12 Law Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles, California
If you are a high school student based in Los Angeles who is interested in law, chances are that you are looking for internships to gain some experience. Participating in internships not only adds to your professional experience in this field but also signals your interest in the subject.
However, one limitation of these internships is travel, which could affect both the cost and time involved in your internship. To reduce these costs, you could opt for an internship in Los Angeles! In this blog, we have identified 12 law internships based in Los Angeles open to high school students. While all of the programs on this list might not be traditional internships, they all offer practical experience and a chance to explore law and law-adjacent careers.
1. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Varies by senator and session
Dates: Multiple sessions starting January 26
Application Deadline: Varies by office
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualify under Department of State agreements; have a Social Security number; be a high school junior (for semester) or rising junior/senior (for summer) aged 16 or 17 by the appointment date; have a minimum GPA of 3.0/B; meet other requirements listed on the website
Cost/Stipend: Paid on a prorated basis from an annual salary of $37,230
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school students an introduction to the workings of the American legislative process. As a Senate Page, you’ll play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the Senate—delivering correspondence and legislative materials, preparing the Senate Chamber for sessions, assisting during roll call votes, and supporting senators and staff during debates. Depending on your session, you may work during the school year or summer, and placements vary based on the senator who nominates you.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). The next deadline is on June 23
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work 10-20 hours a week
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from medicine, tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. LA County Public Defender’s Office Youth Defender Program
Location: Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; no stipend provided
The Youth Defender Program is an opportunity for you to explore the world of criminal defense law. Hosted by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, this week-long program offers experience with a mock case, guiding you through the stages of criminal procedure—from arrest to trial. As a Youth Defender, you’ll step into the role of a public defender, learning how to advocate for society’s most vulnerable and build a strong defense. Beyond the mock trial, you will also get the chance to observe criminal court proceedings in action!
4. ACLU of Southern California Internships
Location: Hybrid or fully remote, with the option to work from Los Angeles
Dates: Flexible; summer interns are asked to commit to at least 8–10 weeks
Application Deadlines: Spring Internships: February 14 | Summer Internships: February 21 | Fall Internships: August 2 | Winter/Spring Semester Internships: December 6
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; no stipend provided
As an intern with the ACLU of Southern California, you’ll join one of its key advocacy areas—such as Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Education, Immigrants’ Rights, LGBTQ+ and Gender Justice, or Police Practices—and work on a focused project within that area. Your responsibilities will vary by placement, but may include legal research, policy analysis, public education, community outreach, drafting materials, and legislative advocacy, giving you experience in advancing civil rights and social justice.
5. LA County District Attorney’s Office Youth Volunteer Internship
Location: District Attorney’s Office, West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: Spring: January 1 – May 31 | Summer: June 1 – August 31 | Fall: September 1 – December 31
Application Deadlines: Spring: September 1 – November 15 | Summer: January 1 – April 15 | Fall: May 1 – July 15
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old at the time of application, currently enrolled in high school, and have parental or guardian consent.
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; no stipend specified
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office offers high school students the chance to gain firsthand experience in a professional legal environment. As a Youth Volunteer Intern, you’ll support day-to-day office operations through tasks such as scanning and filing documents, answering phones, assembling reports, and more. This internship provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest prosecutorial offices in the nation and is a great way for you to build workplace experience while exploring a potential career in law. You can look at the full details over here!
6. Wise Up! Summer Program Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: June 22 – August 5
Application Deadline: June 5
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student (grades 9–11)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
The Wise Up! Summer Program is a seven-week internship designed for high school students invested in immigrant rights and social justice. Hosted by CHIRLA, this remote program equips you with foundational skills in community organizing, event planning, and advocacy. Along the way, you'll also receive peer-to-peer college counseling and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
7. Teach Democracy Expanding Horizons Institute
Location: Teach Democracy, Kinsley Drive, Los Angeles, CA (Internship locations vary)
Dates: June 16 – July 28
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: Must be a current high school sophomore or junior at a Title I school in LA County, have parents who did not graduate from a 4-year college, and be eligible to work in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; summer internship is paid, and the amount varies based on the opportunity you opt for.
The Expanding Horizons Institute is a program designed for first-generation, college-bound high school students in Los Angeles. Through interactive seminars, you will build critical skills in communication, leadership, and professional development. The program wraps up with a paid summer internship at a law firm, government agency, nonprofit, or corporate office—offering experience in professional settings.
8. JTB’S Summer Legal Institute
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Dates: Los Angeles: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend
The Summer Legal Institute is a five-day program that introduces you to the legal field while helping you build key skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, and financial literacy. Held in cities like Los Angeles, it stands out for its strong mentorship component—you’ll work directly with attorneys from top law firms and companies. While it’s not a formal internship, the mentorship you gain can help you secure one in the future.
9. EXP Internship Program
Location: Southern California
Dates: 4-week Internship: July 7 – August 1 | 6-week Internship: July 1 – August 8
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be an 11th-grade student at an EXP-partnered high school
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
As an 11th-grade student at an EXP-supported high school in Southern California, you can join the EXP Internship Program. This seven-month program builds your career skills and personal confidence. You'll be matched with an internship lasting 4 or 6 weeks, where you'll gain practical experience, connect with industry professionals, and explore future career paths. Throughout the program, you'll be supported by educators, mentors, and employers.
10. Los Angeles County Student Election Worker Program
Location: Various Vote Centers across Los Angeles County
Dates: Vary based on the election. In 2024, was on November 2, 3, and 5
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by Election Day, currently enrolled in high school (public or private), a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and obtain consent from a teacher and parent/guardian.
Cost/Stipend: $100 per day of service, $80 for completing training, and a $100 bonus for bilingual speakers (in select languages).
The Student Election Worker Program gives you a chance to take part in democracy by serving as an Election Worker during Los Angeles County elections. You'll attend an official training session and take on key responsibilities at the Vote Center, such as helping with setup, assisting voters, and closing operations at the end of the day.
11. D.Law’s Internship
Location: Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA
Dates: July 7 - August 1
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors.
Cost/Stipend: $17.50/hour
This four-week part-time internship is designed to help you step into the professional world. Through a mix of workshops and projects, you’ll explore workplace dynamics, develop skills, and build your career readiness. You’ll get guidance on creating your resume and LinkedIn profile, take part in mock interviews, and learn about your rights as an employee. The program also offers Q&A sessions with industry professionals, one-on-one mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities—all within a community of peers. If you complete the program successfully, you may even earn letters of recommendation.
12. Court Angels (Los Angeles Superior Court)
Location: Los Angeles Superior Court
Cost: Free (modest stipend or unpaid)
Dates: Varies; based on court’s needs
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–17 in Los Angeles County
Court Angels places teens in mentor-guided roles within the Superior Court system, allowing them to observe court processes, assist staff, and explore legal career pathways. This hands-on exposure offers insight into the justice system and courtroom operations.