15 Law Internships for High School Students in Canada
Internships give high school students the chance to develop practical skills, explore potential career paths, and gain exposure to professional environments. If you’re interested in law, internships let you see how legal systems operate, understand courtroom procedures, and practice analytical and communication skills.
While traditional law internships may be difficult to get for high school students, Canada offers a wide range of programs that provide meaningful experiences, mentorship, and exposure to legal concepts. While some programs focus on representation in the legal system, others deal with youth councils or experiential workshops. The internships help you strengthen your research, communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills, all of which are valuable for future legal studies.
We've narrowed down the 15 best law internships for high school students in Canada to make it easy to pick the one that suits you.
1. Federal Student Work Experience Program
Location: Varies within Canada
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Full-time, non-graduating high school and post-secondary students in an accredited academic institution
You can explore a variety of roles across the federal public service through this law internship for high school students in Canada. The program places you on real projects that impact Canadian communities, giving you experience in research, administration, and policy analysis. You’ll develop practical workplace skills such as organization, communication, and problem-solving.. Through the internship, you’ll gain exposure to diverse government departments and the chance to engage with multiple career pathways.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type (full financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Through Ladder Internships, you work closely with a start-up on real-world projects, gaining experience in a professional setting that emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills. Over eight weeks, you will define deliverables, work under mentorship, and present outcomes to company teams. The program exposes you to industries such as technology, consulting, media, and more while reinforcing analytical and communication skills. You will practice professional reasoning, research, and strategic thinking, which are directly applicable to future legal studies or law-related careers.
3. BC Public Service’s Youth Employment Program (YEP)
Location: British Columbia
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Maximum 4 months
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Level 1 opportunities are for full-time students at an accredited educational institution in grade 12 or below
Through this law internship, you will gain first-hand experience in the operations of government offices. The program allows you to work on meaningful projects for a fixed term, offering insight into public service roles and departmental functions. You can develop skills in documentation, research, and professional communication. The tasks often require initiative and collaboration, giving you exposure to structured work environments. You will learn how policies are implemented and gain practical knowledge of government procedures.
4. House of Commons Page Program
Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Stipend: $18,740 CAD annual salary (tentative)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: September – November
Application Deadline: November 9
Eligibility: Graduating high school students who are looking to enroll in their first year of university or college the following September
The House of Commons Page Program allows you to support democracy by assisting members of Parliament directly. Your duties include collecting members’ speaking notes, distributing documents, and supporting protocol events, including royal assent and the Speech from the Throne. You will gain exposure to live debates and observe how laws are discussed and decisions are made. The program also involves educational panels and ambassadorial roles, helping you strengthen your public speaking and presentation skills.
5. Alberta Legislative Assembly Page Program
Location: Legislature Building, Edmonton, AB
Stipend: $17 CAD/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February – June and October – December
Application Deadline: Typically in September
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 who will be 15 years old by September 1 and have strong academic and extracurricular standing
This law internship for high school students in Canada places you at the center of Alberta’s legislative process. You will distribute messages and documents, assist with ceremonies, and participate in professional development seminars. The role offers hands-on insight into how laws are passed and how government offices function. Through interaction with legislators, staff, and officers, you will develop communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The program combines practical duties with learning opportunities to understand parliamentary traditions and civic responsibilities.
6. LAWS (Law in Action Within Schools) Summer Job Program (SJP)
Location: Primarily Toronto/GTA partner high schools
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4 weeks in July/August
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who attend LAWS partner high schools
This law internship provides a mix of classroom-based learning and workplace exposure. You will work on administrative tasks in legal offices and rotate through different departments to see how the law functions in practice. You will shadow lawyers and articling students, which allows you to observe meetings, court proceedings, and professional interactions firsthand. The program also integrates mock trials, debates, and field trips to law schools, giving you experiential insight into legal concepts. You will gain skills in research, organization, and professional communication while connecting coursework to practical law applications.
7. Level Justice’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program
Location: Schools and Indigenous communities across Canada
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 848 students in the previous cohort
Dates: Several sessions during the academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by partner school
Eligibility: Indigenous students from participating schools
Through the Indigenous Youth Outreach Program, you’ll explore how law and justice intersect with Indigenous traditions and community values. There will be workshops, mock trials, and mentorship sessions that introduce you to the Canadian legal system while grounding learning in Indigenous perspectives. You’ll strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills through collaborative, discussion-based activities. By learning from Indigenous legal professionals, you gain an understanding of both systemic issues and pathways toward meaningful participation in the field.
8. University of Toronto’s Law Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: $98 CAD + $1175 CAD/module (scholarships available for eligible students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Several weeklong modules over the summer
Application Deadline: Registration opens in February
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12
The Law Youth Summer Program offers you a hands-on look inside legal education and practice. You’ll spend time at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law exploring fields such as criminal, international, corporate, and social justice law. Each module uses debates, mock trials, and interactive simulations to demonstrate how legal reasoning works in different settings. You’ll practice analyzing evidence, forming arguments, and applying legal frameworks to real-world scenarios. The sessions are led by professors, practitioners, and law students, giving you exposure to multiple perspectives.
9. Level Justice’s Black Youth Justice Program (BYJP)
Location: Across Canada
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 187 students in the previous cohort
Dates: Several sessions during the academic year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Black youth aged 11–18
The Black Youth Justice Program helps you see how the legal system operates while addressing issues of equity and representation. Through mentorship, mock trials, and workshops, you learn about key areas of law and the challenges faced by Black Canadians in the justice system. You’ll develop leadership, analytical, and public speaking skills while discussing real-world legal issues that affect the community. The program is led by Black legal professionals who share personal insight and guidance on navigating legal careers.
10. Vancouver Summer Mentorship Society’s Legal Bootcamp
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10 students/cohort
Dates: Typically in May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from participating schools
This week-long mentorship program immerses you in the legal world through lectures, courthouse visits, and interaction with lawyers and judges. You’ll learn how the legal system operates in British Columbia and gain an understanding of the educational paths that lead to law school. The mentorship sessions focus on accessibility and diversity within the profession, offering insight into both its opportunities and barriers. The program emphasizes collaboration, discussion, and personal reflection as you consider whether a legal career might fit your interests.
11. KPMG Black High School Student Scholarship and Internship Program
Location: Various KPMG offices across Canada
Stipend: Paid + post-seondary scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students since inception
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: High school students who identify as Black
Through this program, you participate in a six-week summer internship that aligns with your career interests and gain exposure to professional work environments. You also receive mentorship and support from Black-identifying professionals who guide you through tasks and provide insight into career pathways. Alongside the internship, a scholarship is awarded to recognize your achievements and support your post-secondary goals. You’ll engage with professionals and peers while exploring opportunities in business and law-related fields. The program also guarantees an interview for future KPMG internships, extending your learning and experience beyond the summer term.
12. McGill’s Frederick Phillips Summer Program
Location: McGill University, Montreal, QC
Cost/Stipend: Not provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Black youth in Montreal, near the end of high school/CEGEP students
This program introduces Black high school students and CEGEP students in Montreal to various aspects of legal education through interactive activities, lectures, and field visits. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what pursuing a legal career entails and experience life inside a law school environment. The program focuses on bridging gaps in representation, helping you build confidence, and navigating a system that has historically excluded Black students. You’ll practice professional skills such as critical thinking, communication, and analytical reasoning while observing legal education in action.
13. Hart House Youth Advisory Council (University of Toronto)
Location: Virtual/Hart House, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–15 members
Dates: Biweekly meetings from September to April
Application Deadline: August 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with an interest in leadership and community engagement
As a member of the Hart House Youth Advisory Council, you will guide projects, lead initiatives, and shape programs while strengthening skills useful in law and civic engagement. The meetings include workshops, planning sessions, and discussions that enhance your leadership, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. You also develop written and oral communication skills while contributing to community-building and advocacy projects. The program exposes you to governance structures, mentorship, and strategies for implementing ideas within a larger institution. Each session offers practical experience in collaboration, project management, and ethical leadership.
14. OPC (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada) Youth Advisory Council
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 2-year period
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 13–17 with an interest in privacy and digital rights
The OPC Youth Advisory Council engages you in discussions about privacy, technology, and emerging digital issues affecting youth. You’ll collaborate with peers and experts to provide input on policies, public campaigns, and educational initiatives. The program helps you build skills in advocacy, leadership, and digital literacy while helping you understand how laws and regulations shape society. By advising on real-world challenges, you will gain insight into policy analysis, research, and ethical considerations in the digital space. The training workshops and interactions with privacy professionals give you exposure to professional environments and legal thinking.
15. Digital Youth Advisory Committee (Digital YAC)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 14 youth
Dates: Members serve for a term with specific meeting schedules
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 16–25
The Digital Youth Advisory Committee lets you participate in shaping digital government initiatives while building skills relevant to legal studies and policy work. You’ll advise organizations on projects, offer your perspective on digital services, and collaborate to improve ideas before they are finalized. Through these activities, you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. You will also gain experience analyzing policies and understanding how decisions impact communities. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and constructive feedback.
Image Source - BC Public Service’s Youth Employment Program (YEP) Logo