12 Online Law Internships for High School Students
Not sure what you want to do after high school? That’s where internships come in. Virtual internships are even better—no travel, flexible hours, and tons of learning from your own space! Online internships for high school students are a smart way to try out different careers, especially law, without spending a fortune. You’ll get to build real-world skills, see how professionals work, and maybe even meet future mentors.
Many online internships for high school students are offered by top colleges or well-known organizations, so you know you’re learning from the best. If you’re curious about what a legal career would look like, now’s the time to explore! We’ve done the work and found 12 online law internships for high school students like you.
1. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Virtual / In-person at FPRI
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Rolling
Dates:
Spring: February – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Eligibility: High school students skilled in writing and research
In today's interconnected world, international relations play a crucial role in shaping global interactions. The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) provides online internships for high school students looking to explore this dynamic field. As a participant, you will collaborate with professionals to gain niche skills while improving essential workplace competencies such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
You’ll also participate in foreign policy seminars and career development workshops, engage in FPRI-hosted events, and assist with research suitable for publication. You can select a focus area like research, event planning, communications, or operations to align with your career aspirations. Whether contributing to studies or coordinating logistics, this program offers a strong foundation in global affairs.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 onwards
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Varies based on cohort
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Are you a high school student fascinated by artificial intelligence? Veritas AI—run by Harvard grads—offers exciting opportunities just for you! The AI Scholars program is a dynamic 10-session boot camp designed to introduce you to the world of AI, machine learning, and data science through real-world projects. However, if you’re ready for the next level, the AI Fellowship provides one-on-one mentorship to develop a personalized research project. You’ll also get help publishing your work through Veritas’ in-house publication team. But to be eligible, you should have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python. Check out some past projects here!
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: High school students
The Pasquines internship offers online internships for high school students looking for direct experience in journalism, politics, and policy analysis. As a nonprofit led by volunteers, Pasquines is dedicated to highlighting the perspectives of U.S. territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa, in national policy debates.
As an intern, you’ll enhance your writing by reporting on key local developments and collaborating to better understand political and systemic issues affecting these regions. The program encourages deeper awareness of underrepresented communities through research and communication. Flexible scheduling and continuous opportunities make it well-suited for driven students. This internship is perfect for those passionate about civic engagement and territorial politics.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple 8-12-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours per week
Looking for a unique internship experience as a high school student? Ladder Internships connects ambitious teens with high-growth start-ups across industries like tech, AI, health, journalism, and more! These companies aren’t just any start-ups—they’re often raising millions and scaling fast.
In this 8-week virtual program, you’ll work directly with a start-up team and get guidance from a Ladder Coach while tackling meaningful projects. At the end, you’ll present your work to the company. To explore all the available options, be sure to check out the application form!
5. Pathway Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: Federal agencies / Remote opportunities are also offered
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: At least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement; Cumulative GPA of 2.0
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Programs offers in-person and online internships for high school students who want to gain hands-on government experience while continuing their studies. You’ll choose between the Internship Experience Program (IEP), which provides longer-term roles with federal benefits and promotion potential, or the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), which is a short-term option suited for school breaks.
Both internships are paid and open to students from high school to graduate levels. You’ll contribute to real projects across the country and work alongside public service professionals. Upon successful completion, you may qualify for non-competitive hiring into federal positions. Positions are listed on USAJobs as they become available.
6. USC Center for the Political Future Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: May 19
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students; Minimum GPA of 3.5
The USC Center for the Political Future offers a fully virtual summer internship for high school students interested in politics and environmental policy. Through this program, you’ll complete two major projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis. You’ll choose a bill—local, state, or federal—related to sustainability or environmental policy, regardless of whether it passed or not.
With guidance from the USC Dornsife Center and Wrigley Institute, you’ll explore how legislation is shaped and evaluated. This opportunity provides structured, real-world experience in policy research and political analysis, all from the comfort of your home.
7. Remote Social Work & NGO Support Internships: Hosted out of India
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Available year-round; You can start when you like
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with some knowledge of MS Excel
This remote internship allows you to support NGOs in India dedicated to serving underprivileged communities. You’ll assist with reporting, awareness campaigns, fundraising, and job support services for women, children, and low-income families. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in social work while engaging in real-world advocacy and case-based projects. Training modules include topics like social work research and case management. You’ll develop key professional and communication skills while demonstrating social responsibility. All work is conducted remotely, giving you global experience from your own home.
8. Virtual Volunteering and Virtual Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: $800 – $2,300
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Schedules are flexible and can range from 1-6 months
Eligibility: High school students ages 16+
United Planet’s Virtual Volunteering and Internship program lets you support global causes from wherever you are. With projects in over 20 countries and 60 focus areas, you can choose to work in education, global health, community development, or environmental sustainability. You'll be matched with an organization that fits your skills and interests, whether it's tutoring students in Colombia or supporting mental wellness programs in the U.S. All skill levels are welcome, and cultural exchange is at the heart of every placement. It’s a chance to contribute meaningfully and build global connections, entirely online.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; opportunities are available year-round
Dates: Depends on the opportunity you apply to
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Interns4Good is an online platform connecting high school students with internship opportunities at various nonprofit organizations. The site is frequently updated and offers roles in fields like communications, marketing, and law, helping students develop valuable skills while contributing to social impact. As an intern, you will be required to submit weekly logs detailing your hours and tasks, which are maintained for official documentation. Although all internships are unpaid, participation in the program is entirely free. Students can apply year-round, and specific schedules are arranged by the partnering nonprofit organizations.
10. Remote Legal Support for Human Rights Advocacy Internships: Hosted out of Tanzania
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Available year-round; you can start when you like
Eligibility: High School Students aged 16+ with relevant study experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field such as political science, sociology, African studies, etc.; Knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications is required
Intern remotely with a law firm or NGO in Tanzania, focusing on human rights and legal access for disadvantaged populations. You’ll engage with cases involving discrimination, gender equity, family law, and labor rights. Under the guidance of licensed attorneys, you’ll draft legal content, support court case preparations, and research human rights policies. This internship offers insight into the legal challenges faced by underserved communities in Tanzania. You may also contribute to campaigns against human trafficking or analyze how Sharia law interacts with common law. The experience is fully virtual and academically enriching.
11. Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program – Law: How to Think Like an Attorney
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Varies, depending on the session
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions available
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Ever wondered how attorneys make decisions rooted in logic, not emotion? Law: How to Think Like an Attorney shows you how legal professionals analyze evidence, debate ethically, and construct fact-based arguments. You’ll explore real-world cases, like the Lululemon murder trial, and learn how attorneys build timelines, distinguish evidence, and handle plea bargains. The course guides you in separating fact from opinion while encouraging you to ask deeper questions. You’ll also explore college majors and careers in law. A final capstone project and a certificate from Georgetown University wrap up your experience.
12. Northwestern University Pre-College Online Program – Law: From Interview to Argument
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Varies, depending on the session
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions are available
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
In Law: From Interview to Argument, you’ll step into the role of a lawyer and support a fictional client from consultation through oral argument. This online program walks you through legal interviewing, case analysis, memo writing, and courtroom communication. You’ll explore key legal skills like analogical reasoning and persuasive writing, building up to a final capstone project. Mentorship is included, offering guidance, feedback, and support throughout your learning. From legal research to oral argument prep, this course provides a full overview of the lawyer’s process. It's a practical, hands-on introduction to legal reasoning and communication.