11 Law Internships for High School Students in Boston, Massachusetts
Internships are a great way for high school students to explore careers without the high cost of summer programs. Law internships for high school students offer professional experience, skill-building, and exposure to legal settings—plus, some even provide stipends. Whether it’s shadowing attorneys or helping with legal research, these opportunities can help you develop career-ready skills before college.
Boston is a major legal hub, home to top law schools, making it an ideal city for aspiring legal minds. If you are a student in Boston, Massachusetts, interested in law, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best law internships for high schoolers in Boston. Each internship on this list has a strong legal focus and is either based in Boston, nearby, or available online. These law internships for high school students are a great first step into the legal field.
1. Judicial Youth Corps Program (JYC) – Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Location: Local courthouses in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July through August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Eligibility: High school students residing in Boston, or attending high school in Springfield or Worcester
Stipend: Paid
The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program is a six-week summer internship that introduces high school students to the Massachusetts court system. You will engage in paid internships at local courthouses, gaining firsthand experience in various court departments. The program includes educational sessions led by judges, lawyers, clerks, and probation officers, offering mentorship and insights into legal careers. You will participate in mock trials, field trips, and group discussions, enhancing your understanding of legal concepts and the rule of law.
Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10% acceptance rate; cohort size varies
Dates: 8–12 weeks; multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; commitment of 10–20 hours/week
Cost: Program fee of $2,490; financial aid available
Ladder Internships is a selective, fully remote program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across various sectors, including legal tech, public policy, and civic engagement. Interns work on projects such as policy research, legal documentation support, and outreach strategy under the guidance of startup founders and a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes the development of communication, leadership, and time management skills, providing you with practical experience in real-world settings.
3. Boston Bar Association – Summer Jobs Program
Location: Various law firms and legal offices in Boston, MA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8-week duration during the summer (specific dates vary)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Boston Public High School students
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; students earn an average of $9/hour or $2,600 for the summer
Since its inception in 1993, this program has provided over 300 Boston Public High School students with summer employment in law firms and legal offices throughout the community. Students are pre-screened and selected based on motivation, achievement, school attendance, and potential. The program includes an orientation and weekly seminars on legal topics, financial literacy, and skills such as college applications and admission.
4. Youth Advocacy Division - Committee for Public Counsel Services
Location: YAD Roxbury Office, 10 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury, MA 02119
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to advocacy and community-oriented defense. Access to reliable transportation and a personal computer with internet access is required.
Cost/Stipend: None
The Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) in Roxbury offers an internship focused on juvenile defense. Interns collaborate with attorneys and social workers to support indigent youth in delinquency and youthful offender cases. During the internship, your responsibilities will include legal research, drafting motions, client interviews, and assisting in court proceedings. The program emphasizes a Positive Youth Development approach, providing exposure to holistic legal advocacy and community-based resources.
5. Massachusetts Probation Service High School Internship
Location: New Bedford District Court, New Bedford, MA (around 60 miles from Boston)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 29
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: $17/hour
The High School Internship with the Massachusetts Probation Service at the New Bedford District Court is a paid, in-person opportunity designed for high school students interested in the legal and justice system. Over the course of eight weeks, you will assist with daily office tasks while gaining exposure to the Massachusetts Court System and its various departments. You will work alongside probation officers who oversee probationers across the state, providing a unique perspective on community supervision and judicial processes. This experience offers valuable insight into court operations and the role of probation services in promoting public safety and rehabilitation. You will also have the chance to observe court proceedings and engage with professionals.
6. Court Service Center Internship
Location: Various Massachusetts courthouses, including Boston
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible based on availability (CSC hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who live in or attend school in Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None
The Court Service Center Internship gives high school students in Massachusetts a chance to experience the inner workings of the state court system. Interns assist self-represented litigants with legal information, court forms, and digital tools under the supervision of trained staff. This is an opportunity to interact with legal professionals and support court attendees. With this internship, you get to build communication, research, and organizational skills while gaining insight into public service law.
7. US Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internship Program
Location: Various DOJ offices nationwide
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified.
Dates: Flexible internship periods; typically, summer internships range from May to August.
Application Deadline: Usually between January and March.
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently enrolled; must meet specific position requirements as posted.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships with hourly wages based on federal pay scales.
The DOJ Pathways Internship Program gives high school students a chance to work across various divisions within the Department of Justice. This internship offers exposure to federal law enforcement and legal careers, allowing you to support DOJ projects and initiatives. You will take on a variety of tasks that introduce you to federal legal and law enforcement work, while benefiting from mentorship and career development opportunities.
8. US Environmental Protection Agency Internship Programs in Pollution Prevention
Location: US Environmental Protection Agency (virtual and regional offices, including Boston)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically summer internships; specific duration varies (check application for exact dates)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle, usually early spring
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental law, policy, or related fields
Cost/Stipend: Usually paid internships; details vary by location and program year, check the website for additional requirements
The US Environmental Protection Agency offers internships for high school students focused on Pollution Prevention, involving projects connected to environmental law and policy. During the internship, you will engage in research, policy evaluation, and community outreach centered on pollution reduction and environmental justice. This internship provides a valuable chance to blend interests in law and environmental issues while gaining experience in protecting the environment.
Location: City of Boston (in-person)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students selected annually
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: June – August (exact dates vary annually)
Eligibility: Boston residents aged 14–19 enrolled in high school
Cost/Stipend: None
The Mayor's Youth Council (MYC) is a citywide initiative that allows Boston high school students to engage in civic leadership and community development. Members collaborate with city officials, participate in youth-led projects, and advise on policies affecting young people. Through weekly meetings and community service projects, students develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of local government processes. The program provides a platform for youth to influence city policies and initiatives.
10. Wake Forest University Online Immersion Program – Criminal Law
Location: Virtual (Wake Forest University Online)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple 1, 2, and 4-week sessions available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until classes fill
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
Cost: $1,495 tuition fee
This online Criminal Law course for high school students provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of criminal law. Students will engage with foundational legal concepts, case studies, and critical thinking exercises designed to sharpen analytical skills relevant to law and justice. The program offers opportunities for interactive learning, discussions, and insights from legal professionals. The course emphasizes understanding the justice system and exploring career possibilities in law through virtual collaboration and presentations.
11. Boston Private Industry Council – Summer Internships
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July–August (6–7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies; students are encouraged to apply early
Eligibility: 9th–12th graders at Boston Public Schools; must be at least 16 years old by July 1
Cost/Stipend: Paid; typically $15–$18/hour, depending on the employer
The Boston PIC Summer Jobs & Internships program offers Boston Public School students paid opportunities in fields like law, business, healthcare, and more. Through law-related placements, you will gain firsthand experience in legal environments, working on real cases, supporting attorneys, and engaging with legal processes. You will build essential professional skills, collaborate with legal professionals, and often visit law offices or courthouses to deepen your understanding of the justice system. The program prioritizes mentorship and career readiness, making it ideal for students interested in exploring legal careers.