Top 12 Law Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs are an excellent way for high school students to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable connections. These programs provide structured learning experiences, hands-on projects, and mentorship, making them a strong option for students looking to explore potential career paths. Many prestigious universities, law firms, and organizations offer opportunities in law, giving students a chance to engage with legal professionals and develop essential skills like public speaking, research, and critical thinking.
For students interested in law, government, or related fields, these programs provide early exposure to legal studies, court procedures, and even real-world casework. Our list features the top 12 law summer programs for high school students, carefully selected based on factors such as prestige, selectivity, and academic rigor.
Some offer internships that allow students to work directly with legal professionals, while others provide virtual options for those looking for flexibility.
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Cost: $2,490
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 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, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary 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!
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available
3. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) provides paid summer internships for high school students in the Atlanta metro area who are interested in law. The program offers hands-on experience in legal settings, mentorship from professionals, and a deeper understanding of the legal system. Interns are placed in law firms, courts, and legal departments, where they assist with case research, observe legal proceedings, and gain insight into daily legal work.
This eight-week, full-time internship requires a strong commitment, as students must prioritize the program over vacations, sports, or other summer commitments. The program has helped many students pursue legal careers, including former interns who later attended law school.
Location: Atlanta, GA (in-person)
Dates: May 28 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors in the Atlanta metro area
Stipend: Paid internship (exact amount varies)
4. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a five-week, paid internship that offers students direct exposure to the criminal justice system. Interns participate in workshops, discussions, and a mock trial program, gaining practical legal experience and developing professional skills in an office setting.
The program provides an opportunity to engage with prosecutors, legal professionals, and law enforcement officials while exploring career paths in law. Interns must be available full-time, Monday through Friday, as they will be involved in intensive hands-on learning.
Location: Manhattan, NY (in-person)
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: Manhattan residents who are current sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Stipend: Paid (minimum wage)
5. ACLU National Advocacy Institute’s High School Program
The ACLU National Advocacy Institute’s High School Program is a week-long immersive experience for students passionate about civil rights and social justice advocacy. Hosted at American University in Washington, D.C., the program connects students (ages 15-18) with ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, and community activists to explore legal strategy, issue advocacy, and political decision-making. Through classroom sessions, site visits, and policy discussions, students develop skills to lead advocacy efforts in their communities. The program offers three sessions over the summer, and participants will engage in active learning, networking, and collaborative projects focused on defending civil liberties.
Location: American University, Washington, D.C. (in-person)
Dates:
Session 1: July 13 – July 19
Session 2: July 20 – July 26
Session 3: July 27 – August 2
Application Deadlines:
Early Decision: March 3
Regular Decision: April 14
Rolling admissions after April 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18
Cost/Stipend: $2,700 (covers lodging, food, activities, and events); financial aid available
6. Georgetown University Law Academy
The Georgetown University Law Academy provides high school students with an introduction to the legal field, guided by Georgetown’s faculty and guest speakers. You will learn about jurisprudence, case analysis, and the evolution of America’s legal institutions, engaging with the legal perspectives and issues that shape today’s society.
Through lectures, discussion groups, and expert panels, you will explore both the theory and practice of law. You will also engage with peers who share your interest in legal studies and participate in debates and discussions about current issues, from civil rights to environmental policies, to understand the changing landscape of law in America.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Dates: Various 1-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in law
Cost: $3,525
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school students an opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand. Pages assist in various Senate activities while learning about government and public service. This program provides a deep understanding of the workings of the Senate and allows you to engage with lawmakers. To apply, you have to send a letter of interest, your transcript, and letters of recommendation to your senator’s office.
Location: U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
Spring: January 26 – June 6
Summer Session I: June 8 – June 27
Summer Session II: July 8 – August 1
Fall: September 1 – January 23
Application Deadline: Varies by senator
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, varies depending on summer or semester program. Check details here
Stipend: A stipend is provided
8. National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Law & CSI
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Law & CSI is a program designed for high school students interested in careers in law or crime scene investigation. You will choose either the legal or CSI track, allowing you to explore courtroom simulations, forensic analysis, and more. Students on the law track visit local courthouses to observe real proceedings and engage in a mock trial. You will also interact with law school professionals, exploring the educational and career paths within the legal field.
Students on the CSI track participate in panels with forensic scientists and professors to learn about the latest forensic technology and career opportunities in criminal investigations. In addition to the academic components, you will get to experience college life at the University of Maryland, College Park, and visit George Mason University for a campus tour and admissions workshop.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD (30 minutes from Washington, D.C.)
Dates:
July 5 – 12
July 19 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: $4,395
9. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program
The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program is a six-week paid summer internship that introduces high school students to the Massachusetts court system and the rule of law. Participants engage in mock trials, field trips, and interactive discussions while being mentored by judges, lawyers, clerks, and probation officers.
Interns work in local courthouses in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, gaining hands-on experience in court operations. The program is run by the Supreme Judicial Court's Public Information Office, and interns must commit to the full session, including Friday educational sessions.
Location: Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, Massachusetts (in-person)
Dates: July – August
Application Deadlines:
Boston: Rolling admissions (apply early)
Worcester: April 10
Springfield: April 11
Eligibility:
Boston: Open to Boston residents
Worcester: Open to students attending high school in Worcester
Springfield: Open to students attending high school in Springfield
Stipend: Paid internship
10. Columbia University: Introduction to Corporate Law
This three-week intensive course provides a comprehensive introduction to corporate law, covering the legal framework that governs business organizations. Students will explore sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, learning how to choose the appropriate entity based on business needs.
The course also delves into key legal concepts, including contracts, liabilities, disputes, and the roles of corporate officers and directors. Participants will analyze legal responsibilities, draft business documents (such as articles of incorporation and partnership agreements), and discuss the broader impact of legal decisions on business operations.
No prior legal knowledge is required, but a basic understanding of business concepts may be beneficial.
Location: Columbia University, NY (in-person)
Dates: June 30 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can engage maturely with legal discussions
Cost: $12,764. Financial aid is available.
11. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: Pre-College Academy
This three-week immersive program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to experience law school-level coursework at an Ivy League institution. Held on Penn Carey Law’s campus, students engage in an accelerated version of a first-year law curriculum, learning directly from Penn Carey Law faculty and experienced legal practitioners.
The program covers fundamental legal principles and allows participants to explore specialized areas of law, such as corporate law, environmental law, human rights, intellectual property, and privacy and technology law. Students will also develop critical legal skills, including analytical reasoning, writing, communication, and leadership, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Location: University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: July 5 – 26 (Residential) | July 7 – 25 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students interested in law and legal studies
Cost: $9,899 (Residential) | $6,299 (Commuter)
12. Northwestern College Preparation Program - Law: From Interview to Argument
This interdisciplinary legal studies course offers a comprehensive introduction to legal reasoning and communication skills. It guides students through the process of supporting a hypothetical client, from the initial interview to court proceedings and oral arguments.
As a participant, you will learn how to conduct client consultations, perform legal research, write legal memos and briefs, and prepare persuasive oral arguments. The course culminates in a Final Capstone Project, using the CRAC method to create an oral argument.
Location: Online
Dates: Various 2- and 4-week sessions from May to August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up
Cost: $1,795 per course