15 Law Programs for High School Students

If you’re curious about what a career in law looks like, high school is a good time to start exploring the field. Law programs and internships for high schoolers offer early exposure to how the legal system works, including courtroom procedures, constitutional law, debate, and policymaking. These programs help you understand how legal concepts are applied in practical settings.

Why should I participate in a law program in high school?

Participating in a law program allows you to develop skills that are relevant to legal study, such as analytical reading, structured argumentation, research, and public speaking. Experiences like mock trials, case analysis, and legal writing help you learn how lawyers think and work. For students planning to pursue a pre-law major in college, these programs can strengthen applications by showing interest in the field, exposure to rigorous material, and readiness for coursework.

Here are 15 law programs for high school students!

1. Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (Law Track) – University of Pennsylvania

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts placed across five Penn graduate schools
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania campus)
Cost/Stipend: Free; all program costs covered
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 10th or 11th graders enrolled in a Philadelphia high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0

The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week experience at the University of Philadelphia that introduces high school students to professional fields, including a dedicated track at the Penn Carey Law School. As part of the law track, you’ll explore legal careers through workshops, case studies, and mentorship from law faculty and practitioners. You’ll gain first-hand insight into how the legal system works. The program also includes college readiness training, such as SAT prep, financial literacy, time management, and personal statement writing. SMP places a strong emphasis on mentorship and hands-on learning, culminating in a college fair on Penn’s campus, helping students connect their legal interests to future academic opportunities

2. Ladder Internships

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts for individualized mentorship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week

Ladder Internships’ Law and Policy track gives high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the legal and advocacy world. Through this program, you’ll work directly with startups, nonprofits, or advocacy groups tackling legal and social challenges. Depending on your placement, you might conduct legal research, draft briefs, analyze policy proposals, or contribute to community engagement projects. You will be paired with both a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, ensuring personalized mentorship and feedback throughout the experience. The program concludes with a presentation of your work, allowing you to showcase tangible outcomes and build a portfolio of real-world experience. Because the internship is fully virtual, you’ll have the flexibility to manage your schedule while gaining insights into legal practice and professional collaboration.

3. Judicial Youth Corps Program – Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Massachusetts (Boston, Springfield, Worcester courthouses)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: July–August (six-week program)
Application Deadline: Applications typically due in spring; requires recommendations and interviews
Eligibility: High school students in Boston, Springfield, or Worcester 

The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program, run by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is a six-week educational internship that gives high school students an opportunity to work inside local courthouses. You will be mentored by judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and court staff while learning about the rule of law and the workings of the judicial system. You will take part in mock trials, group discussions, field trips, and job shadowing, all while contributing as an active intern in the courts. This blend of professional mentorship, hands-on experience, and classroom-style legal education gives you a rounded view of the legal profession, so you can decide if it is the right profession for you. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; one-on-one mentorship model
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Spring (March–June), Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February)
Application Deadline: January, May, September, November (depending on cohort)
Eligibility: Current high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior research experience required

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a law and public policy research track where high school students work one-on-one with a PhD mentor from a top university to explore complex legal and societal issues. Over the course of 12 weeks, with an option to extend up to a year, you’ll design, research, and write an independent research paper on topics such as constitutional law, civil rights, international law, or comparative legal systems. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in academic research, writing, and analysis while receiving personalized mentorship and structured feedback. At the program’s conclusion, you’ll have a completed paper suitable for submission to competitions or journals.

5. Summer Law Institute (SLI) – Legal Outreach (NYC)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; seven-site cohorts hosted at NYC law schools
Location: New York City (Brooklyn Law School; Cardozo; Columbia; CUNY; Fordham; NYU; St. John’s)
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly listed; program supported by law school and firm sponsors
Dates: First week of July–first week of August
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders (students who have just completed 8th grade)

Legal Outreach’s five-week Summer Law Institute introduces rising ninth graders to criminal justice and trial advocacy. Taught by law students and featuring daily interaction with practicing attorneys, the program blends classroom lessons with field trips to legal institutions and structured skills training. You will learn essential courtroom skills – prepare opening/closing statements, practice direct and cross-examinations, and learn courtroom procedure. The institute culminates in a mock-trial competition presided over by real judges, giving you a taste of legal advocacy in action. Graduates of the Summer Law Institute are eligible to apply to Legal Outreach’s four-year College Bound program, which provides ongoing academic and professional development.

6. Summer Law & Trial Institute – Ohio University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots with preference for Appalachian Ohio students
Location: Athens, Ohio (Ohio University; hybrid with virtual + on-campus week)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 7–18 (virtual July 7–11; residential July 13–18)
Application Deadline: May 31 (rolling admissions; outside Appalachian Ohio considered after June 7)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Appalachian Ohio are prioritized; outstanding sophomores and non-Appalachian students are considered if space allows

Ohio University’s Summer Law & Trial Institute (SLTI) is a two-week program that introduces high school students to law, justice, and courtroom practice through both virtual and in-person learning experiences. You will begin with a week of virtual seminars before transitioning to an on-campus residential experience in Athens, Ohio. The program features court visits, NGO site trips, meetings with attorneys and judges, and even the chance to observe the Ohio Supreme Court. Hands-on learning is at the heart of SLTI. You will participate in a mock trial before a real judge, gaining practical experience in public speaking, negotiation, case analysis, and professionalism. Beyond law-specific training, the program focuses on college readiness, teamwork, and community-building, making it a strong foundation for those considering legal careers.

7. Law Links Internship – Baltimore City

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements each summer
Location: Baltimore, Maryland (law offices and legal institutions across the city)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship through YouthWorks; professional attire provided at no cost
Dates: Late June–mid-August (7 full-time weeks)
Application Deadline: Spring (application requires multiple documents and recommendations)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors attending Baltimore City public schools and residing in Baltimore City

The Law Links Internship gives Baltimore City students a seven-week, full-time experience of the legal profession. You will be placed in law firms, courts, or other legal institutions, where you will gain insight into the daily operations of the legal system. As an intern, you’ll receive mentorship from attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals. The program also emphasizes career readiness: students are expected to wear business attire daily, which is provided free of charge. By requiring strong application materials—including transcripts, attendance records, and three letters of recommendation—Law Links identifies motivated students and prepares them for future academic and career success in law.

8. International Law: Protecting the World’s Interests

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; small online cohorts
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,895; certificate of completion included
Dates: Multiple options (1-week intensives, 2-week, and 4-week sessions; e.g., November 9–December 7,  December 21–January 4, January 4–February 1)
Application Deadline: Rolling; typically one week before session start
Eligibility: Students ages 13+

This Georgetown online pre-college program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of international law and its role in global governance. You will study how treaties are negotiated, how jurisdiction is determined across land, sea, air, and outer space, and how international law regulates the use of military force. Through real-world case studies, you’ll learn how legal principles apply to complex global conflicts. The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where you’ll take on the role of a legal advisor analyzing a simulated international conflict. Alongside video lessons and readings, you will receive personalized mentor guidance to support your learning and strengthen your analytical and presentation skills. Participants earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University, making this program a first step into the world of international law and diplomacy. 

9. Politics, Law & Economics (PLE) – Yale Young Global Scholars

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; international cohort
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (on-campus, residential)
Cost/Stipend: $7,000; need-based financial aid available (covers up to full tuition, but not travel)
Dates: Two-week sessions in June–July (Session III: July 19–August 1)
Application Deadline: Early Action – November; Regular Decision – January
Eligibility: Ages 16–18; rising sophomores or juniors; must be fluent in English

Yale Young Global Scholars’ Politics, Law & Economics (PLE) track is an interdisciplinary program that helps high school students explore how governments, economies, and legal systems shape the world around us. You’ll attend lectures and seminars led by Yale faculty and guest speakers on topics such as constitutional interpretation, market regulation, arbitration, inequality, and international policy. The curriculum challenges you to think critically about global issues—from human rights and environmental law to the ethics of AI and digital governance. Beyond academics, you'll collaborate on team projects and group discussions with students from around the world, gaining both global awareness and strong communication skills. The program concludes with presentations and written work that demonstrate your expertise in analyzing complex issues, preparing you to be a more engaged global citizen.

10. Intensive Law & Trial Program – Stanford Law School 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; national cohort of high school students
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,699; partial scholarships and payment plans available
Dates: 10-day sessions in summer (exact dates announced annually)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled; priority given to early applicants and nominations
Eligibility: High school students 

The Intensive Law & Trial Program, offered in partnership with Stanford Law School, gives high school students an opportunity to experience the world of law. You’ll learn essential courtroom skills such as delivering opening and closing arguments, examining witnesses, and applying rules of evidence through workshops and lectures led by Stanford Law faculty and legal professionals. A highlight of the program is the mock trial simulation, endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association, where you prepare and argue a case from start to finish. Beyond academics, the program includes leadership development workshops and opportunities to explore San Francisco, making it both an educational and cultural adventure. 

11. Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy – Rutgers University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited residential cohort
Location: Rutgers–New Brunswick, New Jersey (on-campus, residential)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies annually; scholarships and aid may be available
Dates: July 13–19
Application Deadline: Spring (rolling until filled)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 16–18

Rutgers’ Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy is a week-long program that introduces high school students to the foundations of law and courtroom advocacy. Taught by Rutgers Law faculty, the program combines classroom lessons on civil and criminal law with mock trials, film analysis, courtroom visits, and sessions with guest speakers from the legal field. You’ll build essential trial skills such as cross-examination, oral arguments, and evidence handling, while developing confidence in public speaking and debate. Beyond the courtroom, you’ll explore diverse career paths in law and government, helping you better understand future academic and professional opportunities.

12. Pre-College Summer Program – Harvard University 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small seminar-style classes of 12–18 students
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (on-campus at Harvard University)
Cost/Stipend: $5,800 + $75 application fee; financial aid available
Dates: June 21–July 2; July 5–17; July 19–31
Application Deadline: Early deadline January 7; Regular deadline February 11; Late deadline April 1 (space permitting)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, ages 16–18

Harvard’s Pre-College Summer Program gives high school students an opportunity to live on campus and take a two-week course in a focused area of study. The Legal Studies track introduces you to topics such as constitutional interpretation, legal philosophy, and political frameworks, providing a foundation in law and government. Classes are taught by Harvard-affiliated instructors in small, discussion-based settings, where you’ll sharpen your skills in debate, research, and persuasive writing – skills essential for aspiring lawyers. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in workshops and co-curricular activities designed to mirror the Harvard College experience. While courses are non-credit, students receive a written evaluation and a transcript noting completion, which can strengthen college applications.

13. Law Academy – Georgetown University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small discussion-based sections
Location: Washington, D.C. (on-campus at Georgetown University)
Cost/Stipend: $3,525 (residential, includes housing and meals); $2,730 (commuter); financial aid may be available
Dates: June 23–29; July 14–20; July 28–August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled (typically spring)
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in law and legal studies

Georgetown’s Law Academy gives high school students an introduction to law, policy, and the U.S. legal system. You will attend lectures led by Georgetown faculty, hear from attorneys and policymakers, and analyze constitutional debates and Supreme Court cases. The experience extends beyond the classroom through mock trials, where you’ll step into the role of an attorney, presenting arguments and examining witnesses in simulated courtroom settings. You’ll explore key topics such as criminal justice, juvenile law, constitutional interpretation, and how the legal system balances the rights of victims and defendants. Alongside academics, students gain a taste of life at Georgetown while connecting with other students who share a passion for legal studies. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion of the program.

14. ACLU National Advocacy Institute – High School Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; national cohort of student advocates
Location: Washington, D.C. (American University campus, residential)
Cost: $2,700 (includes housing, meals, and activities); tuition assistance and travel stipends available
Dates: July 13–19; July 20–26; July 27–August 2
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March 3; Regular Decision: April 14; applications after April 15 reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18

The ACLU National Advocacy Institute’s High School Program offers students an introduction to civil rights and liberties work in Washington, D.C. You will attend sessions led by ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, and activists, diving into some of the most pressing issues of our times, including immigration, free speech, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive health. The program combines classroom learning with site visits, policy discussions, and interactive electives that build advocacy and organizing skills. A highlight of the program is the Day of Action, where you’ll put your knowledge into practice by lobbying legislators, participating in rallies, and writing op-eds on civil liberties issues. With its mix of legal education and real-world activism, this program equips you to return home ready to advocate for change in your own community.

15. Criminal Justice: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom – NYU SPS High School Academy

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; selective based on application essay and transcript
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: $2,579 tuition per course + $50 application fee; optional housing/dining $640; no financial aid offered
Dates: Offered during summer sessions (two-week format; dates vary by session)
Application Deadline: Opens January; closes on a rolling basis until filled
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9–11

This two-week pre-college course at New York University (NYU) introduces high school students to the U.S. criminal justice system – combining both theoretical study and real-world application. You will explore topics such as criminology, forensic investigation, evidence admissibility, and the legal processes that guide both civil and criminal trials. The program also examines key constitutional issues in criminal justice, with a particular focus on race, incarceration, and prisoner rights. Case studies drawn from current events and media coverage are used to stimulate classroom discussions and critical analysis. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of crime scene investigation, the court system, corrections, and rehabilitation, as well as how criminal justice policies intersect with larger social debates about fairness, equity, and reform.

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