16 Legal Internships for Undergraduates in D.C.

If you’re a college student, gaining relevant, professional experience through internships is one of the best ways to enhance your resume, build professional skills, and prepare for future careers. For undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in law, internships provide exposure to legal research, public policy, client advocacy, and courtroom procedures. These opportunities not only build your legal knowledge but also improve your chances of securing future roles in government, non-profits, or private firms.

Washington, D.C., is one of the best cities for legal internships, thanks to its concentration of law firms, federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and courts. Whether you’re looking to assist with legal filings, attend hearings, or contribute to social justice initiatives, D.C. offers diverse opportunities to explore the field of law. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 15 legal internships for undergraduates in D.C., including programs that emphasize mentorship, research, policy work, and more. From congressional offices to public interest law centers, these internships serve as ideal stepping stones for students committed to making a meaningful impact in the legal world.

Below are 16 legal internships for undergraduates in Washington, D.C.

1. Legal Aid’s Student Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Legal Aid D.C., Washington, D.C. (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students may receive scholarships – Summer: $6,125; Semester: $2,500 (subject to outside funding)
Dates: Summer: 10 weeks; Semester: 12 weeks (flexible for academic year)
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications posted on the employment page
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate and law students

This internship offers undergraduates practical experience in civil legal services and social justice advocacy. You will support attorneys and staff by reviewing case files, participating in client interviews, and observing court proceedings, often within the Intake and Development departments. You may also assist with factual investigations, internal communications, and filing court documents. Internships are available year-round and require a part-time commitment (academic year) or a full-time commitment (summer). Legal Aid D.C. offers a hybrid work model and scholarships of up to $6,125 for summer and $2,500 for semester interns. This program is ideal for students interested in housing law, family law, immigration, or public benefits advocacy.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies with program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to college students interested in tech, nonprofit, research, or social impact

Designed for undergraduates who want a relevant, flexible experience, this virtual internship connects you with mission-driven startups and organizations. You will complete real-world projects in areas such as marketing, data analysis, technology, and policy research, while developing key professional skills. A standout feature is the personalized mentorship model, where you'll be matched 1:1 with an expert mentor to support your career development and provide feedback throughout the internship. The program also includes structured professional development sessions and has received recognition from prominent outlets such as Forbes and The New York Times.

3. World Bank Legal Internship Program – Legal Vice Presidency

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None; students must secure outside funding or academic credit
Dates: Offered in Spring (Mar–May), Summer (Jun–Aug), and Fall (Sep–Nov) for 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Spring: Sep 1–Sep 30; Summer: Dec 1–Dec 31; Fall: Apr 1–Apr 30
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent law programs who hold citizenship of an IBRD member country and have excellent command of English

The World Bank’s Legal Internship Program offers law students the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the Legal Vice Presidency on international development and legal matters. You will conduct legal research, assist with comparative analyses, and contribute to legal and policy-related tasks under the supervision of World Bank lawyers. You may also help organize conferences and attend high-profile internal events. Although the position is unpaid, participants may be eligible to receive university funding or academic credit. Internships are available three times per year and include a formal onboarding process. Preference is given to multilingual applicants, and placements may be available in select international offices where Bank legal staff are present.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the work-learn structure of one quite closely!

5. Leadership for Change Internship – Smithsonian Affiliations

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduates from all majors; law and public affairs are among the supported disciplines

This eight-week hybrid internship introduces students to the role of museums and cultural institutions as agents of community change. You will explore how legal, educational, and policy frameworks shape museum outreach while working across various functions, including law, government, cultural heritage, and public programming. Interns collaborate on advocacy-driven projects and engage with professionals across the Smithsonian network to bring resources and expertise to broader communities. The internship supports a wide range of academic interests, including law, political science, communications, and education, and offers a paid, structured experience based in Washington, D.C. 

6. Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Public Defender Service, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Minimum of 12 weeks (typically aligned with summer and academic terms)
Application Deadline: Rolling (refer to CLIP Informational Bulletin for specific dates)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in criminal law or investigation

CLIP offers one of the most immersive pre-law experiences for students seeking real exposure to criminal defense work. You will partner directly with staff attorneys, conduct field investigations, interview clients and witnesses, and attend court proceedings. Unlike many internships, this program places you in the community, providing investigative support in active criminal cases. Recognized by The Washington Post and The Princeton Review as one of the most hands-on legal internships in the country, CLIP prepares you for law school or a career in public interest law. The internship lasts a minimum of 12 weeks and is based on-site in Washington, D.C., providing an unparalleled insight into the daily work of a public defender.

7. Office of the Attorney General Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by division
Location: Office of the Attorney General, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
Application Deadline: Fall: July 31; Spring: November 30; Summer: February 14
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students in good academic standing

This internship offers a diverse and hands-on legal experience within the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. You will support attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting motions and memos, assisting with discovery, and observing depositions and court proceedings. You will be placed in divisions aligned with your interests, including civil litigation, consumer protection, public safety, and family services. The program also features field trips to local legal institutions and presentations on various legal topics, including environmental law, appellate advocacy, and juvenile justice. You will also benefit from a customized placement process and frequent interaction with OAG staff, paralegals, and other students. This is an ideal role for undergraduates eager to explore the intersection of government and law in a high-impact setting.

8. Legal Internship Program – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; rolling admissions
Location: Washington, D.C. - Remote or hybrid
Cost/Stipend: No cost; full-time interns receive $2,600/month
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications encouraged
Eligibility: Open to graduate students working toward a JD or LLM; prior coursework or experience in international environmental or human rights law required

This internship allows law students to engage with international environmental law and human rights advocacy through a nonprofit lens. You will support CIEL’s legal staff by researching legal frameworks, drafting legal briefs, contributing to amicus curiae filings, and assisting with international policy analysis. You may also attend virtual meetings and contribute to the development of publications or reports. The position offers remote flexibility for students residing in the U.S., along with a generous stipend to support full-time or part-time participation. 

9. Law Student Volunteer Internship – Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~4 interns per term
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Application Deadline: Spring: September 15; Summer: January 15; Fall: June 15
Eligibility: Open to 2L and 3L law students who are U.S. citizens

This internship at the DOJ’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) offers law students an immersive experience in federal criminal prosecution related to narcotics and narco-terrorism. You will work alongside federal prosecutors on major investigations, conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, and supporting litigation targeting national and international drug trafficking and money laundering operations. Interns also contribute to policy and enforcement initiatives while gaining exposure to the DOJ's inner workings. A strong academic record and interest in criminal or international law are essential. Interns must undergo a comprehensive background and suitability review, which includes fingerprinting and a credit check.

10. Civil Rights Internship Program – Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Quarter, semester, or summer internships
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply early for summer placements
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and law students committed to civil rights and social justice

This internship places you at the center of civil rights litigation and advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Law student interns assist with legal research, drafting memos, and supporting litigation in key issue areas, including housing discrimination, education equity, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity. Undergraduate interns work in either the prisoners’ rights or workers’ rights initiatives, where they may assist in responding to prisoner correspondence, conduct interviews, and support off-site legal clinics. The program includes summer training sessions, lunch-and-learns, and networking opportunities within D.C.’s public interest legal community.

11. Legal Internship Programme – International Bar Association (IBA)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Washington, D.C. (also London and The Hague; remote options may be available)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; limited financial grants available for some locations
Dates: Ongoing; based on academic calendars
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by location and university requirements.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and postgraduate law students and newly qualified lawyers; D.C. positions are typically for students in the U.S.

This international legal internship provides students with the opportunity to engage with global legal issues at one of the world’s largest organizations for law societies and bar associations. You will support legal research, event planning, and policy development across a range of international law topics, working closely with IBA staff and global partners. You will also contribute to newsletters and may attend legal forums and virtual conferences. Although most placements are unpaid, the program offers valuable international exposure and work experience in settings like Washington, D.C., London, or The Hague. Remote internships may be considered for students outside the UK, depending on university requirements.

12. ASIL Internships – American Society of International Law (ASIL)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Multiple positions available
Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person preferred; some remote options)
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer; minimum 15 hrs/week during academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students interested in international law and policy

ASIL offers several internship tracks that allow students to explore international law, legal publishing, and nonprofit operations from its Washington, D.C. headquarters. Law students can apply for the Publications and Research Intern role, where they will write summaries of legal developments and assist with legal publications. Undergraduates may apply for the Programs or Development internships, supporting event planning, legal education programming, donor outreach, and public relations. You are encouraged to attend D.C.-based international law events and engage with the broader policy community. While unpaid, the internships offer flexible scheduling and the opportunity to gain practical insight into legal advocacy, international relations, and nonprofit law.

13. Civil Rights and Social Justice Internship – American Bar Association (ABA)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall: Aug/Sept–Dec; Spring: Jan–Apr/May; Summer: May/June–Aug/Sept
Application Deadline: Fall: July 28
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates (preferably juniors/seniors) and 2L/3L law students with a demonstrated interest in civil rights

Offered through the ABA’s Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, this remote internship allows you to engage in legal research, policy monitoring, and advocacy around key civil liberties and human rights issues. Undergraduate interns assist with legislative research, attend virtual hearings, write newsletter articles, and help manage the Section’s social media and event marketing efforts. Law student interns (when positions are active) focus on areas such as voting rights and election protection, supporting legal research, and creating training materials. You will commit to 15–20 hours/week, depending on the term, and may propose independent projects aligned with the Section’s mission. 

14. Civil Rights Legal Internship – Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; rolling admission
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: None; school credit required during the semester
Dates: Fall and Spring semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Open to law students eligible to receive academic credit; strong interest in civil rights litigation and social justice

Offered during the academic year, this legal internship provides law students with direct experience in civil rights litigation and policy work. You will conduct legal research, draft memos or pleadings, and support advocacy efforts in areas like housing discrimination, education equity, criminal justice reform, and access to public accommodations. Interns also attend litigation strategy meetings and case check-ins with experienced civil rights attorneys. The internship follows a hybrid format, and students must be able to earn academic credit from their law school. This is an ideal role for individuals committed to civil rights law and seeking practical, mission-driven legal experience during the semester.

15. ACLU National Legal Internship Program – American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; exact cohort size varies by department
Location: Washington, D.C. (National Office, hybrid/remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid stipend for full-time (10 weeks) or part-time (12 weeks); ineligible if receiving academic credit
Dates: Summer (10 weeks full-time); Fall/Spring (12 weeks part-time)
Application Deadline: Summer legal internships open in February; deadlines vary (~May 15 for summer, mid-August for fall)
Eligibility: Law students and undergraduates (for non-legal tracks); U.S.-based; strong interest in civil liberties

ACLU’s flagship internship program places students at the forefront of civil rights and liberties work. You will work alongside attorneys in departments such as Voting Rights, National Political Advocacy, or General Legal Practice—handling legal research, drafting memos, and contributing to litigation and policy campaigns. You will also gain experience in communications, advocacy, and organizational support, depending on departmental placement. The program offers mentorship, training, and the chance to attend internal events and hearings. Full-time summer interns receive a stipend (offset by external funding), while part-time academic-year interns may receive prorated support.

16. Supreme Court Internship Program – Supreme Court of the United States

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; varies by office
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid
Dates: Fall (16 weeks), Spring (16 weeks), Summer (8–12 weeks, not to exceed 90 days)
Application Deadline: Fall: Opens May 15; Spring: Opens September 15; Summer: Opens February 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study; law and graduate students are not eligible

This prestigious internship provides undergraduates with the opportunity to work within the Supreme Court in various administrative and public-facing roles. You may be placed in offices such as the Office of the Curator, Public Information Office, Office of the Clerk, Marshal’s Office, or Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice, depending on your background and availability. Responsibilities vary by department and may include conducting tours, assisting with research, processing court records, supporting visiting dignitaries, and providing public communications support. You will also attend seminars and may observe Court sessions. This is a competitive and structured internship that emphasizes professionalism, discretion, and strong academic performance. Applications are submitted through USAJobs.gov and require a complete packet, including letters of recommendation and transcripts.

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