Top 12 Local Government Internships for High School Students
Internships are an excellent way for high school students to gain practical experience without incurring significant expenses on academic programs. These programs offer exposure to professional environments, help build valuable skills, and open doors to mentorship and future opportunities. Many internships for high school students are hosted by colleges, law offices, or local government agencies, and some even come with a stipend. For students interested in government, public policy, or law, internships offer an opportunity to explore these fields and potential careers within them.
By interning with your local government, you’ll meet professionals, observe how decisions are made, and figure out what interests you most. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 standout local government internships for high schoolers.
1. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Location: New York City Bar, New York, NY
Stipend: $16 – $22/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: January 13
Dates: 6-8 weeks, beginning in March
Eligibility: New York City public high school students
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) offers New York City public high school students a paid summer internship with a legal employer. Interns are matched with law firms, corporations, nonprofits, or government agencies through a competitive application and interview process. The internship lasts 6–8 weeks, from March to August, and includes professional development opportunities. This program, run by the New York City Bar Association, helps provide early exposure to the legal field. You’ll gain experience in legal workplaces while expanding your professional network.
2. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Various law firms in Dallas, Texas
Stipend: $10+/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – July 3 | Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors during the current school year with an academic average of 85 or above and no more than 10 absences
The Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) allows high school students to intern with law firms or corporate legal departments across Dallas. Internships last up to eight weeks during June and July, with schedules determined by each employer. You will be expected to follow your assigned schedule and structured learning curriculum. You will also attend orientations, educational events, and the end-of-program reception. This program provides a valuable introduction to the legal profession while helping you develop essential workplace skills.
3. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Various private law firms, corporate law divisions, or governmental agencies in Memphis, Tennessee
Stipend: $500
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 2 – June 27
Eligibility: Minority rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school as of August; a resident of or attending a high school in Shelby County, TN
The Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program gives high school students firsthand experience in the legal profession. Interns are placed in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies and are expected to complete 60 hours of work during the summer. The program is designed to introduce students from underrepresented backgrounds to legal career pathways. You will observe the legal workplace, assist with tasks, and learn from practicing professionals. Those who complete the internship receive a $500 stipend.
4. The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program for High School Students (SLIP)
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; highly selective
Application Deadline: February 7 – March 20
Dates: May 27 – July 18
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school students who are juniors and seniors
The Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) offers paid, full-time internships to high school students in Atlanta. Interns are placed with law firms or legal organizations, where they gain experience in administrative work, legal research, and professional mentorship. The program provides exposure to legal environments and opportunities to build valuable connections. Students must commit fully to the program and have no conflicting summer plans.
5. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program
Location: Various law firms, government law offices, and corporate legal departments in Metro Nashville
Stipend: Paid ($10-$15/hour) and unpaid internships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Eligibility: Seniors and rising seniors
The Nashville Bar Association’s Summer Intern Program connects high school students with legal experience. Interns are placed with law firms, corporations, or government agencies in the Nashville area and work 6–8 hours a day over seven weeks. The program offers both paid and unpaid roles and begins with an orientation to prepare students for the workplace. Weekly “Lunch and Learn” events provide insight into law school, legal careers, and professional success strategies. You will also benefit from networking with legal professionals and fellow interns. This program serves as a meaningful entry point for those considering a career in law.
6. Internship Program at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Location: Manhattan District Attorney
Stipend: Paid minimum wage
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 12
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors residing in Manhattan
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship is a paid, five-week program that provides students with experience in the criminal justice system. You will participate in interactive workshops, legal seminars, and a mock trial to strengthen skills such as public speaking and persuasive argumentation. Beyond courtroom exposure, you will gain experience in a professional office environment, learning workplace etiquette and professional behavior. You will benefit from mentorship provided by experienced legal professionals.
7. Page Program
Location: Washington State Legislature
Stipend: $65/day
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Applications open on November 1st. No deadline has been specified.
Dates: 1 week during the legislative session
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years of age and have not reached their 17th birthday
The Washington State Legislature Page Program gives students a weeklong look into government. As a page, you’ll distribute materials, assist offices, deliver messages, and participate in ceremonies at the Capitol. You’ll also attend Page School for two hours daily to study the branches of government, the lawmaking process, and civil discourse. The week ends with a mock committee hearing in a legislative room, streamed live by TVW. Open to students from across Washington, the program runs during the state's legislative session. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the state government and build civic knowledge.
8. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: New York City Office of the Mayor
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 21 - March 30
Dates: July 7 - August 29 (Summer Term)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program; 16 years of age or older.
As a Mayor’s Office intern, you’ll engage with the daily operations of New York City’s government while supporting initiatives that improve the lives of its residents. Interns apply to a department of choice and contribute through data analysis, brief writing, event staffing, and public outreach. The internship features a Speaker Series at City Hall, where you’ll meet senior officials and gain insights into leadership in city government. You’ll collaborate with other interns to develop a community service project through NYC Service. This is an opportunity to build experience and shape positive change across the five boroughs.
Location: Louisiana State Bar Association
Stipend: Up to $250
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: May 5
Dates: June 9 - June 27
Eligibility: Students entering the 11th or 12th grade in the fall
Suit Up is a three-week legal program designed for Louisiana high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in law. You'll experience the Socratic teaching method, work on a legal writing project, and deliver an oral argument to a panel of judges. Outside the classroom, you’ll shadow lawyers and judges, tour law schools, and visit the Louisiana Supreme Court. The program also features sessions on the LSAT, resume writing, and workplace etiquette. This is an opportunity to explore the legal profession up close. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing.
10. U.S. DOJ Pathways Internships
Location: U.S. Department of Justice
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Dates: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school from high school to postgraduate
The U.S. Department of Justice Pathways Internship Program offers high school students opportunities to explore careers in the federal government. You can take on paid or unpaid positions within various federal agencies, gaining experience in areas such as law, public policy, and administration. The program offers mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity to transition into a permanent federal role upon completing the internship. With positions offered across the country, this program is ideal for students interested in starting a career in public service while still in school.
11. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 3-month commitment
Eligibility: High school students
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office offers a structured High School Volunteer Internship Program for students interested in law and justice. You’ll work alongside legal professionals after completing initial training, assisting with tasks such as contacting clients, attending hearings, and researching case law. You will gain valuable insight into prosecution and the criminal justice system, while possibly earning school credit. The program is ideal for students exploring careers in law, social work, or public service. A thorough screening process makes this internship relatively competitive.
12. Communities in Schools of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program
Location: Houston Bar Association/Communities in Schools of Houston
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Over 20
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Houston
CIS of Houston’s Legal Internship Program offers high school juniors and seniors an insider's view of the legal world through a paid, 8-week summer experience. Interns are placed in Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, or public interest agencies. Created with the Houston Bar Association, the program focuses on career readiness, life skills, and mentorship. Interns learn by doing—attending meetings, reviewing documents, and assisting legal professionals. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain confidence and clarity on future goals while working in a professional setting.
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