15 Law Internships for High School Students in Boston, MA

As a high school student interested in studying law, you should consider doing a legal internship. Internships are a great way to explore the field while strengthening your resume and enhancing your college applications. At a law internship, you will witness how law shapes systems across government agencies and private businesses. You will gain foundational skills in legal writing, research, and professional communication while being mentored by judges, attorneys, and corporate lawyers.

Boston offers high school students internship opportunities across federal agencies, law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations. Whether you’re interested in studying corporate law, public policy, criminal law, international relations, or dispute resolution, these internships can help you explore different areas of legal practice and find what aligns with your interests. 

To make the selection easier for you, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 law internships for high school students in Boston. 

1. Judicial Youth Corps Program

Location: Courts in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July - August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 8
Eligibility: High School Students; residents of Boston

The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) is a 6-week paid internship program that introduces you to legal concepts and principles through the Massachusetts court system. You will gain insight into the inner workings of the judicial system and be mentored by practising judges, lawyers, probation officers, and court personnel. You will participate in mock trials, which will help you collaborate with peers, build confidence, and enhance your ability to argue, think critically, and present your ideas. The program also includes field trips, group discussions, and job shadowing, where you’ll gain insight into different parts and roles within the justice system. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students.

Ladder Internships offers remote internships for motivated high school students, including opportunities in fields like law, policy, and consulting. Students are matched with fast-growing startups, many of which are tackling legal or regulatory challenges, and work on projects under the guidance of a company mentor and a Ladder Coach. Internships typically last 8 weeks and culminate in a final project presentation. Though the program is virtual, it's open to students in Boston and beyond.

3. The Nelson Fellowship Program

Location: John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid (travel expenses covered)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 - August 15 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: High school students in Boston and Worcester; U.S. Citizen or legal resident status

The Nelson Fellowship is a selective program organized by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. As a Nelson fellow, you will gain exposure in the judicial system by engaging in court proceedings, interning at the court and judge’s chambers, and working on a mock trial to present before a federal judge at the end of the program. The program focuses on civil rights, social issues, and civic engagement within the judicial system. You will be mentored by judges, attorneys, and law clerks, which will help build your leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. 

4. Mayor's Youth Council

Location: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: September - May; internship dates typically align with the school year.
Application Deadline: Admissions take place on a rolling basis. Apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; Boston residents

The Mayor’s Youth Council is a leadership and civic engagement program run by the City of Boston for high school students. Through participation in public events, policy discussions, and service projects, the program provides an understanding of local government operations and policy-making processes. You will participate in governance and help shape policies by working alongside city officials, legal professionals, and policymakers on issues that directly impact your community. The program includes council meetings, youth town halls, and awareness campaigns that will deepen your understanding of local governance and legal systems, helping you build confidence through active participation.

5. U.S. GSA Pathways Internship Program

Location: Various GSA office locations across the U.S., including Boston, MA
Stipend: Pay varies according to location and starts at the GS-4 pay grade level
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June - August (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and February
Eligibility: High school, college, or trade school students

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) offers an internship opportunity where you can gain insight into the operations of the administrative sector of the federal government. As an intern at GSA, you will delve into the agency’s work in policy development, asset management, regulatory compliance, and administrative law. You will develop skills in business writing, policy analysis, and project coordination while learning about federal systems and regulations, working alongside legal advisors, attorneys, contract specialists, and program analysts. You can intern at GSA as a summer intern or during the school year, working in their headquarters or one of their regional offices across the U.S. 

6. Boston Bar Association Summer Jobs Program

Location: Legal organizations within Boston, MA
Stipend: Average of $9/hr or $2,600 for 8 weeks
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks over the summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from Boston Public Schools

The Boston Bar Association Summer Jobs Program is an 8-week paid internship that provides you with experience working in law firms, legal departments, and public agencies in Boston. You will assist with research, help with administrative duties like organizing case files, prepare legal binders, shadow attorneys on the job, and attend court hearings. Working alongside attorneys, paralegals, and judges will help you explore a wide range of legal paths and understand law in practice. The program also includes weekly seminars and guest speakers who will discuss topics like civil rights law, financial literacy, and help you navigate the college admissions process. 

7. Treasury Summer Internship Program

Location: Office of the State Treasurer, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Dates vary cohort-wise; aligns with academic semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort, check dates here
Eligibility: High school or college students

The Office of the State Treasurer of Massachusetts offers an internship opportunity to students who are interested in public finance, economic law, and government finance. As an intern, you will assist the treasurer in tasks such as conducting legal and economic research, attending meetings and policy conferences, coordinating with multiple agencies, and contributing to projects in procurement, administrative law, and regulatory enforcement. This role with develop your skills in areas such as legal research, policy formulation, and compliance analysis. Previous interns have worked in different departments, including the Massachusetts Veterans’ Bonus Division, the Office of Economic Empowerment, and Human Resources.

8. ATF Pathways Internship Program

Location: ATF’s Boston Field Division, Boston, MA
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Vary cohort-wise
Application Deadline: Applications are processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school, trade school, undergraduate, or graduate student; at least 16 years old; Minimum 2.0/4.0 GPA; eligible to work for the U.S. federal government

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a U.S. federal law enforcement agency. You will gain an understanding of how laws are enforced at the federal level and have the opportunity to explore federal career paths in legal investigation, prosecution, and policy. You will work with professionals such as legal advisors, special agents, and forensic specialists while refining your business writing, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills. 

9. John William Ward Public Service Fellowship

Location: Various host offices based in Boston, MA
Stipend: Unpaid; a grant of $3,000 awarded for selection
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Full-time summer
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Students who have completed their junior or senior year at Boston Latin School

The John William Ward Public Service Fellowship allows students to gain experience in various sectors, including public service, governance, the judicial system, and the press. By working in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the government, you will gain insight into the workings and jurisdiction of different government branches, as well as how policy-making, legal processes, and public service are implemented. Previous fellows have worked across industries and federal government departments on tasks such as case preparation, legal research, reviewing audit reports, conducting policy research, tracking the progress of legislation, and evaluating public correspondence.

10. Sociedad Latina Internships

Location: Varied employers and institutions based in Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 July - 8 August (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9-12 graders; Enrolled in a Boston Public School or resident of Boston

Sociedad Latina is a workforce development program with a focus on representing the Latinx community in fields such as public service, STEM, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. As a Sociedad Latina Intern, you will first participate in a work readiness curriculum that includes career exploration, job shadowing, career panel attendance, and mentorship from counselors. After completion of the training, you will be placed with an employer where you can apply the skills you’ve learned. The structure of the program allows you to explore various career paths and industries, helping you decide your area of interest. Previous interns have worked in local public administration, governance, and at law offices.

11. PIC Summer Internship Program

Location: Private sector employers based in Boston, MA
Cost: $15 - $18 (varies based on employer)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July - August (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students at a Boston Public School; Authorized to work in the U.S.

The City of Boston operates a summer jobs program that allows students to work at the city’s leading companies and institutions. You can secure an internship in industries such as law, healthcare, financial services, life sciences, technology, and architecture. Law institutions that have previously participated in the program include the Boston Bar Association, Judicial Youth Corps, and Nelson Fellowship. As a law intern, your daily tasks can include attending court sessions, observing legal proceedings, assisting with legal research, and performing administrative duties. You will work closely with judges, attorneys, and clerks who will guide you through the workings of the legal system. 

12. ICE Pathways Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Boston, MA
Stipend: GS‑4 level (travel and housing not covered)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Summer and year-round internships available
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and February
Eligibility: High school, college, or vocational students

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offers a Pathways Internship Program where students can explore the workings of the agency in areas such as legal enforcement, public policy, and security operations. As a contracting intern, your daily tasks will include working with mentors in areas such as solicitation development, contract administration, and vendor management. You will get exposure to government operations while developing skills in business communication, policy compliance, and project coordination.

13. Court Service Center Internships

Location: Massachusetts Trial Courts in Boston, MA
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Accessible
Dates: Year-round intake
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; Boston residents

Court Service Center Internships provides high school students with legal experience within the Massachusetts Trial Court System. You will assist court service centers in helping the underserved population self-represent and gain access to the court system. You’ll also learn about the functioning and jurisdiction of the trial court departments, such as Probate & Family Court, Housing Court, Boston Municipal, and District Courts. Your responsibilities include assessing court users’ needs, holding interviews, and assisting them with legal work. Through working with court service centers, you will gain insight into court system operations, work alongside attorneys, and develop a deeper understanding of justice access issues.

14. U.S. OPM Pathways Program

Location: Federal agencies across the U.S., including Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Year-round hiring
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizen enrolled in high school, college, trade, or vocational program

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers a pathways program for high school students to intern and explore possible career paths in public service, policy, and administration. You’ll learn the workings of a U.S. federal agency and support it in its role of managing federal human resources and overseeing workforce policies across government agencies. Your daily tasks can include assisting with research, drafting documents, supporting office projects, and attending meetings. Pathways interns can also be considered for conversion after completing the required work hours and meeting requirements.

15. CliftonLarsonAllen High School Internship Program

Location: Various CLA locations across the U.S., including in Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 17 - July 19 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S., 16 years or older 

CliftonLarsonAllen offers a high school internship program for students to work on projects and client work in areas such a business, professional services, and accounting. Although the internship is more business-focused, you will gain exposure to areas such as auditing, ethics, and compliance that mirror aspects of legal and regulatory work. You will have the opportunity to job-shadow different professionals and explore various career paths. The program also includes activities where you will collaborate on team-building exercises and work on team projects with other interns. 

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