11 Law Internships for High School Students in San Diego, California
If you're a high school student in San Diego eager to explore the legal field, internships are a fantastic way to gain early exposure to real-world work environments, helping you build practical skills, industry insight, and professional connections. If you are interested in law, policy, government, or public service, internships can provide an inside look at careers ranging from attorney and judge to paralegal or policy analyst.
Many programs in this field include activities like mock trials, legal research, case studies, and mentoring from experienced professionals. From legal aid offices to university-sponsored pre-law intensives, these programs are structured to help you explore the profession and prepare for future academic or career steps.
We've narrowed it down to 11 law internships for high school students in San Diego!
1. California Innocence Project Internships
Location: California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: March 1 (Summer) | July 1 (Fall) | November 1 (Spring)
Eligibility: High school, college, law, and post-bar students
Cost/Stipend: None
The California Innocence Project (CIP) offers legal internships to students interested in criminal and post-conviction law. You will contribute to real-world work involving wrongful conviction cases, supporting legal research, client communication, and case file preparation.
As an intern, you are expected to commit 15–35 hours per week and receive in-house training to understand the legal and factual aspects of innocence claims. You'll be part of a legal team working to overturn wrongful convictions, making this an ideal opportunity for students with a strong interest in justice reform and hands-on legal experience.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program
Cost: $2,490
Veritas AI offers a project-based internship that explores how artificial intelligence intersects with fields like law, ethics, and public policy. You will work with venture-backed startups applying machine learning to real-world problems, including legal tech and compliance.
Guided by mentors from Harvard, McKinsey, and Google, you'll build technical and collaborative skills while engaging in small group work. The internship concludes with a formal portfolio-ready project and completion certificate. This program is ideal if you're interested in the growing field of AI regulation and the legal frameworks surrounding emerging technologies.
3. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) – American Bar Association
Location: Several locations in California
Dates: 6-week program, May–June
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 stipend
The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program by the American Bar Association offers students a chance to intern with federal and state judges across the country. You will gain first-hand exposure to courtroom procedures, legal writing, and the role of judicial clerks while working directly with judges and their chambers.
This program is especially suited for students from underrepresented backgrounds who are seriously considering a law career. You’ll observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, and assist with drafting memos or briefs. The experience is designed to help you understand the judicial system and prepare for a potential legal career.
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students (10–20 hours/week commitment)
Cost/Stipend: $2,490 (financial aid available)
The Ladder Internship Program places students with startups across a variety of sectors, including those operating in legal tech, public policy, and civic engagement. You will work on hands-on projects such as policy research, legal documentation support, and outreach strategy under the guidance of startup founders and a dedicated Ladder Coach.
In addition to project work, you'll receive personalized mentorship in communication, leadership, and time management. With many startups led by founders from Y Combinator and Microsoft, the program provides insight into modern legal-adjacent roles. It ends in a final presentation to startup leadership, helping you build a compelling professional portfolio.
5. San Diego County District Attorney’s Student Worker Program
Location: Various District Attorney offices across San Diego County
Dates: Ongoing; part-time during the academic year
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Eligibility: Full-time students at a local high school, vocational program, or accredited college/university; must be at least 18 years old and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; hourly rate based on education level, starting at $16.50 per hour
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Student Worker Program offers part-time, paid positions for students interested in gaining experience within the criminal justice system. As a student worker, you will perform various clerical tasks such as data entry, document scanning, and filing, contributing to the daily operations of the District Attorney’s Office.
Positions are available at multiple locations throughout San Diego County, with work hours scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, up to 20 hours per week. This program provides a valuable opportunity to observe the inner workings of the legal system and develop administrative skills in a professional environment.
6. Dorsee Productions Political Internship
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA (San Diego County)
Dates: Rolling; flexible scheduling
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Eligibility: High school students interested in politics, public affairs, or nonprofit development
Cost/Stipend: None
Dorsee Productions offers an unpaid internship for students interested in political campaigns and nonprofit development. You will assist with events and development activities for federal, state, and local political campaigns and nonprofits like the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
This role provides exposure to political fundraising, event coordination, and campaign strategy. You will be able to interact with a diverse group of individuals involved in the political process, gaining valuable insights into political operations and networking opportunities. To apply, submit a resume and references' contact information to Karolyn Dorsee at karolyn@dorseeproductions.com.
7. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) High School Internship
Location: In-person and remote internships available
Dates: February – May (Spring), June – August (Summer), September – December (Fall)
Application Deadline: July 23 (for summer session)
Eligibility: High school students with strong writing and research skills
Stipend: Both paid and unpaid internship opportunities are available.
The FPRI High School Internship offers a rigorous online experience for students interested in foreign affairs, international relations, and policy research. You will collaborate with top scholars and analysts on national security, diplomacy, and global conflicts. Your responsibilities may include writing policy briefs, analyzing data, and conducting in-depth research.
The program includes weekly seminars with foreign policy experts and provides mentorship opportunities. If selected, you may have the chance to publish your work on FPRI’s Intern Corner, building your resume with real-world policy writing experience.
8. Pasquines High School Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: Indefinite terms throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Cost/Stipend: None
Pasquines offers a remote internship opportunity for students interested in journalism, public policy, and U.S. territorial affairs. You will research and write articles on political and policy issues affecting territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
You will develop skills in writing, editing, political analysis, and digital publishing. The program provides a flexible schedule and opportunities to collaborate with students and professionals passionate about government and civic reporting. While the internship is unpaid, it may be eligible for school credit and is ideal for students looking to build a writing portfolio.
9. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Remote
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and interest in politics or public service
Cost/Stipend: None
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future’s summer internship is designed for students interested in civic engagement, public policy, and environmental politics. You will receive structured mentorship and writing feedback while working on projects that analyze political responses to climate change.
A key assignment is the detailed review of the “Climate Forward Conference,” where you’ll produce in-depth analytical essays. The program strengthens your research, writing, and critical thinking skills while connecting you with peers and mentors invested in sustainability and governance. It can be a good stepping stone if you're interested in policy innovation or public service careers.
10. Institute for Cultural Relations Policy (ICRP) Virtual Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: Flexible; start dates proposed by applicants
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines every two months from February 15 to December 15
Eligibility: High school and university students with strong communication skills
Cost/Stipend: None
The ICRP Virtual Internship provides a global platform for students to explore international relations, human rights, and policy research. You will participate in independent research, contribute to the organization’s monthly e-journal, and help coordinate virtual events and conferences.
Weekly webinars and group discussions allow you to engage with students and professionals worldwide. Additional opportunities include interviewing diplomats and presenting at international policy forums. This internship aims to develop public speaking, research, and policy writing skills in a cross-cultural environment.
11. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: September – May (academic year)
Application Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: U.S. students currently enrolled in higher education (college, university, or equivalent)
Cost/Stipend: None
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Internship, run by the U.S. Department of State, allows you to collaborate remotely with agencies such as NASA, USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. You’ll spend approximately 10 hours per week on projects involving research, data analysis, writing, or communications, depending on your agency placement.
You will be paired with a mentor who provides guidance throughout the program. While the internship is unpaid, you may be eligible for academic credit and will gain direct experience working on government projects. It’s an opportunity to build a professional network within federal service from anywhere in the U.S.