12 Law Internships for High School Students in Dallas, Texas
If you’re interested in a career in law, then participating in law internships for high school students is a great way to experience the industry while still in high school. Many law internships for high school students even provide stipends, making them accessible to students of all backgrounds. They also give you the chance to gain practical experience, valuable networking opportunities, and industry exposure, all without paying the hefty price that often accompanies many pre-college programs.
Dallas hosts several esteemed law internships for high school students, typically in collaboration with educational institutions, legal departments, and law firms. These programs give you firsthand insights into legal research, courtroom procedures, and other aspects of daily operations at a law firm. They also connect you with legal professionals who may mentor and guide you through your budding career.
Here are 12 law internships for high school students in Dallas that you can check out!
1. Dallas Bar Association’s Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Various organizations and law firms in Dallas, TX
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 9 – July 3
Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Full Session: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Current Dallas ISD high school juniors; Must have an academic average of 85 or above; Must have less than 10 absences
Stipend: Paid
The Dallas Bar Association offers law internships for high school students in Dallas governmental legal offices, corporate legal departments, and reputed law firms. As an intern, you will gain practical research experience preparing documents, conducting legal research, and interviewing clients.
The program also includes workshops and seminars that will offer valuable insights into the legal profession and how the work varies across different legal entities. You will also learn about a range of legal subjects to ensure you gain a comprehensive learning experience. You will be expected to work for the entirety of your placements, between 4-8 weeks, full-time or part-time, and adhere to the schedule determined by your employer. You will also attend educational events and orientations, and the end-of-program reception.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Specific dates vary by cohort
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Cost: $2,290 onwards; Need-based financial aid is available
Founded and managed by Harvard graduates, the Veritas AI program offers a distinctive approach to learning by exploring the intersection of AI, machine learning, and data science, along with their applications in the legal industry. The program has two main programs you can choose from: the AI Scholars program and the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program.
During the AI Scholars program, you will work on real-world projects and be introduced to the fundamentals of the latest technological advancements in AI and data science. This canDuring the more advanced AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program, you will work 1:1 with mentors from top universities and create your individual project. You will also have access to an in-house publication team that may help you secure publications in research journals. If you want to explore what potential projects are, check out their past projects here!
3. Oxford Scholastica’s Online Summer Law Internships
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 15-18-year-old students from across the world
Cost: £995 (approximately $1,323)
Oxford Scholastica’s Online Summer Law Internships give you the chance to explore cutting-edge legal topics, co-author a research paper, and potentially publish your work in an academic journal! These law internships for high school students are designed to help you develop your skills and build your expertise as you connect with like-minded students and engage in legal research.
You will participate in case studies, in-depth analysis, and guided research which can help you develop a foundation in the real-world applications of law. You will also collaborate with other aspiring lawyers, allowing you to build a unique global network as you work together on projects, participate in discussions. You will thus develop cross-cultural teamwork skills that will benefit you in your future career.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple 8-12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid is available)
Ladder Internships is a selective program that offers internships at start-ups and non-governmental organizations. In this program, you will work on real-world projects with the help of a Ladder Coach who will advise, mentor, and support you throughout your internship to ensure you meet your objectives. You will also be guided by a supervisor from the organisation where you are working. Your work will add tangible value to the company, and you will have the opportunity to present it at the end of the internship.
5. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Location: Various locations across Texas, including Dallas
Program Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Internships are listed 2 months before the start of each semester
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-19; Client-focused interns must be at least 18 years old
Stipend: Internships may be paid or unpaid
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) offers various law internships for high school students, typically varying by region. There are two types of internships available:
Client-focused internships: In these, you will work side-by-side with Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), or Child Protective Investigations (CPI). You will collaborate with case workers as they interact with families, provide services, and investigate cases. If you’re a Youth & Parent Helpline intern, you will provide one-time support to youth and parents seeking assistance, including legal aid.
Support internships: Here, you will work alongside office staff to conduct research and complete high-level project-based assignments.
6. International Law: Protecting the World's Interests – Pre-College Program, Georgetown University
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 1, 2, and 4 week sessions
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 13 years and older
Cost: $1,795
This virtual course will introduce you to the legal frameworks that govern international relations and will provide insight into how international laws are established and enforced. You will also explore the role of treaties in shaping global order, and study key areas of jurisdiction and a state’s authority beyond national boundaries.
You will explore the U.N. Charter and legal principles surrounding warfare, with a focus on international law and the use of military force. This will include real-world case studies about the Gulf War, the Myanmar genocide, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and more. This will help you study the complexities of global scenarios and international law. You will also address emerging issues, such as climate change, cyberwarfare, and more, through engaging lessons and simulations. This will give you insights into how international diplomacy and justice are shaped by legal decisions.
The program culminates in a Capstone Project where you will act as a legal advisor during a military conflict scenario. This will give you a platform to apply your knowledge and assess solutions. You will also benefit from mentorship support throughout the program and gain a certificate of completion from the University.
7. Dedman School of Law – Rising Scholars Program
Location: SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas, TX
Program Dates: June 4 – 9 (Based on previous dates)
Application Deadline: April 12 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school seniors interested in law
Cost: Free
SMU’s Rising Scholars Program provides exclusive law internship opportunities for high school students, enabling you to gain insight into the law school experience while still in high school. Only 20 students are selected for this program, making it a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity.
During the program, you will interact with practicing attorneys and attend classes from law professors while developing your oral and written advocacy skills. You will also present your arguments in a moot court competition, enhancing your understanding of the responsibilities of a legal professional and the legal procedures involved in courtroom advocacy.
Classes will cover a range of legal subjects and activities, including the fundamentals of law, public speaking exercises, workshops on networking and interviewing, skill development, and more. The institution also invites students’ families for a closing luncheon at the Karcher Auditorium with guest speakers from sponsoring organizations.
8. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Remote or in-person
Program Dates:
Fall: September – December
Spring: February – May
Summer: June – August
Application Deadline: Varies, based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with U.S. work authorization
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships
The FPRI offers in-person and remote law internships for high school students that will engage you in meaningful work in policy research, communications, operations, and event planning. You will be exposed to the behind-the-scenes of the shaping and debating of foreign policy. A professional or scholar will offer you guidance and mentorship and supervise you as you work on your tasks.
This program offers a multifaceted experience that will help you develop various skills essential in the field, as you interact with leaders in international relations. As an intern, you may be assigned to departments like Special Events/Development, Communications, Operations, and Research. You may be offered editorial opportunities too. You will also get to attend career panels and policy seminars where you may network with professionals in the field.
9. Rice University Pre-College Program
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session, but usually a week before the program starts
Eligibility: Students must be at least 13 years old
Cost: $1,495 (need-based scholarships are available)
Rice University’s Law Pre-College Program may not offer traditional law internships for high school students, but the virtual course will let you explore the legal field at your own pace. You will receive personalized guidance from a mentor as you enhance your understanding of law and its related subjects. You will also benefit from pre-recorded lectures and self-paced assignments that will introduce you to the fundamentals of law and its impact on society.
The course covers key legal principles, including the importance of law in promoting justice and equal opportunity, workers’ rights under employment laws, and more. You will also identify legal challenges and offer solutions to issues, such as access to education, as part of your capstone project. At the end of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University.
Location: Statewide
Program Dates: 1 week in June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who belong to a Youth & Government club at their school or YMCA
Cost: None
YMCA’s Youth & Government program offers an unconventional experience if you’re looking for law internships for high school students. It is a civic engagement program that will introduce you to the world of politics and engage you in navigating local, state, national, and global issues. During the program, you will learn how to research, write, and debate public issues, and learn about the career options in public service. You will also connect with leaders and decision-makers, and enhance your skills in diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. Beyond this, you will work to develop your leadership skills and self-confidence. You may participate in various sections such as media, legislative, judiciary, and state affairs.
11. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP): American Bar Association
Location: Various cities across the country, including Dallas
Program Dates: 6 weeks, typically in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students may apply
Cost: None. $2,000 for students who work for 32 hours/week for 6 weeks
This program offers noteworthy law internships for high school students with federal or state judges across the country. It encourages students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds to pursue law careers, with the aim of promoting diversity and inclusivity. As an intern, you will get a hands-on experience of what the court environment is like as you engage in legal research and observe trials. You will also work directly with judges and experience the inner workings of the judicial system. This program also gives you the chance to engage in legal writing, research, and court proceedings to ensure you gain a comprehensive learning experience and a deeper understanding of the legal process while you develop practical skills.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
Cost: $2,395
This program offers month-long law internships for high school students, with a focus on the legal, ethical, and policy debates surrounding the death penalty. During the internship, you will explore the role of capital punishment in global justice systems and debate its use, along with the implications for human rights. You will also analyze real-world case studies and conduct guided research as you collaborate to examine domestic and international legal frameworks. You will get to study perspectives from law, sociology, and philosophy, and develop a well-rounded understanding of what capital punishment entails. This will help you develop your legal analysis, critical thinking, and research skills. This program will also have you co-author a research paper with the guidance of a legal scholar, which you might get to submit for publication.