15 Law Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
Law programs can be a practical option for high school students who want early exposure to how legal systems, institutions, and careers operate. These opportunities introduce you to legal concepts, case analysis, policy discussions, or courtroom processes. Many of these programs are offered through universities, courts, nonprofits, and legal organizations, giving you experience in a range of professional legal settings.
What law programs are available for high school students in New Jersey?
New Jersey has many state-sponsored initiatives and university-led "pipeline" programs that allow high schoolers to participate in mock trial competitions and legal debates. These programs are offered by institutions such as Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and The College of New Jersey. The state’s proximity to major legal hubs like Newark, Trenton, and the New York City metro area allows you to participate in specialized internships and workshops in professional settings.
To help you compare your options, we’ve narrowed this list to 15 law programs for high school students in New Jersey.
1. NJ Courts Mercer Vicinage (Civil Courthouse) Internship
Location: Trenton, NJ
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 15–30 students
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts available
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: All high school students
This paid internship with the New Jersey Judiciary places you within one of several court divisions, such as civil, criminal, family, or operations, to observe how the state court system functions. You support court staff through clerical and administrative work, including answering phones, organizing and scanning files, entering data, and drafting basic correspondence. You may also assist with simple research tasks and help maintain records used in daily court operations. In some placements, you can observe court proceedings or attend community-related meetings, offering additional exposure to judicial processes. This opportunity is structured for students who have completed college coursework.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks; open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
The Ladder Internship Program places you in a remote internship where you work with a startup or organization on a defined project over several weeks. You collaborate with a company mentor and focus on completing specific deliverables related to areas such as research, operations, marketing, or technology, depending on your placement. The program is conducted entirely online, allowing you to participate alongside your regular school schedule without relocating. You attend regular check-ins with your assigned coach to track progress and clarify expectations for your project work. At the end of the internship, you submit or present your completed project, which reflects your contribution to the host organization. Apply now!
3. Law Office of Kelly Anderson Smith Internship
Location: Hamilton, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 1–3 interns
Dates: Flexible, year-round; 10 hours/week
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: All high school students
The Law Office of Kelly Anderson Smith offers an internship focused on criminal law within a private legal practice in New Jersey. You support day-to-day office operations by assisting with administrative tasks, organizing legal files, and using computer systems to manage case materials. The internship involves working with case documentation related to criminal proceedings, including preparing files for trial and assisting with legal research connected to appeals. You may also interact with clients during different stages of a case, from initial intake through testimony preparation. Courtroom observations are available under the guidance of an attorney, allowing you to observe criminal proceedings in practice.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 1:1 mentor-to-student ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Fall, Summer, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with strong academic records (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
Lumiere Education offers a mentored research program where you complete an independent academic research project under the guidance of a university-affiliated PhD mentor. If you are interested in law, you can choose a research topic related to legal studies, public policy, constitutional law, criminal justice, or international legal systems. You work closely with your mentor to define a research question, review legal and academic sources, and develop a structured written research paper. The program focuses on source analysis, argument development, and clear academic writing rather than classroom instruction. All mentorship and research work takes place remotely, allowing you to participate alongside your regular school schedule. By the end, you will publish a research paper and be eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. NJ LEEP High School Program
Location: Greater Newark, NJ area
Stipend: Paid for 10th Grade Week on the Job (WOTJ)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Year–round program with summer, after-school, and Saturday sessions
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: High school students, especially first-generation or low-income, from the Greater Newark Area
NJ LEEP offers a structured four-year journey that begins in 9th grade with a Summer Law Institute focused on criminal law and mock trials. This foundation expands into 10th-grade micro-internships and life-skills training, followed by intensive ACT preparation during junior year. Seniors receive dedicated support for college applications and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition to higher education. Throughout high school, you attend bi-monthly writing workshops and frequent constitutional debates to sharpen your advocacy skills. By merging legal exploration with academic coaching, the program provides a comprehensive roadmap for students to succeed from freshman year through graduation.
6. Senator Cory Booker’s Office High School Internship
Location: Newark, New Jersey, and Camden, New Jersey offices
Stipend: Paid; exact amount varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 3–6 interns per session per office
Dates: Spring: January 12 – May 8; Summer Session One: Mid-May – June, Summer Session Two: July – early August; Fall: September – mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring session: in Fall; Summer session: in Spring; Fall session: in Summer
Eligibility: All high school students
Senator Cory Booker’s office offers a High School Accelerated Internship Session that places you in a congressional office in Newark or Camden, New Jersey, for a focused summer experience. You support the state team with constituent-focused tasks such as answering phones, processing mail and email, and tracking public feedback on policy issues. In addition to general office duties, you assist with drafting memos, conducting research on topics of interest, and accompanying staff to local community events. This internship allows you to observe how a Senate office engages with the public and handles legislative outreach within a professional setting.
7. Congressman Chris Smith Internships
Location: New Jersey and Washington, D.C
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 2–4 interns per office location
Dates: Summer, Spring, and Fall terms available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer: March/April; Spring: November/December; Fall: July/August
Eligibility: Upperclassmen high school students from New Jersey
Congressman Chris Smith’s office offers internship opportunities that place you within a U.S. House of Representatives office focused on legislative and constituent services. You will assist with tasks such as responding to constituent correspondence, answering phones, organizing casework materials, and tracking public input on policy issues. Some responsibilities may include conducting background research on legislation and preparing informational materials used by the office. You may also support outreach efforts by helping coordinate community events or meetings with local organizations. This internship allows you to observe how a congressional office manages constituent needs and legislative priorities daily.
8. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship Opportunities
Location: In-person and virtual options available
Stipend: Unpaid, generally; some need-based stipends may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by department/role
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer internships available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students authorised to work in the US
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships that allow you to engage with research and writing connected to international relations, law, and public policy. In these roles, you support institute projects by conducting research on global issues, analyzing policy developments, and assisting with drafting briefs or summaries that contribute to FPRI’s public publications. You may also help organize events, contribute to editorial work, and support communications that connect research findings with broader audiences. Internships at FPRI are structured as supervised experiences with defined responsibilities that expose you to how policy research is conducted and communicated.
9. Rutgers University Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers–New Brunswick campus in New Jersey
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; typically, 25–30 students
Dates: July 12 – 18; July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: Domestic student: May 24; International student: April 14
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 finishing their sophomore or junior year, and have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
Rutgers University’s Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy allows you to explore legal concepts and courtroom practice through lessons and mock trials. You learn the basics of civil and criminal law, sources of law, and trial advocacy from experienced instructors, including faculty with legal expertise. The program includes interactive exercises where you analyze cases, draft examinations, and practice persuasive courtroom argumentation. You also engage in structured mock trial experiences that mirror real courtroom procedures and terminology. Residential life on the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus allows you to participate fully in academic sessions, cohort activities, and community events.
10. Montclair State University Pre-College Summer Offerings - Law and Order: Understanding America’s Criminal Justice System
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $1,900 per program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 15 to 25 students
Dates: Session I: July 12 – 18; Session II: July 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically, early June
Eligibility: Current 9th to 11th-grade high school students
Led by the Justice Studies faculty at Montclair State University, this immersive one-week residency provides high school students with a deep dive into the American legal landscape. You will engage in crime scene investigations and mock trials, developing skills in analytical reasoning and public speaking. The curriculum spans topics from policing and criminology to judicial ethics and social justice. By visiting a criminal justice agency and living on campus, you gain a realistic preview of college life while preparing for future careers in law. It is a practical, fast-paced introduction to the complexities of our justice system.
11. Kean University Human Rights in Action Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Kean University Main Campus, Union, NJ
Cost: $300 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 21 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students, typically grades 10–12
High school students interested in social justice and law gain a strong foundation through Kean University’s Human Rights in Action program. By examining landmark cases and human rights treaties, you will explore complex topics like international humanitarian law, civil rights, and refugee protections. The curriculum moves beyond theory, involving you in simulated legal debates and sessions led by practicing lawyers and university faculty. These activities help you develop essential professional skills, including ethical reasoning, legal analysis, and persuasive speaking. It is an ideal environment for those looking to understand how policy and advocacy can be used to protect global human rights.
12. Georgetown Pre-Law College – Law: Analyze, Argue, and Advocate Like a Lawyer
Location: Virtual
Cost: Enrichment: $1,895; College Credit: $3,995; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; no fixed cohort size
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: One week before the program start date
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up
Georgetown University’s Pre-College Law program allows you to explore core legal concepts through structured online coursework. You will examine how legal professionals analyze cases, interpret statutes, and apply constitutional principles to practical scenarios. The program introduces you to legal reasoning by focusing on issue identification, argument development, and the use of evidence in legal analysis. You complete assignments that require written analysis and critical evaluation of legal problems. Instruction is delivered by Georgetown-affiliated educators in a guided academic setting. You can earn college credits and a Certificate of Completion at the end, depending on the variant you choose.
13. William and Mary’s Pre-College Online Constitutional Law Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; no cap on cohort size
Dates: Year–round multi-length sessions
Application Deadline: One week before the session starts
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
William & Mary’s Pre-College Online course in Constitutional Law introduces you to foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution and how they shape legal systems and rights. Through structured online study, you will examine key topics such as the separation of powers, individual liberties, and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting constitutional text. The course involves reading primary legal materials, engaging with case examples, and completing written assignments that help you apply legal reasoning to landmark decisions. Instruction is guided by university faculty with expertise in constitutional law, and the online format lets you participate alongside your school commitments without relocating.
14. Rice University’s Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; no fixed cohort size
Dates: Multi-length courses offered year–round
Application Deadline: One week before the session starts
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Rice University’s Pre-College Law program offers structured online coursework that introduces you to legal reasoning and key areas of law. In this program, you examine how legal professionals interpret statutes, analyze case decisions, and apply legal principles to different scenarios. The curriculum includes study of topics such as constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, and advocacy skills through readings, discussions, and written assignments. You learn how to identify factual issues, evaluate legal arguments, and articulate reasoned conclusions in writing. You earn a certificate of completion from Rice University upon the course’s completion.
15. University of Notre Dame’s Pre-College – Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; roughly 15–20 students
Dates: Multiple 2 and 4-week courses offered year–round
Application Deadline: One week before the session starts
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Notre Dame’s Pre-College Online Law program introduces you to foundational legal concepts and how they are applied within courts and legal systems. Through structured online coursework, you will study legal reasoning, constitutional principles, and the role of law in society. You analyze case examples, interpret legal texts, and complete written assignments that focus on identifying issues and explaining legal arguments. Instruction is provided by university-affiliated educators with experience in legal studies. The online format allows you to participate alongside your regular school schedule without relocating. This program helps you understand how legal principles are interpreted and applied across different legal contexts.
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