internships and fellowship programs for college students and law students. Check them out here!

3. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: College students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a selective remote internship program that pairs ambitious college students with high-growth startups and nonprofits across industries like AI, sustainability, healthcare, journalism, and more. You’ll work on projects directly with your host company and receive mentorship from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Throughout the program, you’ll also attend weekly workshops designed to build your professional toolkit, from communication and collaboration to research and presentation skills. The experience culminates in a final presentation, giving you a chance to showcase your work and gain exposure to startup operations in a fast-paced, real-world setting.

4. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by American Bar Association (ABA)

Location: Various cities across the country, including New York City
Stipend: $2,000

Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Law school students

The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) is a full-time summer internship that places college and law students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the chambers of state or federal judges. As an intern, you’ll gain experience through legal research, writing, and observing courtroom proceedings, while learning from experienced judges and their clerks. The program includes orientations, mentoring circles, and a summer speaker series. You'll take part in writing assignments, assist with case reviews, and observe judicial decision-making up close, building practical skills and insight into the inner workings of the legal system. The JIOP is designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation students, veterans, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. 

5. The Legal Aid Society Internships

Location: Various offices, including Kew Gardens, Queens, New York
Stipend: Unpaid; $1000 stipend available for eligible students through the Howard Rossbach Fund
Application Deadline: Fall (June 2 to September 30); Spring (October 3 to December 29); 2L Summer (September 5 to February 6); 1L Summer (December 2 to February 6)
Dates: Rolling as per semester (Fall, Spring, 2L Summer, 1L Summer)
Eligibility: College and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions

The Legal Aid Society offers unpaid internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in public interest law. As an intern, you’ll gain experience by working alongside attorneys, paralegals, and investigators on client cases across civil, criminal, and juvenile rights practices. Interns observe court proceedings, attend meetings, conduct research, and contribute to impactful legal work that supports underserved communities. In addition to legal internships, the Intern Investigator Program gives students interested in criminal defense law the chance to work in the field. These internships can be part-time or full-time, and academic credit may be arranged if eligible through your school. Opportunities are posted based on need, so students are encouraged to check the Legal Aid Society’s site regularly. You can apply for the current internship here and the stipend here.

6. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship

Location: New York City, New York (across various city department offices)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will be paid $16-18 per hour

Application Deadline: Applications for the summer session typically close in March.
Dates: July-August (summer session). The program runs in the fall and spring too!
Eligibility: Must be 16 years of age or older; Must be a New York City resident (applicable for Fall/Spring Term internship); must have current working papers/employment certification at the time of application; must be enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program.

The NYC Office of the Mayor offers college students the opportunity to explore city governance through internships across various departments, including Criminal Justice, Housing, and Policy. Based on your interests and background, you’ll be placed in a department where you can support government officials and staff on  projects. Tasks may include research, data analysis, event support, drafting policy briefs, and handling communications, offering you a close-up view of how city policy is made and implemented. Interns also participate in a bi-weekly Speaker Series with senior city officials and collaborate on a service project aimed at improving local communities. This program offers insight into public service, law, and policy, making it an excellent choice for students interested in legal or government careers.

7. Internships at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office

Location: Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will be paid
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: Internships are offered throughout the year
Eligibility: College students and law school students. Make sure you check the eligibility requirements based on open intern positions before you apply! 

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office offers college and legal internships throughout the year. These internship positions can provide you with the opportunity to be part of a district attorney’s office. As an intern, your duties may include assisting in investigations, attending trials, preparing and compiling documents and financial data, conducting and analyzing legal research, and supporting community outreach programs. Once selected, you will either be assigned to a general trial zone for the beginning of the internship, or directly to one of these specialized bureaus/units: Homicide, Special Victims Unit, Violent Criminal Enterprises (VCE), Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, Victim Services, Crime Strategies, and Investigations.

8. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State

Location: This will vary, students can opt for openings in their location. You can see all eligible vacancies under this program here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. The stipend varies from post to post

Application Deadline: Varies from location to location
Dates: While the dates of the internship will vary from post to post, those under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled, and those under the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) will run during seasonal and holiday breaks as well as year-round
Eligibility: Students applying must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the post you’re applying to. Students must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the time of application and throughout internship appointment

The Pathways internships allow students to explore federal careers in various offices of the government, including the judiciary. Students will get experience in various aspects of the government by working as an intern at offices such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, Office of the General Counsel, and Environmental Protection Agency, among others. The program offers a structured learning environment, where you will work alongside experienced professionals, engage in meaningful projects, and develop critical skills. There are two types of internships under this program: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP interns, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions and federal employee benefits. ITEP interns are appointed to temporary appointments, which will not exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter), and extensions may be made in one-year increments. 

Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. So details such as the application deadline and internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check out current vacancies here. 

9. U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York Undergraduate Internships

Location: Manhattan, New York
Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Summer (February); Fall (May); Spring (September)
Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Eligibility: College students

If you're aiming to experience the inner workings of the federal legal system, this internship offers an in-depth view. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York provides unpaid internships for college students during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Interns are placed in various divisions, including Criminal, Civil, and specialized support units. You'll assist with tasks like legal research, case preparation, and administrative duties, gaining exposure to high-profile federal cases. This internship for college students is a great fit for those interested in federal prosecution and legal processes. You can download the application form from here and email it to USANYS.JOBS@usdoj.gov with a cover letter. 

10. ACLU Legal Internships

Location: Manhattan, New York (hybrid)
Stipend: Paid; varies by department, funding source, and duration
Application Deadline: Varies
Dates: Multiple positions are offered year-round
Eligibility: College students

The ACLU National Office offers year-round internship opportunities for college students passionate about civil liberties and social justice. Interns work alongside teams leading today’s most urgent legal and advocacy efforts, gaining exposure to the inner workings of one of the country’s most influential nonprofit organizations. Internships at the ACLU are designed to build your skills and deepen your understanding of civil rights work. You’ll contribute to projects, attend training sessions, and receive mentorship from experienced staff. You’ll also support real litigation efforts, policy work, and legal research alongside staff attorneys. Interns also receive a stipend for full-time or part-time positions, making this a meaningful and accessible opportunity to grow as an advocate and changemaker.

11. Urban Justice Center – Free to Be Youth Project Internships

Location: Urban Justice Center, Lower Manhattan, New York (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until positions are filled
Dates: Spring, Fall, Summer
Eligibility: Current law school students

The Free to Be Youth Project (FYP) offers semester-based hybrid internships for law students interested in advocacy and the legal needs of homeless and street-involved lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people (up to age 24) in New York City. Interns work directly with FYP’s Staff Attorney and Project Director, contributing to individual client support and broader systemic advocacy efforts. As an intern, you’ll engage in client intake and interviews, legal research and writing, and may observe court proceedings or administrative hearings. You’ll also participate in outreach and advocacy with government agencies, gaining experience in public interest law and deepening your understanding of how legal systems impact marginalized youth.

12. New York City Public Service Corps

Location: Across various NYC agencies
Stipend: $17.35 – $20.90; Academic credit internships are unpaid
Application Deadline: Varies by placement cycle
Dates: Rolling placement
Eligibility: College students

The New York City Public Service Corps (PSC) is the nation’s largest off-campus internship program, offering paid and academic credit internships to undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1966, PSC connects students with city agencies, providing experience and a pathway to civil service careers. Interns gain insight into public sector work while building resumes and professional networks. PSC offers two internship tracks: paid Work-Study positions and credit-bearing internships related to your field of study. Interns work part-time during the academic year and full-time in summer or school breaks. Opportunities are available year-round, and placements are made through the PSC office in partnership with your college. This program gives you the chance to work inside NYC government agencies, supporting departments like the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, or the Law Department. You might draft memos, research city regulations, assist with investigations, or help with legal compliance efforts. 

13. GLK Law Internships

Location: GLK Offices, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: This information is not available
Application Deadline: Varies; as and when a position opens
Dates: Summer, dates not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and law school students

Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. (GLK) offers a summer internship for undergraduate and law school students at their New York City office. Undergraduate interns assist with organizing case files, trial preparation, and requesting records from medical providers and third-party institutions. They also support legal assistants and attorneys with client communication and case documentation. Law school interns take on more advanced legal work, including drafting motions, conducting research, and preparing cases for trial. Interns gain exposure to real litigation through client meetings, court appearances, and working alongside experienced partners and associates. This internship offers hands-on experience in personal injury and medical malpractice law.