12 Law Internships for High School Students in Atlanta, Georgia
Internships give you a chance to gain skills, explore different industries, and make connections. If you're a high school student in Atlanta, Georgia, and interested in law or related careers, internships can offer you a look into the legal world, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
Many of these programs are hosted by respected universities and organizations, so you can trust you’re getting quality experiences. Some even offer stipends, making them accessible to a wider range of students. Whether you're working on projects, receiving mentorship, or observing court hearings, each internship is designed to give you meaningful exposure to the field. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the top 12 law internships for high schoolers in Atlanta, Georgia, each offering a strong legal focus and available either in-person or virtually.
1. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 10 – July 19
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the Atlanta area
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend provided
As a high school junior or senior, you can join the Atlanta Bar Association's Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) for a six-week paid internship in a law firm, government agency, or corporate legal department. You'll take on legal tasks like assembling trial notebooks, summarizing depositions, and observing court proceedings while learning from legal professionals. Through structured mentorship, weekly seminars, and career panels, you’ll expand your understanding of the legal field and build your professional network. SLIP is committed to increasing diversity in law, especially encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained valuable experience and a clearer picture of what a career in law can look like.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial assistance available
Ladder Internships is a virtual program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits, including those in the legal-tech and policy sectors. You will work with other interns on practical initiatives like technology-driven legal solutions, compliance documentation, and legal research. The program helps you develop your communication and critical thinking abilities by providing you with structured mentorship from professionals in the sector. Weekly professional development classes covering subjects including networking, job exploration, and résumé preparation are also attended by participants. Students nationwide, including those in Atlanta, can access it because of its adaptable virtual format. For students looking for practical, skill-based experience in a legal or policy-focused setting, this program is perfect.
3. ACLU of Georgia High School Internship
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 3 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: high school students
Cost/Stipend: Free; $15 per hour
The ACLU of Georgia offers internships across departments like legal, policy, communications, and community engagement, including opportunities for exceptional high school students. Legal research, document writing, policy monitoring, and advocacy event planning are some of the tasks that you may help with. Students interested in public policy, social justice, and civil rights will find the curriculum excellent. You will gain knowledge of how a nonprofit legal organization operates and how constitutional law affects day-to-day living. Teamwork and mentoring are essential elements that support your professional and personal development. For students thinking about pursuing professions in activism, law, or government, this experience provides a solid foundation.
4. Office of the City Solicitor Internship Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school, college, and law students
Cost/Stipend: None
Designed for high school, college, and law students interested in public service and law, the Office of the City Solicitor Internship Program offers exposure to the daily workings of Atlanta’s legal system. You will assist with administrative tasks, observe court proceedings, and engage with attorneys on community-focused cases. The program provides examples of how municipal laws affect residents, from traffic violations to code enforcement. You will also learn about courtroom procedures and the role of prosecutors in city governance. Mentorship from city attorneys and staff enhances the learning experience, offering insight into legal careers in public service. It’s a valuable opportunity for you to explore civic law in action.
5. YMCA Youth and Government Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies
In the YMCA Youth and Government Program, you will learn about the roles of elected officials, attorneys, and judges as you take part in a model government experience. You’ll draft bills, debate public policy issues, and participate in mock trials and simulated court cases that reflect legislative and judicial processes. Throughout the program, you’ll build your skills in civic engagement, leadership, and public speaking while deepening your understanding of how government and law work together. You’ll collaborate with peers, research legal precedents, and present your arguments before mock judges and student juries. Plus, you’ll have the chance to attend state conferences and leadership summits where you can showcase what you’ve learned and connect with other students like you.
6. Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Summer Internship (High School Division)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically June - July
Application Deadline: Usually March/April
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school; must live in Fulton County
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
In the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Summer Internship, you’ll gain insight into law enforcement and the criminal justice system as a high school student. You’ll observe prosecutors and legal professionals in action, support community outreach initiatives that promote legal awareness and public safety, and attend court sessions to better understand courtroom dynamics and trial procedures. This internship offers a practical introduction to the roles and responsibilities of a district attorney’s office while also including mentoring and professional development activities to help you explore future legal careers and grow along the way.
7. Atlanta Bar Association: Summer Internship
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (placements across law firms, courts, and legal departments)
Cost: Free (includes a paid stipend of approx. $2,000)
Dates & Schedule: 6 weeks, typically late May to mid-July; full-time commitment required
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (typically ages 16–18) in Metro Atlanta area
The SLIP program connects high school students with paid summer internships in legal workplaces across Atlanta. You will work alongside attorneys, judges, and legal staff in firms, corporate offices, courts, and nonprofit organizations. The program includes orientations, weekly legal seminars with guest speakers, and enrichment activities such as legal writing tasks and a final essay competition. SLIP aims to broaden students' understanding of legal careers and foster diversity in the profession.
8. Emory University Pre-College Program: Law and Litigation
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 - June 28, June 29 - July 12, & July 13 - July 26
Application Deadline: May 9, May 23, & June 6
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: $70 Application Fee; $350 Deposit
In Emory University’s Pre-College Program, you can take the Law and Litigation course to explore legal concepts and get a head start on exploring a career in law. You’ll learn about core legal principles, courtroom procedures, and case analysis while developing your critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills. Through mock trials, debates, and discussions led by experienced law instructors, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the judicial system works. This college-level experience will help you decide whether law might be the right path for you.
9. Georgia Center for Civic Engagement Youth Assembly
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: First week of November
Application Deadline: October
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
The Georgia Center for Civic Engagement’s Youth Assembly gives you an opportunity to experience how state government works by exploring the roles of legislators, lobbyists, journalists, and judges. Held each year at the Georgia State Capitol, you’ll get to draft, debate, and vote on bills, engage in mock trials, and cover events like a journalist. This program builds your leadership, public speaking, and civic responsibility skills while helping you understand government operations more deeply.
10. Justice Resource Center: Legal Outreach Program
Location: Virtual/Hybrid (can be done from Atlanta)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; smaller cohort sizes
Dates: Spring and summer sessions available
Application Deadline: Varies by program cycle
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies
The Justice Resource Center partners with organizations to offer virtual or hybrid legal internships and mentorships tailored for high school students nationwide. These programs are designed to grow your interest in law by covering topics like constitutional issues, civil rights, and social justice. You’ll gain foundational legal skills by engaging in research, writing, and case analysis while receiving mentorship from practicing attorneys. Since the format is flexible and remote-friendly, you can participate regardless of where you live, making this a great opportunity to build practical legal experience and deepen your understanding of the justice system.
11. Southern Collective Advocacy Institute High School Program
Location: Begins in Atlanta, GA, and travels to Montgomery, AL
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 9 – July 14
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 residing in ACLU Southern Collective states
Cost/Stipend: $2,000; financial aid available
The ACLU Southern Collective Advocacy Institute is a week-long program designed for high school students aged 15–18 from Southern states. You’ll convene in Atlanta and travel to Montgomery, Alabama, to explore both cities’ rich civil rights histories and how they connect to current social justice issues. Throughout the program, you'll engage with ACLU staff, lawyers, lobbyists, and activists through keynote events, site visits, and interactive sessions. You'll explore issue advocacy, legal strategy, and community power-building, learning how to create meaningful change in your community. Along the way, you’ll strengthen skills in legal research, public speaking, and organizing while working with peers and mentors. Financial aid is available to help ensure the program is accessible to all qualified students.
12. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: Keystone Club
Location: Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by local Boys & Girls Club; many begin registration in July for the upcoming school year.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 (typically grades 9–12) who are members of a local Boys & Girls Club.
Cost/Stipend: Participation is generally free for Boys & Girls Club members. However, additional fees may apply for optional activities such as attending regional or national conferences.
The Keystone Club is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier teen leadership program, and if you're between the ages of 14 and 18, it’s a great way for you to grow as a leader. You’ll focus on four key areas: academic success, career preparation, community service, and teen outreach. With guidance from adult advisors, you and your peers will elect officers, plan your own projects, and lead service initiatives that make a difference in your community. You’ll also get the chance to participate in national efforts, including the annual National Keystone Conference, where you can attend workshops, connect with other students, and strengthen your leadership skills. This program helps you take charge of your development and build a sense of civic responsibility and purpose.