15 Summer Law Programs for High School Students

Explore 15 top summer law programs for high school students—build real-world legal skills, meet mentors, and discover your path in law before college.

If you’re considering a future in law, summer programs for high schoolers offer a practical way to explore the field before college. These programs introduce you to how legal systems work and help you build foundational skills such as debate, legal writing, analytical reading, and public speaking. Many are run by universities, nonprofits, or legal organizations, giving you exposure to instructors and mentors with experience in legal practice and policy.

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

Summer law programs are typically short-term and designed to be exploratory, making them well-suited for high school students who want early exposure to the field. Through activities like mock trials, case analysis, site visits, and policy discussions, you gain a clearer sense of how legal careers operate in practice. For students planning to pursue a pre-law track in college, a summer law program can strengthen college applications by demonstrating interest and abilities in the field.

Here are 15 summer law programs for high school students!

1. Judicial Youth Corps Program – Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements
Location: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: July–August, six weeks
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: High school students from Boston, Springfield, or Worcester

The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program, run by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is a paid summer internship that offers high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the judicial system in action. You will be placed in courthouses across Massachusetts, where you’ll be mentored by judges, clerks, and probation officers. You’ll learn about the rule of law and courtroom procedures by shadowing court staff, participating in mock trials, and visiting legal institutions. Each week includes Friday educational sessions, where interns come together to discuss legal issues and share their experiences. 

2. Ladder Internship 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts across industries
Location: Remote (global access)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Dates: 8–12 weeks, multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week

Ladder Internships Program connects high school students with start-ups and organizations in fields such as law, artificial intelligence, consulting, journalism, and health tech. As an intern, you’ll work on real-world projects, from policy and compliance to market strategy, depending on the host company. You’ll receive personalized guidance from a Ladder coach and mentorship from industry professionals, ensuring that you develop practical, transferable skills. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your work to company leaders. 

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

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; rising 9th graders only
Location: New York City (hosted at law schools including Columbia and NYU)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July–August, five weeks
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders in NYC schools

The Summer Law Institute (SLI), run by Legal Outreach in New York City, is designed to introduce students to the world of law and justice early in high school. Over the course of five weeks, you'll learn about criminal justice, visit law firms, and receive mentorship from law students and practicing attorneys. The program culminates in a mock trial, where you’ll argue your case before real judges and practicing attorneys. Graduates of SLI can apply to the College Bound program, a four-year pipeline supporting students into higher education and careers in law.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1-on-1 mentorship model
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program length; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), 12 weeks–1 year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (GPA 3.3+)

Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs students with PhD mentors from top universities to design and complete their own independent research papers. For those interested in law, this could mean exploring topics such as constitutional interpretation, human rights law, or criminal justice. You’ll learn how to conduct academic research, write at a professional level, and receive feedback from your mentor. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a polished research paper—a project that not only strengthens your writing skills and knowledge about legal matters, but also adds to your college applications.

5. Summer Law & Trial Institute – Ohio University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Athens, Ohio (virtual + residential hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: Free (fully funded)
Dates: July 7–18
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (preference for Appalachian Ohio students)

The Summer Law & Trial Institute (SLTI) at Ohio University is a two-week program that gives students an inside look at the workings of the legal system. The first week is virtual, followed by an on-campus residential experience at Ohio. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in site visits, workshops, and mock trials, learning the fundamentals of legal reasoning, negotiation, and professional conduct. You’ll also meet judges, attorneys, and faculty of Ohio University, gaining insights into different aspects of law and its applications in the real world. A highlight of the program is watching a live Ohio Supreme Court session and subsequently engaging in discussions with the judges.

6. Law Links Internship – Baltimore City

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Location: Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Late June–August (seven weeks)
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors attending Baltimore City public high schools

Law Links is a paid summer internship that places high school students from Baltimore in local law firms, nonprofits, and courts. As an intern, you will work in a professional environment, participate in networking events, and receive training in legal research and advocacy. The program also includes career readiness workshops to help you develop communication, time management, and workplace etiquette. Law Links provides professional attire at no cost, ensuring all students participate fully in the program

7. Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program – Penn Carey Law Track

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort per track
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 7–August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders enrolled in Philadelphia high schools (GPA 3.0+)

The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) at the University of Pennsylvania gives high school students an opportunity to explore careers in law and higher education. In the Penn Carey Law Track,  you will take part in legal workshops and learn how to analyze cases. You will also participate in experiential learning, SAT prep, writing workshops, and financial literacy training, alongside your law - focused activities. The program concludes with a college fair on Penn campus, where you’ll explore pathways to higher education opportunities.

8. ACLU National Advocacy Institute – Washington, D.C.

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: American University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $2,700 (tuition assistance and travel stipends available)
Dates: July sessions (one week each)
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March 3 | Regular: April 14
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18

The ACLU National Advocacy Institute is a weeklong summer law program for high school students who are interested in civil rights and liberties. Hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), this program lets you learn directly from lawyers, lobbyists, and community organizers through workshops and policy discussions. One of the highlights of the program is the Day of Action, where students lobby members of Congress, participate in rallies, and contribute to real advocacy efforts. You can choose electives on key issues such as immigration, censorship, and racial justice, so you can focus on the topics that matter.

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

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate, selective
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies; includes housing and activities
Dates: July 13–19
Application Deadline: Spring deadlines
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, ages 16–18

The Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy at Rutgers University is a summer law program for high school students that provides an introduction to trial advocacy, courtroom procedure, and legal studies in a university setting. During this residential program, you’ll explore both civil and criminal law, attend the courtroom, participate in mock trials where you'll argue cases, and examine witnesses. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your public speaking and critical thinking skills – essential tools for anyone considering a future in the legal profession – and learn about different career paths in law. Rutgers faculty lead the sessions, supported by guest lecturers, practicing attorneys, judges, and legal experts.

10. Intensive Law & Trial – Stanford Law School

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Palo Alto, California
Cost/Stipend: $5,699 (scholarships and fundraising options available)
Dates: 10-day sessions (summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, limited spots
Eligibility: Grades 9–12

The Intensive Law & Trial program, held at Stanford Law School, gives high school students a preview of what it’s like to study and practice law at one of the world’s leading universities. You’ll develop key legal skills such as argumentation, case analysis, and courtroom procedure through a mix of lectures by Stanford Law professors, interactive workshops, and hands-on simulations. You’ll prepare a full court case and take part in a mock trial endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association. Beyond trial work, you’ll explore topics such as ethics, public speaking, and leadership development. The program also includes site visits to legal institutions and cultural trips in the Bay Area.

11. International Law: Protecting the World’s Interests – Georgetown University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: Online (Georgetown Pre-College Program)
Cost/Stipend: $1,895
Dates: 1–4 week sessions available in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 13+

The International Law: Protecting the World’s Interests program from Georgetown University is a virtual course that lets high school students explore how international law shapes global relations and justice. You’ll learn how international law is created, enforced, and applied, studying key principles such as treaty negotiations and the use of military force under the UN Charter. Case studies will help you connect legal theory to real-world issues. A highlight of the program is the Capstone project, where you’ll step into the role of a legal advisor, applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. With its virtual nature and flexible scheduling, the course is accessible to students anywhere.

12. Harvard Pre-College Program – Legal Studies Track

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small seminar classes
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: $5,800 + $75 application fee (financial aid available)
Dates: Two-week sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Early: January 7 | Regular: February 11 | Late: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (ages 16–18)

Harvard’s Pre-College Program gives high school students an opportunity to experience college-level learning in one of the world’s leading institutions. The Legal Studies track invites students to explore the field of law through seminars led by Harvard faculty. Each summer explores new themes such as constitutional law, philosophy of justice, or contemporary legal debates. Beyond the classroom, you’ll join co-curricular activities, workshops, and community events that mirror the full Harvard experience, complete with residential living in Harvard dorms. 

13. Law Academy – Georgetown University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $3,525 residential | $2,730 commuter
Dates: June–August sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling, with limited capacity
Eligibility: High school students

At the Law Academy, you’ll explore law and justice, learning from Georgetown faculty and legal professionals. Over the course of the program, you’ll explore fascinating topics such as constitutional interpretation, victim rights, and the jury system. A highlight of the program is the mock trial, where you’ll take on the role of an attorney, prepare arguments, and make your case before a panel, just like a real courtroom. At the end of the program, you’ll walk away with strong public speaking and legal reasoning skills, plus a Certificate of Participation.

14. NYU SPS High School Academy – Criminal Justice Course

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,579 + $50 application fee (housing $640 optional)
Dates: July (one-week session)
Application Deadline: January–April
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9–11

The NYU SPS High School Academy – Criminal Justice Course explores the workings of the U.S. criminal justice system from multiple angles, ranging from law enforcement and investigations to courts, trials, and corrections. The course includes case studies based on current events, where you’ll examine legal and ethical issues such as mass incarceration and constitutional rights. You’ll also develop critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills through discussions, simulations, and debates. 

15. Politics of Law & Economics (PLE) – Yale Young Global Scholars

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective (7–10%)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 (need-based aid available)
Dates: Two-week residential session in July
Application Deadline: Early: November | Regular: January
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 16–18)

The Politics, Law & Economics (PLE) Track, part of the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program, invites students to explore how politics, law, and economics interact to shape the world we live in. Students take seminars such as game theory, constitutional interpretation, and degrowth policy, all taught by Yale professors and guest experts.   Discussions focus on pressing global challenges such as economic inequality, human rights, and AI regulation. PLE gives you a taste of Yale’s learning environment and helps you develop the debating and leadership skills essential for future studies in law, politics, and economics.

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