Top 12 Law Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring law, participating in law research opportunities for high school students will help you learn about legal precedents, how to analyse cases, and build strong arguments. Working with district attorneys or law firms will offer you hands-on exposure to real-world legal processes. You will gain insights into court procedures, legal research, and client advocacy.
Observing attorneys in action will help you understand ethics, justice, and legal decision-making, as early exposure to the legal field fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of law. Here are 12 top law research opportunities for high school students that you can look into!
1. UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility:
Enrolled in a Philadelphia public, catholic, private, or charter high school
Currently in 9th or 10th grade
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Cost/Stipend: None. Paid
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
The University of Pennsylvania’s Provost Summer Mentorship Program is a four-week experience designed to inspire first-generation and underrepresented high school students in Philadelphia to see higher education as an achievable goal. You will get the chance to learn from five professional schools, including the Penn Carey Law School, where they explore what it’s like to be a law student, what lawyers do, and how the law impacts society. This is an invaluable experience for future-generation lawyers to get a holistic view of the profession.
Alongside their academic sessions, students receive test prep, financial literacy lessons, life skills training, and guidance on the college application process to build confidence and improve their skills. While this is not strictly a research-based program, UPenn is a prestigious university that provides a gateway into the world of law.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; the regular summer application deadline is April 27
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience with AI/ML or students who have completed a Veritas AI program
Cost: $2,490
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is an 8-week internship that offers high school students the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. You will get to work with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more to understand AI and its workings.
This program is a great opportunity for you if you’re interested in gaining AI/ML experience and real-world exposure in the field. They can network with industry professionals, work with company leaders, and receive a completion letter at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
3. Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) by the Atlanta Bar Association
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, GA
Program Dates: May 28 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 7 – March 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) offers high school students hands-on experience in the legal field. This selective program helps you gain practical knowledge, build mentor relationships, and explore different areas of law while promoting diversity in the profession. However, the program is intensive and requires complete commitment from the students selected.
As an intern, you’ll take part in weekly discussions with guest speakers and complete legal studies assignments. A key part of SLIP is the Terrence Croft Essay Competition, where you’ll write a 750-word analysis of a U.S. Supreme Court case. Through this mix of work experience and academic challenges, you will develop critical thinking, legal research, and writing skills. The internship segues into a research experience while working with legal teams.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohort starts on June 2
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; May 11 is the regular admission deadline for the summer cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships is a highly selective start-up internship program for high school students who want to understand the workings of a new business venture. During the program, you will work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups offering internships come from many fields, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more.
Ladder’s start-ups are fast-growing companies that have usually raised over a million dollars. During the program, you will work on real projects with their managers and a Ladder Coach, and present your work to the company. Here is the application form!
5. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Manhattan, NY
Program Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in a Manhattan high school
Stipend: Paid minimum wage
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program offers a rigorous five-week internship that provides students with a comprehensive look into the criminal justice system and the work of legal professionals. You will participate in workshops and discussions on criminal justice reform, police practices, civic involvement, and leadership.
You’ll also get to experience a mock trial, taking on roles in simulated legal proceedings. This allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of courtroom processes and case preparation as well as learn to argue cases. Although not strictly a research program, the vibrant dialogue between your team, mentors, and you would be an invaluable learning experience to continue your research independently.
6. Brooklyn District Attorney's High School Internship Program
Location: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY
Program Dates: Throughout the year, depending on availability
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing or attending school in Brooklyn
Stipend: Paid a weekly stipend
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program offers high school students an introduction to the criminal justice system through a hands-on approach. You will be placed within various units of the District Attorney's Office: Homicide, Special Victims Unit, Violent Criminal Enterprises (VCE), Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, Victim Services, Crime Strategies, and Investigations. Through the internship, you will assist with legal research, trial preparation, and the organization of court documents.
This experience includes observing court proceedings and giving you an understanding of how the DA’s office operates and contributes to public safety. You will also have access to sessions that explore ethical considerations in criminal justice, resume-building, and public speaking. Through this internship and researching real-world cases, you will get a well-rounded idea of a career in law.
7. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by the American Bar Association (ABA)
Location: Various cities across the country
Program Dates: 6 weeks, typically in the summer
Application Deadline: January 10
Stipend: $2,000
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate: Selective; preference is given to students who are underrepresented in the law community
As a participant in the ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP), you will get to intern with federal or state judges across the U.S. You will gain hands-on experience in court, observe trials, and assist with legal research and writing. It is a highly intensive program that promotes diversity in the legal field and encourages students from all backgrounds to explore law careers.
You will also work closely with judges and their chambers, getting an inside look at the judicial system. JIOP is ideal for students committed to a legal career, especially within the judicial branch. As a research opportunity, it allows you to learn through real-life trials and helps you get hands-on experience going beyond theoretical knowledge.
8. Law Links Internship: Maryland Youth & the Law
Location: Law firms and law-related agencies across Baltimore, MD
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Baltimore City public high school sophomores and juniors able to commit to a full-time, 7-week program (no vacation or absences)
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Law Links is a 7-week paid summer internship that places high school students in law firms and legal agencies in Baltimore. It is a highly rigorous program and will give you a well-rounded understanding of the field. You will get to attend the Law & Leadership Institute, a 50-hour seminar held at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, starting with a 2.5-day orientation and continuing every Wednesday morning.
9. Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association
Location: Various law firms and corporate legal departments 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: High school juniors in Dallas ISD; academic average of 85 or above; no more than 10 absences; applicants with an interest in studying law are preferred
Stipend: $1,000 – $2,000
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is a collaborative effort between the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), offering Dallas ISD high school juniors the opportunity to intern with local law firms, non-profit organizations, or corporate legal departments. These internships are often four weeks full-time or eight weeks part-time. You will also participate in educational activities organized by the Dallas Bar Association, including courthouse and college campus tours, culminating in an end-of-program reception. It is a highly intensive program that requires full commitment.
10. Summer Law Institute (SLI) Program
Location: Various law schools and institutes in New York City
Program Dates: First week of July to the first week of August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided upon successful completion
Cohort Size: Up to 30 students are accepted into six law school sites
The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is a five-week program introducing high school students to law, with a focus on criminal justice and hands-on learning to better understand the scope of law and governance. Guided by law students, you will engage with lawyers, visit legal institutions, and develop essential legal skills.
The program concludes with a mock trial in a real courtroom, judged by professionals, which will enable you to deep-dive into the professional world of law, going beyond the theoretical. SLI helps students build confidence and prepare for a legal career. Graduates can apply for the College Bound program, a four-year college support initiative.
11. Summer Law & Trial Institute
Location: Ohio University
Program Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; a high school transcript (official or unofficial) is required; a minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The Summer Law & Trial Institute at Ohio University offers high school students daily interactions with lawyers, judges, and faculty, equipping them with essential legal skills for collegiate study. You will develop analytical reasoning, case analysis, negotiation, public speaking, and professionalism while also exploring career paths in law and the transition to college.
Through hands-on experiences like mock trials, you will build teamwork and advocacy skills. Research plays a crucial role in case analysis, legal reasoning, and trial preparation, helping you understand precedents and construct strong arguments. This program is fully funded through alumni support, providing an invaluable opportunity for aspiring legal professionals.
12. Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester, and Springfield)
Program Dates:
Boston: July 1 – August 15
Worcester & Springfield: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline:
Boston: Rolling
Worcester: April 10
Springfield: April 11
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Boston, Worcester, and Springfield; specific requirements vary by location.
Stipend: $15.00/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Offered by the Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts, the Judicial Youth Corps Program is an intensive educational internship that focuses on exposing high school students to the Massachusetts court system and the rule of law.
You will be taught and mentored by judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and other court personnel who volunteer their time in educational sessions or as supervisors. Mock trials, field trips, and group discussions are an intrinsic part of the summer program. Although not strictly a research program, it allows you to research intensively while working with professionals in the field of law.