15 Law Firm Internships for High School Students in NYC
Internships for high school students can serve as a valuable first step toward building a strong academic and professional profile. They provide opportunities to develop practical skills, gain exposure to real-world work environments, and demonstrate initiative in college and scholarship applications. If you're considering a career in law, an internship can give you insight into the legal field and help you decide whether it's the right path for you. In particular, law firm internships for high school students in NYC offer access to one of the world’s busiest legal markets and a wide range of practice areas.
Through these internships, you may assist with administrative tasks, observe legal professionals in action, and even contribute to legal research or community initiatives. Some law firm internships for high school students in NYC also offer mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities, helping you develop both legal and professional competencies.
If you're a high school student in NYC looking to gain legal experience this summer, here are 15 law firm internships for high school students in NYC that you can check out!
15 Law Firm Internships for High School Students in NYC
1. New York County District Attorney's High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Manhattan, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: July 8 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 who live in or attend school in Manhattan, New York
This five-week internship places you inside one of New York City’s busiest legal offices, where you’ll work alongside assistant district attorneys. The program includes observation of court proceedings, workshops on legal ethics and criminal justice, and trial advocacy exercises. You’ll learn how prosecutors build and present cases, as well as how they engage with victims, witnesses, and defense attorneys. Professional development is a key focus, with sessions designed to strengthen your understanding of legal careers and public service. Shadowing opportunities and collaborative projects help bring real-world legal work to life.
2. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Various locations in New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid minimum wage
Dates: April 17 – August 14
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: NYC high school students aged 16 and older
Offered by the NYC Bar Association, this internship places you in a range of legal settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations. You’ll gain firsthand experience in the legal field while participating in workshops on resume building, professional etiquette, and mock interviews. The program also includes networking events and one-on-one mentorship from practicing attorneys. You'll be introduced to multiple areas of law, helping you understand the wide range of legal careers available and build foundational skills for future success.
3. United States Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: United States Attorney's Office, Brooklyn and Central Islip, NY
Stipend: Free
Dates: Usually held in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising seniors from accredited high schools
This internship offers a unique opportunity to observe the federal legal system in action through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. You’ll gain exposure to criminal and civil law by observing trials, assisting with case-related administrative work, and attending seminars with federal prosecutors. Topics covered include civil rights, public safety, and legal ethics. The program is designed to introduce students to the role of federal prosecutors and the broader workings of the Department of Justice, making it especially valuable for those considering a career in public law.
4. Brooklyn District Attorney's High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: Paid a weekly stipend + a MetroCard for transportation
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Brooklyn high school juniors and seniors
This five-week internship provides an introduction to the daily operations of a district attorney’s office and the broader criminal justice system. You’ll be assigned to various units within the office, where you may assist with legal research, trial prep, and case documentation. The program includes courtroom observation of proceedings, such as sentencing and plea deals, as well as enrichment activities focused on professional skills development. Additional sessions cover resume-building, ethics, and public speaking, helping you develop both legal knowledge and workplace readiness.
5. Summer Law Institute Internship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Multiple NYC law schools
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically, first week of July – first week of August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until all slots are filled
Eligibility: Rising ninth-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
Organized by Legal Outreach, this five-week program offers early exposure to law for students entering high school. Held at top NYC law schools, SLI introduces you to criminal justice topics through courses taught by law students and guest lectures from practicing attorneys. The program includes field trips and simulations, culminating in a citywide mock trial competition. Once you complete SLI, you will be eligible for the College Bound program, which provides academic and pre-professional support through high school.
6. American Bar Association Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Various cities across the U.S.
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: November – mid-January (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students
Offered by the American Bar Association, this internship places students in chambers with federal or state judges for a hands-on judicial experience. You’ll observe court proceedings, engage in legal research and writing, and gain a deeper understanding of the legal system from a judicial perspective. The program prioritizes diversity and inclusion, aiming to expose students from all backgrounds to careers in law. You will work closely with judges and legal clerks, offering rare insight into judicial decision-making and courtroom procedures. It's particularly well-suited for students interested in the judiciary or public service law. Here’s more information on this program!
7. Youth Action Institute Fellowship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; Up to 20 youth
Location: Center for Justice Innovation, New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: September 7
Eligibility: New York City residents aged 16-21
This public policy research fellowship allows high school students to explore the intersection of law, youth justice, and community advocacy. As a fellow, you’ll receive training in qualitative research, anti-oppression frameworks, and NYC’s policy systems. You’ll conduct research on issues related to public safety and legal equity, and collaborate on proposals aimed at driving systemic change. The program emphasizes youth-led policy development, giving you a platform to contribute meaningfully to justice reform and civic engagement.
8. Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Various courthouses across New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Dates: Typically in July
Application Deadline: December 9 – January 31
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students (rising 12th graders) residing in NYC’s five boroughs; Must provide working papers
The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program places you in the chambers of a New York City state or federal judge, offering a unique opportunity to experience the judiciary from within. You’ll assist with legal research, observe court proceedings, and help prepare materials for ongoing cases. Fridays are reserved for workshops on public speaking, critical thinking, and legal career pathways. The program emphasizes mentorship and exposure to legal professionals, helping students explore careers in law through direct observation and guided learning.
9. Ladders for Leaders Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Various locations across NYC
Stipend: Paid at least $16.50 an hour
Dates: 6 weeks; Dates vary by employer
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school students (ages 16 and above) residing in NYC
Organized by the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, this program connects students with paid summer internships across diverse industries. For students interested in legal careers, placements may include law firms or corporate legal departments where you’ll gain exposure to legal processes, professional etiquette, and office dynamics. In addition to work experience, you’ll attend workshops on communication, leadership, and career readiness. The program also provides mentorship and networking opportunities, helping you prepare for future academic and professional success.
10. Genesys Works Internship Program – New York City
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Multiple locations, including New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid; Typically, $10,000 – $13,000 over the year
Dates: 8-week summer training + year-long internship
Application Deadline: Varies by school and partner organization
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) on track to graduate and authorized to work in the U.S.
Genesys Works offers NYC high school students a paid internship experience designed to build professional and technical skills while preparing for college and careers. After completing an intensive 8-week summer training in IT or business operations, you’ll be placed in a year-long part-time internship with a partner company. Legal placements are sometimes available through corporate legal departments or compliance teams. The program includes college and career coaching, alumni mentoring, and ongoing support, making it a strong fit for students seeking structured, long-term growth in a professional environment.
11. The Temple of Understanding’s Summer Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 26 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 20 (early); March 20 (final)
Eligibility: High school graduates or students aged 18 by the program start date
This summer internship provides access to United Nations sessions and introduces students to global humanitarian and interfaith issues. As a Temple of Understanding intern, you will have the opportunity to attend open meetings of the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and related committees. The program includes visits to religious institutions, independent research, meetings with Missions and NGOs, and community service. Designed to promote global citizenship, it fosters cross-cultural dialogue and policy awareness, making it ideal for students interested in international law, human rights, or diplomacy.
12. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Location: Washington, D.C., and New York’s 14th Congressional District office
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: Summer (May – August)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school and college students; U.S. citizens preferred for paid roles
This internship provides direct experience in public service and government through work in a congressional office. You’ll assist staff with legislative research, communications, constituent casework, public events, and administrative tasks. You can specialize in either policy or communications, depending on your interests and preferences. You’ll attend briefings and hearings, support local events, and gain exposure to the daily operations of Congress, making it ideal for students interested in public service, law, or policy.
13. New York University (NYU) High School Law Institute
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: NYU Washington Square Park campus, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 who live within commuting distance to NYU
Hosted by NYU Law and undergraduate students, this year-long Saturday program explores foundational legal topics, including constitutional and criminal law. Classes are discussion-based and cover topics such as legal reasoning, speech and debate, and analytical writing. You’ll be taught by trained NYU students with support from law school faculty, and you'll participate in a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes evidence-based argument and civic thinking. HSLI is ideal for students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the legal system and honing their debate and advocacy skills.
14. USC CPF/Wrigley High School Internship Program
Cohort Size: Approximately 25 students accepted
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.5
Hosted by the University of Southern California, this selective virtual internship focuses on political science through the lens of environmental policy and sustainability. Over the course of the summer, you will complete two major projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis. These projects will focus on a bill at the local, state, or federal level that addresses environmental issues, whether it has been passed, is under consideration, or has failed in the legislative process. You’ll gain experience in research, policy analysis, and political writing, with the opportunity to have one of your completed projects published online. This program is well-suited for students who want to explore the intersection of politics, law, and environmental studies.
15. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Remote + In-person
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The Foreign Policy Research Institute offers internships to high school students during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to meet and work alongside members of the foreign relations community. You may apply for one of several internship positions, including research, communications, operations, or special events and development intern roles. You’ll be assigned to a scholar or a professional who will help you develop skills needed to thrive in the industry, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and so on. You’ll also get to attend weekly seminars focused on foreign policy and furthering your career in the field, as well as other in-person or virtual events. Finally, you’ll be expected to work on a research paper, which might even be published on the FPRI website’s Intern Corner.
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