15 Law Internships for High School Students in Colorado
If you’re interested in law, internships are a great way to get an early start. They give you the chance to practice skills like legal research, public speaking, and critical thinking while working alongside real professionals. In Colorado, exploring law can be especially rewarding because of the state’s unique legal landscape. From environmental issues and natural resources to indigenous rights and public policy, Colorado offers you the chance to see how law connects to real challenges in your own community.
By interning locally, you’ll also start building connections with Colorado’s legal community—courts, firms, advocacy groups, and nonprofits—that can give you a clearer picture of what a career in law could look like for you. Plus, the experience will make your college applications stand out and give you stories to share about how you’ve already stepped into the legal world.
To help you get started, we’ve pulled together 15 law internships for high school students in Colorado, including both in-state and virtual options you can access from anywhere.
1. McDivit Law Firm Annual High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; One high school student and one college student
Location: 19 E. Cimarron Street, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost & Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Junior and Senior high school students
In this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in a law firm setting. You’ll work alongside paralegals, case managers, and lawyers at McDivitt Law Firm in Colorado Springs. The program begins with thorough training on the firm's culture, roles, and expectations, ensuring you are well-prepared for the professional environment. You will participate in day-to-day operations, which may include tasks such as legal research, document preparation, or client interaction, depending on the firm's needs.
Additionally, you are encouraged to participate in the Colorado Springs Teen Court. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with the local legal community and observe real-world legal proceedings.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, cohort size varies
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring: January-March, Summer: June-August, Fall: September-November, Winter: November-January)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups, including those in legal tech or consulting, for a virtual internship experience. You will work on real-world projects under the guidance of a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, focusing on tasks such as legal research or contract analysis.
The program emphasizes skill development in areas such as legal writing, project management, and professional communication. You will present your work to the company, gaining valuable feedback and a professional deliverable for your resume. The virtual format allows flexibility, making it accessible for Colorado students.
3. Colorado Springs Teen Court
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to volunteers, over 100 participants annually
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Cost & Stipend: Free, no stipend
Program Dates: Year-round, hearings scheduled as needed
Application Deadline: Rolling, contact for details
Eligibility: High school students in the Colorado Springs area
As a volunteer in the Colorado Springs Teen Court, you will serve as a juror, attorney, or panelist in restorative justice hearings for youth offenders. This program, run by Forge Evolution, allows you to engage directly with the legal system by participating in peer-led trials or mediations. You will develop skills in legal reasoning, public speaking, and conflict resolution while working on real cases.
The opportunity to influence sentencing outcomes, such as community service or apology letters, provides practical experience in restorative justice. Volunteers must commit to attending hearings and completing training. This free program is ideal for students interested in criminal justice.
4. Colorado High School Mock Trial Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to all high school teams; ~1,500 students and more than 100 teams participate annually
Location: Various locations in Colorado (e.g., Denver, Greeley)
Cost & Stipend: Free, no stipend
Program Dates: Regional tournaments in February, State Championship Tournament in March, National High School Mock Trial Championship (NHSMTC) tournament in May
Application Deadline: Typically November
Eligibility: High school and homeschooled students, and members of community center programs that are enrolled in a participating school
The Colorado High School Mock Trial Program, organized by the Colorado Bar Association, immerses you in simulated courtroom trials, where you take on roles as attorneys or witnesses. You will prepare and argue a fictional legal case, developing skills in legal analysis, public speaking, and teamwork.
The program culminates in regional and state competitions, with top teams advancing to nationals, offering exposure to legal professionals. Volunteers, including attorneys and judges, provide feedback, enhancing your understanding of trial procedures. This free program is highly competitive and prestigious, and is ideal for students passionate about litigation.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program (Law Track)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 12 weeks to 12 months; March 3 (Spring); June 2 (Summer I); July 12 (Summer II); September 14 (Fall); December 8 (Winter I); January 19 (Winter II)
Application Deadline: February 9 (Spring); May 11 (Summer I); June 23 (Summer II); August 24 (Fall); November 16 (Winter I); December 28 (Winter II)
Eligibility: High school students, GPA >3.3
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program’s law track, you will conduct independent research on a law-related topic under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You will frame a research question, analyze case law, and produce a publishable paper, which will help hone your skills in legal research and academic writing.
The one-on-one mentorship ensures personalized feedback, making it ideal for students aiming to publish or compete in research competitions. The virtual format is accessible to Colorado students, and the free option for low-income students enhances inclusivity. You can explore topics like constitutional law or social justice.
6. Johnson Law Group Family Law Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited spots available
Location: Denver Metro area, Colorado
Cost & Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the Denver Metro area
In the Johnson Law Group Family Law Internship, you will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how a large law firm operates. You will observe real-life family law cases in court, learning about client interactions and team collaboration. The program includes personalized career and college guidance from the firm's team members, helping you prepare for a future in law.
You will also receive direct mentorship from JLG Founder Genet Johnson, who is committed to supporting your long-term growth. This internship is designed for Denver area high school students who are curious about family law and eager to learn in a professional setting. It offers a chance to explore the world of family law and grow both personally and professionally.
7. Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Youth Explorer Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Mesa County, CO
Cost & Stipend: Free and unpaid volunteer program
Program Dates: Year-round, with weekly meetings
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Young adults aged 14-20 interested in law enforcement
In the Youth Explorer Program, you will engage in hands-on training with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, learning about various aspects of law enforcement. You will participate in activities such as traffic stops, crime scene investigations, and firearms safety, gaining practical skills under the guidance of experienced deputies.
The program offers a unique opportunity to understand the structure and operations of a Sheriff's Office, with exposure to real-world law enforcement scenarios. Explorers may also assist with community events and participate in regional competitions.
8. Georgetown Pre-College Online Program (Law Courses)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to qualified applicants, varies
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $1,795 per course; No stipend
Program Dates: 1, 2, or 4 week-long courses (June-August)
Application Deadline: Rolling, typically one week before start
Eligibility: High school students aged 13+
In the Georgetown Pre-College Online Program’s law courses, you will explore foundational legal concepts and develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for the legal field. Through interactive online modules, you will engage with case studies and legal scenarios, learning to approach problems like a lawyer. The program focuses on teaching you how attorneys make decisions, gather information, and use evidence while avoiding emotional biases.
You will also complete a Final Capstone Project, where you issue a court opinion on a simulated case, applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. The virtual format offers flexibility, allowing Colorado students to participate from anywhere. This program is ideal for students interested in gaining a preliminary understanding of law and determining if it aligns with their future academic or career goals.
9. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes “Legal Studies: Critical Thinking Tools” Course
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited spots
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $3,080 + $65 application fee; financial aid available (apply by March 27; waivable $60 application fee); No stipend
Program Dates: June 16 - June 27 (Session 1); July 07 - July 18 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Legal Studies: Critical Thinking Tools course helps you develop critical thinking and argumentation skills through lessons from Stanford’s law, business, and education experts. You will analyze complex facts, weigh evidence, and deliver compelling arguments, while participating in lively debates, role-playing, and group work.
The course culminates in a mock trial where you act as an attorney or witness, providing a realistic courtroom experience. You will also explore international human rights issues, fostering a global perspective. The virtual format ensures accessibility for Colorado students, and financial aid supports inclusivity. This program is ideal for students interested in law or related fields.
10. Harvard Secondary School Program (Law Courses)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $4,050 (4-credit courses) or $7,900 (8-credit courses) + $75 application fee; financial aid available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; No stipend
Program Dates: June 21 – August 9; 7 weeks
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Graduating high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; aged 16 (by June 21) – 19 (before July 31)
The Harvard Secondary School Program allows you to take college-level courses online, including law-related subjects. You can choose from courses such as "Introduction to Law" or "Constitutional Law," earning college credit while still in high school.
This program offers a rigorous academic challenge and the opportunity to learn from Harvard faculty. The virtual format makes it accessible to Colorado students, and financial aid is available for eligible applicants. When you successfully complete the program, you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work.
11. World Scholars Academy: Law Internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Maximum 6 students per class
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $2,395; No stipend
Program Dates: July 5 - August 2; 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18
World Scholars Academy Law Internships offer you the chance to work with a world-leading legal researcher on contemporary legal issues like jurisprudence, political economy, or the death penalty debate. You will collaborate with peers to research and co-author an academic paper, and in the process learning specialist research techniques and surveying legal literature.
The program includes collaborative group work, individualized feedback, and a co-authored paper submitted for publication, enhancing your college applications. Interns spend a minimum of three hours every week outside live sessions, which occur over four weeks, making it flexible for Colorado students..
12. MockOn Tournament of Champions
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to high school teams, competitive
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $500 registration fee per team, financial aid available; No stipend
Program Dates: May 31 - June 1 (Tournament of Champions)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students, teams of 4-8 students
The MockOn Tournament of Champions is a premier online national high school mock trial competition. You will compete against top teams from around the country, presenting cases in a virtual courtroom setting.
This competition offers a challenging and realistic trial experience, judged by former national champions. Participating in the tournament can sharpen your legal skills and provide recognition for your achievements. Financial aid is available to support team participation for Colorado students.
13. Wake Forest Online Immersion Program: Criminal Law Course
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to qualified applicants, varies
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $1,495 per course; No stipend
Program Dates: 1-, 2-, or 4-week sessions available (next session: August 3 — August 17)
Application Deadline: Rolling (next session: July 27)
Eligibility: High school students aged 13+
Wake Forest’s Online Immersion Program offers a Criminal Law course where you will explore the anatomy of a criminal case, from evidence collection to sentencing. Guided by experts such as Professor Eileen Prescott, a former prosecutor, you will learn about 4th Amendment protections, the role of motions, and the differences between hearings and trials.
The course includes a final project where you issue an opinion on a case, assessing evidence and sentencing, using text or video. This 30-hour program, with multimedia simulations and mentor feedback, builds skills for careers such as a criminal attorney or an investigator. The virtual format makes it accessible to Colorado students.
14. William & Mary Pre-College Online Program (Constitutional Law)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to qualified applicants, varies
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $1,495; No stipend
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions (June-August)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 13+
William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Program offers a Constitutional Law course, taught by experts such as Professor Christine Nemacheck, where you will study the U.S. Constitution and its role in the legal system. You will explore the judiciary’s role, analyze landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison, and examine federalism and the Bill of Rights.
The course includes case studies and discussions on constitutional interpretation, preparing you for careers in law, government, or public policy. This self-paced, engaging program offers flexible scheduling for Colorado students, with video content and feedback to enhance learning.
15. Lone Tree Teen Court
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to volunteers
Location: Lone Tree, CO
Cost & Stipend: Free, no stipend
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 12-18 in the Lone Tree area
The Lone Tree Teen Court offers high school students the chance to volunteer in a restorative justice program. You can serve as a peer panelist, helping to determine appropriate consequences for youth offenders.
This program provides hands-on experience with the legal system and develops skills in conflict resolution and decision-making. As a volunteer, you will participate in training and hearings, contributing to your community's justice process. It’s a valuable opportunity for Colorado students interested in law and social justice.
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