13 Law Internships in Kentucky for Undergraduates
Pursuing a law internship as an undergraduate can be an excellent way to gain practical experience while exploring potential career paths in the legal field. While coursework can help you understand legal concepts and institutions, internships provide the opportunity to see how law is practiced in real-world settings. From courts and government agencies to nonprofit organizations and legal advocacy groups, these experiences allow students to observe legal processes firsthand and develop professional skills that are difficult to acquire in a classroom alone.
If you’re specifically targeting the summer, here is a list of summer-specific law internships.
Why should I do a law internship in college?
A law internship can help you stand out when applying for future internships, jobs, or law school by demonstrating initiative, professional experience, and a genuine interest in the field. Depending on the organization, you may have the opportunity to conduct research, assist with policy projects, support case preparation, observe legal proceedings, or contribute to advocacy initiatives. Along the way, you'll strengthen essential skills such as writing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
To make your search easier, we've selected 13 law internships in Kentucky for undergraduate students. For students seeking flexible and affordable options, virtual and hybrid internships provide access to legal organizations, law firms, advocacy groups, and government agencies that might otherwise be difficult to reach due to geographic or financial constraints.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 13 law internships in Kentucky for undergraduates spanning prosecutor's offices, the state legislature, civil rights organizations, and international human rights groups, with standout hosts including the ACLU, Human Rights Watch, and the Kentucky Attorney General's office.
Most of these are free to participate in, with a few offering a stipend or academic credit, so cost is rarely a barrier here, though it's worth checking each listing for the exact funding details.
A few entries on this list are based internationally or nationally rather than in Kentucky specifically, including opportunities in London, The Hague, and Washington, D.C., giving students interested in international law some additional options beyond the state-based programs.
Most of the Kentucky-based programs cluster around Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort, while Ladder and a handful of national or international organizations round out the list with options that don't require being based in Kentucky at all.
A few of the earliest deadlines fall in mid-February for two of the prosecutor and civil liberties-focused programs, with the state legislative internship's deadline falling as early as September 1 for its spring session, so it's worth planning well ahead for that one in particular.
1. Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office Summer Prosecutorial Internship
Location: Lexington, KY
Cost: Free
Dates: 10-week summer program (typically May–July/August).
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Open to law students and selected undergraduate college students interested in criminal justice, law, or public service
The Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office Summer Prosecutorial Internship provides students with an immersive introduction to the criminal justice system by allowing them to work closely with prosecutors and observe how felony cases are handled. Throughout the 10-week program, interns gain firsthand exposure to courtroom proceedings, legal processes, and public service while learning about the responsibilities of prosecutors. The program also includes unique experiential opportunities such as police ride-alongs, courthouse tours, jail and federal prison visits, K-9 unit demonstrations, time with robbery and homicide detectives, and tours of specialized law enforcement units. These experiences help you develop a deeper understanding of criminal law, law enforcement, and the justice system while exploring potential careers in legal and public service fields.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; full financial aid available
Dates: 8 – 12 week sessions with varying dates; summer opportunities available
Application Deadline: May/June for summer cohorts; spring, fall, and winter cohorts also available
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder University Internship Program connects you with global startups and nonprofits across diverse industries for an immersive, remote experience. Over 8–12 weeks, you will work on a project that directly contributes to your assigned organization’s goals, from business development to marketing, product research, or design. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate closely with your startup manager on various deliverables, gaining experience in professional communication, problem-solving, and project management. The program concludes with a final presentation of your project, showcasing the real-world impact of your work.
3. ACLU of Kentucky Legal Internship Program
Location: Louisville, KY
Cost: Free to apply. You may receive academic credit, external funding, or a stipend (typically up to $750 if other funding is unavailable).
Dates: Summer semester; 8–10 weeks and requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Varies by term and year.
Eligibility: Open to law students who have completed at least one year of law school and one semester of Constitutional Law. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, professionalism, and an interest in civil liberties and civil rights.
The ACLU of Kentucky Legal Internship Program gives you the opportunity to work directly with the organization’s legal team on civil rights and civil liberties issues affecting communities across Kentucky. You will gain hands-on experience through legal research, brief writing, legislative analysis, client intake review, factual investigations, and support for ongoing litigation. Working under the supervision of experienced attorneys will help you develop practical legal skills while contributing to advocacy and litigation efforts that advance constitutional rights. The program also provides mentorship, professional development, and valuable exposure to public interest law and nonprofit legal work.
4. Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) Internship Program
Location: Multiple offices across Kentucky, with the main office in Frankfort, Kentucky. Internship placements may be available in trial offices and other DPA divisions throughout the state.
Cost: Free
Dates: Opportunities are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Open to both undergraduate and law students interested in criminal defense, public interest law, and the criminal justice system
In this internship, you will work alongside public defenders and multidisciplinary defense teams to gain firsthand experience in criminal defense and client advocacy. You will contribute to legal research, case preparation, investigations, and trial support while learning how attorneys represent individuals within the justice system. Through mentorship and hands-on exposure to public defense work, you will develop practical legal skills, deepen your understanding of constitutional rights and criminal law, and explore careers in public interest law and public service.
5. Kentucky Office of the Attorney General Internship
Location: Primarily Frankfort, KY
Cost: Free to apply. Stipend varies by internship type and academic program.
Dates: Typically offered during the summer, fall, and spring semesters, depending on departmental needs.
Application Deadline: Varies by position and term
Eligibility: Generally open to undergraduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university. Some positions may require a minimum GPA and relevant skills depending on the department.
Kentucky Office of the Attorney General Internship offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service and state government while working within Kentucky’s chief legal office. In this internship, you will assist with projects related to legal and policy research, communications, public outreach, digital media, and administrative operations that support the Attorney General’s work. Depending on your placement, you may collaborate with attorneys and other professionals, contribute to initiatives that protect consumers and enforce state laws, and develop practical workplace skills. The program provides valuable exposure to government operations, public policy, and legal careers while helping you build a strong professional network.
6. Kentucky Legislative Internship Program
Location: Frankfort, KY
Cost: No program fee; students earn academic credit and may be eligible for internship funding and scholarships.
Dates: Spring semester (aligned with the annual session of the Kentucky General Assembly).
Application Deadline: September 1 each year, with some applications considered on a rolling basis afterward.
Eligibility: Open to political science majors, political science minors, and pre-law students in good standing who have completed at least nine credit hours of political science or related coursework before the spring internship semester.
Kentucky Legislative Internship Program (KLIP) offers students the opportunity to experience the inner workings of state government from the front lines of the legislative process. As an intern, you will spend a semester working in the Kentucky General Assembly, where you may assist lawmakers with policy research, draft materials, respond to constituent inquiries, attend committee meetings, and observe legislative debates. Combined with academic coursework, the program helps you understand how public policy is developed, debated, and implemented in practice. Beyond gaining exposure to government operations, you can strengthen your research, communication, and critical thinking skills while building relationships with legislators, staff members, and public policy professionals.
7. Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) Internship Program
Location: Richmond (Department of Criminal Justice Training campus at Eastern Kentucky University)
Cost: Free
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall terms, depending on departmental needs.
Application Deadline: Varies by semester and position
Eligibility: Open to college students and recent graduates seeking experience in criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, public administration, communications, information technology, and related fields.
Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) Internship Program offers students an opportunity to explore the legal and criminal justice systems through hands-on experience in a state agency dedicated to law enforcement training and public safety. In this internship, you will work alongside professionals involved in criminal justice education, training programs, research, and administrative operations that support law enforcement agencies across Kentucky. You will gain insight into the legal frameworks, policies, and procedures that guide the justice system while developing professional skills through projects and real-world experience. The program is particularly valuable for students interested in criminal law, public service, law enforcement, or other careers connected to the legal and justice systems.
8. Kentucky Legislative Internship Program
Location: Frankfort, KY
Cost: None
Dates: Spring semester; varies depending on whether the legislature is in a long or short session.
Application Deadline: September 1 each year, with some applications considered on a rolling basis afterward.
Eligibility: Open to University of Kentucky political science majors, political science minors, and pre-law students in good standing who have completed at least nine credit hours of political science or related coursework before the internship semester.
The Kentucky Legislative Internship Program (KLIP) is designed for undergraduate students who want to gain firsthand experience in state government and the legislative process. Throughout the program, you will work directly with members of the Kentucky General Assembly and their staff, assisting with legislative research, policy analysis, constituent communications, and daily office operations. Alongside your internship placement, you will participate in academic coursework that connects practical experience with the study of government and public policy. The program offers valuable insight into how laws are developed and enacted while helping you build research, communication, and analytical skills that are useful for careers in law, public policy, government, and public service.
9. International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Internship Programme
Location: London, United Kingdom; The Hague, Netherlands; and Washington, D.C., United States.
Cost: Free to apply
Dates: Internships are typically offered in three-month blocks throughout the year, with multiple intake periods depending on the office location
Application Deadline: Varies by location and intake period
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and postgraduate law students, as well as newly qualified lawyers. Some placements, particularly within the Legal Policy & Research Unit, may require the internship to form part of a university program or academic curriculum.
The International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Internship Programme provides a unique opportunity to engage with global legal issues while working alongside lawyers, researchers, and policy experts from around the world. You will contribute to legal research, policy analysis, publications, and advocacy initiatives focused on areas such as human rights, international criminal law, legal ethics, anti-corruption, and the rule of law. Depending on your placement, you may support the work of the IBA's specialized institutes and programs, gaining valuable insight into international legal practice while strengthening your research, writing, and analytical skills.
10. WilmerHale's London Intern Program
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Cost: Free; Weekly stipend received
Dates: Typically held during the summer, with internships lasting approximately 8–10 weeks.
Application Deadline: Usually falls during the winter preceding the internship period (often December–January). Applicants should check the program website for current deadlines.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students with a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in international arbitration, international law, or dispute resolution. Applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds may be considered.
WilmerHale London Intern Program offers students a behind-the-scenes look at international arbitration within a globally recognized law firm. You will support attorneys working on cross-border disputes by conducting research, analyzing legal issues, and assisting with projects related to ongoing arbitration matters. The program provides exposure to the strategies, procedures, and legal principles involved in resolving complex international disputes, while also offering mentorship from experienced practitioners. This experience can help you develop practical legal skills and enhance your understanding of international dispute resolution within a professional law firm setting.
11. ACLU National Internship Program
Location: Both remote and hybrid opportunities available
Cost: No cost; Stipend given
Dates: 10-week full-time or 12-week part-time internships are available year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The American Civil Liberties Union offers a renowned internship program for students passionate about civil rights and social justice. Interns work on substantive projects that support the ACLU's litigation, advocacy, and communications efforts. Depending on the project, responsibilities may include legal research, policy analysis, drafting public education materials, and assisting with case development. This internship provides insight into landmark legal battles and advocacy campaigns shaping civil liberties in the United States.
12. Human Rights Watch, Internships
Location: Various global offices, including New York, Washington, D.C., London, and Berlin (remote opportunities often available)
Cost: Varies by position
Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by office and internship term
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; specific requirements vary by role
This internship is designed for students with a strong interest in international law, human rights, and global advocacy. You will work alongside researchers, advocates, and policy professionals at Human Rights Watch, contributing to projects that address pressing human rights issues around the world. Depending on your placement, you may conduct research, monitor human rights developments, assist with advocacy campaigns, draft reports, and support outreach initiatives. The experience offers valuable insight into how human rights organizations investigate abuses, influence policy, and promote accountability on a global scale while helping you develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
13. American Bar Association Undergraduate Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors or seniors
The American Bar Association Civil Rights and Social Justice Section Internship offers a closer look at how legal advocacy, policy research, and public engagement contribute to advancing civil and human rights. You will assist with tracking legal and legislative developments, analyzing policy issues, preparing research-based materials, and supporting projects that inform the section’s advocacy and educational efforts. Opportunities might involve attending hearings and professional events, contributing to communication efforts, and conducting independent research projects.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need to already be pursuing a law degree to apply to these internships?
No, most of these are specifically designed for undergraduates and don't require law school enrollment. A couple of the national and international programs on this list do skew toward law students, so check the eligibility section closely for those.
2. A few of these programs are based outside Kentucky. Should I still consider them?
Yes, if relocating or working remotely is an option for you, since these can offer strong international or national legal exposure you won't find locally. If staying in-state matters most, focus on the Kentucky-based government and nonprofit options first.
3. Do I need to be a political science or pre-law major to apply to these internships?
Not for most of them. A couple of the state government programs do require political science or pre-law coursework specifically, but the rest are open to undergraduates from any academic background with a genuine interest in law or public service.