15 Law Opportunities for High School Students
What does it actually mean to “explore law” before you’ve even stepped into college? For many high school students, the answer lies in taking part in structured opportunities, including internships, summer programs, research tracks, and camps, that go beyond textbooks and into real-world learning. These experiences introduce you to college-level academics, expose you to how legal systems operate in practice, and help you build practical skills like analysis, writing, and structured argumentation. You may find yourself working on case-based projects, engaging with mentors, or observing professionals in action, all of which offer a clearer sense of what studying or practicing law could look like.
If you’re interested specifically in business law, check out our blog here, and if you’re keenly interested in free programs, find a list here!
Why should I participate in a law opportunity in high school?
Getting involved in a law-focused opportunity early on allows you to build the core skills that legal study demands, such as critical thinking, analytical reading, and clear, analytical writing. You also gain insight into how legal concepts are applied in real settings, whether through case analysis, policy work, or courtroom observation. Many of these programs connect you with attorneys, judges, or researchers, giving you access to perspectives that are difficult to gain independently. From a college admissions standpoint, participating in a selective or well-structured program signals initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to engage deeply with a subject. It also gives you concrete experiences to reference in applications, making your academic narrative more focused and credible.
To help you evaluate what’s worth your time, we’ve put together a list of law opportunities for high school students that combine academic depth, strong mentorship, valuable networking, selectivity, funding support, and reputable institutional backing.
1. Law Office of the Public Defender, Broward County, Summer Justice Internship Program
Location: Broward County Judicial Complex, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 30 interns
Dates: June 15–26
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores who are between the ages of 15–18 and attend a high school located in Broward County; minimum 2.0 GPA; never been a client of the Public Defender
This short-term program introduces you to criminal defense by placing you directly in courtroom and legal observation settings. You follow attorneys through different stages of active cases, gaining insight into how defense strategies are developed and applied. Structured discussions with public defenders help clarify the ethical responsibilities and decision-making involved in representing clients. You may also visit institutions such as crime labs or medical examiner offices, which show how forensic evidence supports legal arguments. The experience highlights how multiple components of the justice system interact in real cases. It concludes with a mock trial where you apply your learning in a simulated courtroom setting.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 to 12 weeks, devoting 10-20 hours/week
Instead of a traditional office-based placement, Ladder gives you the chance to work remotely with a startup team on project-based assignments. Students interested in law-related work may be placed with organizations handling policy, compliance, regulatory research, or adjacent areas where legal thinking shapes decision-making. Your responsibilities can include research, writing, analysis, or organizational work tied to real business needs. Along the way, you work under both a company supervisor and a Ladder Coach who helps you strengthen professional skills. The structure encourages you to manage deadlines, communicate clearly, and contribute meaningfully to a working team. The internship concludes with a final presentation in which you share your work and explain its relevance to the organization. Apply now!
3. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Pathways Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; variable cohort sizes
Dates: Varies by internship; academic year and full-time during summer or school breaks
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students who are at least 16 years old by the closing date of the announcement; must be in good academic standing and be able to pass a background check
For students curious about legal work in the federal government, this program offers an early introduction to professional roles inside a major public institution. Depending on the office you join, you may help with reports, document organization, research tasks, or administrative support tied to broader legal and policy efforts. The work gives you a sense of how justice-related functions are carried out beyond courtrooms and public hearings. You also begin to see how different units within a federal agency coordinate on complex issues. Everyday responsibilities emphasize workplace communication, organization, and reliability in a formal setting.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Law Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 1:1 mentor-student ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
If your interest in law leans more academic, this program centers on producing an original research paper with one-on-one mentorship. You begin by identifying a legal topic that genuinely interests you, then narrow it into a focused question that can support deeper analysis. From there, you move through the core stages of research, including source review, argument development, and structured writing. Regular meetings with a mentor help you strengthen both your ideas and the way you present them. You also learn how to organize evidence, evaluate sources, and build a clear legal argument. By the end of the program, you have a polished piece of scholarship that reflects independent work and serious engagement with a law-related subject. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Mikva Summer Fellows Program
Location: Various offices across Chicago, IL
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 50 students
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: High school graduates between the ages of 16 – 22 by July 1; reside in Cook County (City of Chicago) or potentially Lake County, IL
Public service forms the core of this program, which places students in government offices where law, policy, and civic engagement often overlap. In your role, you may contribute to research, constituent communication, outreach, or administrative tasks that support the work of public officials and their teams. The experience offers a practical view of how policies are shaped, communicated, and implemented. Workshops held alongside the internship focus on leadership, workplace readiness, and civic participation. These sessions help connect your office experience to larger questions about government and community impact. You also begin to understand how legal and policy decisions affect everyday life.
6. Hispanic National Bar Foundation (HNBF) – Future Latino Leaders Summer Law Camp
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~32 students
Dates: July 19–26
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school student in the U.S. entering sophomore, junior, or senior year, or a recent high school graduate; minimum 2.5 GPA
In this camp, you spend a week in Washington, D.C., immersed in the legal profession through hands-on instruction that culminates in a Mock Trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. You learn courtroom fundamentals from experienced attorneys, studying how they build a case and prepare for oral argument and cross-examination. You take sample classes taught by current law professors, attend workshops on college and law school admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, and meet practicing lawyers, judges, and government officials. Site visits take you to the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Capitol, and the National Archives to view founding documents.
7. The Nelson Fellowship Program
Location: John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston
Stipend: Paid + Travel expenses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–12 interns each year
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors from Boston and Worcester who attend area city schools; U.S. citizens or legal residents
Set within the federal court system, this fellowship combines observation, skill-building, and mentorship in a structured summer experience. You attend court proceedings and learn how judges, clerks, and attorneys each contribute to the legal process. Sessions on civil rights, constitutional law, and related issues add academic depth to what you observe in court. At the same time, workshops help strengthen analytical reading, public speaking, and legal writing. Interactions with legal professionals give you a more personal understanding of judicial careers and courtroom practice. The experience culminates in a mock trial, where you apply what you have learned before a federal judge.
8. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program of the New York City Bar
Location: Various locations across New York City, NY
Stipend: $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 45 students per cohort
Dates: 6 – 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: NYC public high school students aged 16 or older by program start and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Preparation begins before the placement itself in this program, which combines legal training with internships across a range of New York City workplaces. Early sessions focus on topics such as legal ethics, professionalism, and interviewing so that you enter your internship with a stronger sense of workplace expectations. Once placed, you may help organize case materials, assist with basic research, or support office operations. In some settings, you may also observe hearings or client-facing interactions. Career panels and networking events introduce you to attorneys working across firms, nonprofits, government, and corporate settings.
9. Houston Bar Association Communities In Schools (CIS) Summer Interns
Location: Houston area law firms, TX
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 20 students
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who attend campuses supported by CIS of Houston
Working in a professional legal environment is a central part of this internship, which places students in offices where they can observe daily legal operations up close. You may support attorneys and staff with administrative or organizational tasks while learning how work is distributed across a legal team. Courthouse visits, workshops, and enrichment activities provide additional context for what you see on the job, helping you connect office responsibilities to the larger structure of the legal system. Mentorship also plays an important role, giving you direct access to professionals who can explain expectations and career options. Exposure to different institutions helps broaden your understanding of how legal services are delivered.
10. Atlanta Bar Association: Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 35+ positions available
Dates: May 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying at high schools in the Atlanta area
In this internship, students may assist with research, case preparation, or office support while working in law firms, agencies, or other legal environments. Before beginning the program, you receive instruction on professionalism, confidentiality, and conduct in the workplace. Weekly programming adds an academic dimension through guest speakers, legal discussions, and written assignments. Some activities ask you to analyze cases or respond to legal questions in a more formal way, which helps strengthen reasoning, writing, and professional awareness at the same time.
11. CAIR-Chicago Internship
Location: Various locations across Chicago, IL
Stipend: None; community service hours available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 15 interns
Dates: Winter-Spring: January 1 – May 15; Summer: May 15 – August 31; Fall: September 1 – December 31
Application Deadline: Winter-Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15; Fall: August 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The CAIR-Chicago Internship Program is centered on civil rights and advocacy, introducing students to legal work grounded in community issues. Depending on the projects underway, you may help with research, case summaries, outreach, or support connected to discrimination and civil liberties matters. The setting makes it clear that legal work does not only happen in courtrooms or law firms. You also see how nonprofit organizations combine advocacy, policy, and public education in response to real concerns. Participation in campaigns or community-facing initiatives shows how legal concepts are applied in broader social contexts. In some cases, you may also observe intake or case support processes.
12. Summer Legal Academy: Office of the Harris County Attorney
Location: Harris County Attorney's Office, Houston, TX
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 30 students per session
Dates: July 13–24
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Students in high schools in Harris County who are entering grades 10–12
A classroom-style format shapes this program, which focuses on helping students develop the kinds of reasoning skills associated with legal study. Through lectures, case discussions, and structured exercises, you begin to see how lawyers analyze facts, arguments, and competing interpretations. Activities such as logic games and writing tasks reinforce that process in practical ways. Guest speakers bring in perspectives from different corners of the legal profession, helping you understand how varied the field can be. The program also includes guidance on legal education and what students can expect from law school.
13. Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program
Location: Various courthouses across New York City, NY
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: Approximately 4 weeks in July
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who reside and attend school in NYC’s five boroughs; must provide working papers
Placed directly in a judge’s chambers, students in this program gain firsthand exposure to the judicial side of legal work. You may assist with research, help prepare materials connected to ongoing matters, and observe courtroom proceedings tied to active cases. This kind of direct access helps clarify how judges and court staff approach legal questions and case management. Weekly educational sessions broaden the experience by covering public speaking, critical thinking, college preparation, and legal careers. Mentorship remains a major part of the structure, giving you regular contact with professionals in the judiciary.
14. Jimerson Birr's School Internships
Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, FL
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 40 students
Dates: 4–6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: High school students based in Florida who can work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida
Unlike programs focused only on casework, this internship introduces you to a law firm as both a legal and business operation. Students may spend part of their time assisting with research or case-related support, while also learning how departments such as marketing, technology, and accounting contribute to firm operations. Working with different teams also gives you exposure to multiple professional roles within one organization. The tasks can vary from administrative assistance to project-based work depending on the department. As a result, you gain a more complete sense of how a modern law firm functions.
15. NYU’s High School Law Institute
Location: NYU's Washington Square Park campus, West Village
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Fall Semester: September–October; Spring Semester: January–February
Application Deadline: August 15
Eligibility: Students entering or currently enrolled in grades 9-12 who live within a commutable distance to NYU's Washington Square Park campus in NYC's WNest Village
Running during the academic year rather than over the summer, this program offers a discussion-based introduction to legal study for high school students. Courses cover areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate, giving you multiple entry points into legal reasoning. Classes are built around case analysis, contemporary issues, and collaborative discussion. Written assignments and class activities help you practice argumentation, evidence-based reasoning, and careful reading. The format is interactive, so you are expected to engage actively with ideas. The program also encourages you to evaluate competing arguments and defend your own positions clearly.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. A few programs on this list (Broward County, HNBF, Nelson Fellowship) culminate in a mock trial. How realistic is that experience, and what does it actually teach?
These mock trials are designed to closely mirror real courtroom procedure, often held in genuine federal or district courtrooms with practicing attorneys and even sitting judges presiding, which makes them considerably more immersive than a classroom simulation. The HNBF Future Latino Leaders camp, for instance, holds its mock trial in the actual U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, while the Nelson Fellowship's culminating trial takes place before a federal judge at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston. Through these exercises, you practice building a case, preparing for cross-examination, and delivering oral argument under genuine pressure, giving you a much clearer sense of what trial advocacy actually demands than reading about it ever could.
2. Several programs (Sonia & Celina Sotomayor, Nelson Fellowship) place you directly inside a courthouse or judge's chambers. How does that experience differ from a law firm internship like Jimerson Birr's?
The two offer genuinely different vantage points on the legal system. A judicial placement, like the Sotomayor Internship, puts you inside a judge's chambers, where you see how judges and their staff weigh arguments, manage cases, and reach decisions, a perspective most students never access. A law firm internship like Jimerson Birr's instead shows you the business and operational side of legal practice, including how departments like marketing and accounting support the legal work itself. If you're drawn to the decision-making and reasoning side of law, prioritise the judicial and courthouse-based programs; if you're curious about what running a legal practice actually looks like day to day, the firm-based internships will serve you better.
3. NYU's High School Law Institute runs during the academic year rather than the summer. How does that change the kind of commitment or experience I should expect compared to the summer programs on this list?
Running through the fall or spring semester gives you a more sustained, classroom-style engagement with legal reasoning over several months rather than a concentrated burst of activity during the summer. This format suits students who want to build foundational knowledge in areas like constitutional and criminal law gradually, with the chance to develop your argumentation and analytical writing skills over a longer stretch of time, rather than condensing that learning into a few intensive weeks. It also pairs well with a summer program from this list, since you could build foundational reasoning skills at NYU during the school year and then apply that base to a more applied placement, like a courthouse internship or research program, the following summer.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 law opportunities for high school students, spanning courtroom-based experiences with culminating mock trials at Broward County, HNBF, and the Nelson Fellowship, judicial placements inside courthouses and chambers through the Sotomayor Internship and Nelson Fellowship, and bar association programs in Atlanta, Houston, and New York City that combine office-based legal work with structured academic programming. Several programs, including the Thurgood Marshall Internship, Atlanta Bar Association, and Harris County's Summer Legal Academy, pay a clear hourly wage or flat stipend, while others, like the Sotomayor Internship and CAIR-Chicago, are unpaid but offer rare, direct access to judicial chambers or civil rights advocacy work. For students who want a more academic, research-based alternative to the courtroom and office placements that dominate this list, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program's Law Track is the strongest option, pairing you one-on-one with a mentor to produce an original legal research paper rather than a hands-on placement.