10 Law Internships for High School Students in Maryland
Internships are among the best ways for high school students to gain professional experience without making a major financial commitment. They offer skill development, industry exposure, and valuable networking opportunities that can open doors to more opportunities. Many top colleges and organizations offer these internships in various fields, helping you explore your interests.
Some internships even come with stipends, providing financial assistance while you learn. If you’re interested in law or related fields, internships can give you an early look at the profession. We’ve narrowed down a list of 10 law internships for high school students in Maryland. Each opportunity allows you to build your legal knowledge and professional network.
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law + Various law firms in Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: April 5
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors attending a Baltimore City Public High School and living in Baltimore City
As a Law Links intern, you’ll spend seven weeks working full-time in a paid internship role at a law firm or legal organization. Your duties will involve assisting with daily office operations and observing attorneys and other legal professionals, giving you insight into the legal field. You’ll also participate in the Law & Leadership Institute—a 50-hour seminar series on legal education and career preparation—hosted at the University of Maryland’s law school. The experience begins with a comprehensive orientation and features weekly professional development sessions. To ensure you're ready for the professional setting, business attire will be provided to all interns.
2. Internships at the Circuit Court
Location: Montgomery County Circuit Court
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks from mid-June through August
Eligibility: High school students
The Montgomery County Circuit Court Internship offers high school and college students the opportunity to gain administrative experience in a professional setting. You’ll support court operations across various offices, strengthening your organizational, communication, and time management skills. While the program does not involve working directly with judges or attorneys, it offers practical exposure to court operations. Internships with flexible scheduling options are available during the summer or school year. You can also earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the 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 connects ambitious high school students with selective start-up internships! During the program, students join high-growth start-ups operating in fields like tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can browse all available options via their application form.
On average, these start-ups have raised over a million dollars in funding. Interns partner closely with both their assigned manager and a Ladder Coach to complete real-world projects and deliver final presentations to their companies. The internship runs virtually and spans about eight weeks. Interested students can find the application form here.
4. U.S. DOJ Pathways Internships
Location: U.S. Department of Justice
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Dates: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school
The U.S. Department of Justice Pathways Internship Program provides high school students with opportunities to enter federal careers. You will work within federal agencies, developing experience in fields like law, administration, and public policy. The program offers mentorship and professional skill development. If you're interested in exploring a career in public service while still in school, this program is an excellent fit. Opportunities are available across the country and are listed on USAJOBS.gov.
5. HRC Foundation’s Youth Ambassador Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: At least $100 per engagement
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: TBA
Eligibility: Students who are 13-21 years old at the time of application, identify as LGBTQ+, and are comfortable publicly sharing their identity
The HRC Foundation’s Youth Ambassador Program empowers LGBTQ+ students to promote youth rights and well-being nationwide. As a Youth Ambassador, you’ll participate in monthly virtual meetings, share your experiences through blogs, videos, and public events, and promote key HRC initiatives like Welcoming Schools and Project THRIVE. Although not a traditional law internship, this program provides experience in advocacy, which can be helpful for a law career. You will receive personalized training in media engagement and public speaking. Ambassadors must be available and willing to travel to the Washington, D.C., area (with all expenses paid) to attend HRC’s Equality In Action convention.
6. Criminal Law: Inside the Courtroom
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for.
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions are available
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
Criminal Law: Inside the Courtroom gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how attorneys prepare and present criminal cases. This program is not a traditional internship, but it provides valuable exposure to the legal profession. You’ll study how to establish probable cause, handle evidence, and challenge unconstitutional searches. You will learn the differences between hearings and trials, and practice cross-examining witnesses in mock scenarios. You'll see how strategic legal decisions shape case outcomes through case studies. You'll also explore college majors and career options connected to criminal justice and law. This course is a great fit for students who want to build foundational legal skills while understanding the inner workings of the criminal justice system.
7. National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: $4,395
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 5 - July 12 | July 19 - July 26
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
If you’re interested in law or crime scene investigation, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Law & CSI offers a great opportunity. You’ll choose a law or CSI track and experience simulations, from crime discovery to courtroom proceedings. As part of the law track, you’ll visit a local courthouse, observe trials, and participate in a mock trial. In the CSI track, you’ll explore forensic techniques alongside professors and scientists. You’ll also experience college life at the University of Maryland and visit George Mason University for an admissions workshop and campus tour, helping you prepare for your future.
8. International Law: Protecting the World's Interests
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for.
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions are available
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
International Law: Protecting the World’s Interests gives you a comprehensive view of how laws operate beyond national borders. You’ll study how treaties are created, explore jurisdiction on land, sea, air, and space, and analyze how international law is enforced during conflicts. Case studies, including the war in Ukraine and the Gulf War, will help you understand the challenges of applying legal principles internationally. You’ll also complete a capstone project, acting as a legal advisor on a global issue. This experience will give you a solid foundation for future studies or careers in international law and diplomacy.
9. International Relations: How the World Works
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795 - $3,995
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for.
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
In this program, you will learn how nations interact, cooperate, and clash. You’ll explore the foundations of the international system, study the evolution of human rights, and assess the use of force in modern conflicts. During a simulated crisis, you’ll role-play as a national leader making critical decisions. Topics like international law, political movements, and global economics will give you a broad view of today’s interconnected world. Whether you’re interested in political science, law, or global studies, this course offers enrichment and college credit.
10. Law: How To Think Like an Attorney
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for.
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions are available
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Law: How to Think Like an Attorney helps you develop the critical thinking skills lawyers use every day. You’ll practice making fact-based arguments, reviewing evidence, and distinguishing between intellectual and emotional decisions. You’ll also explore how crimes are defined and study real cases, including a detailed look at the Lululemon murder trial. Along the way, you’ll learn about the role of ethics in the legal system and how attorneys navigate complex issues. This course gives you a glimpse into legal careers and supports future studies in law and justice.