12 Summer Law Programs for High School Students in Florida

If you are a high school student interested in law, summer programs provide a valuable way to build skills and explore potential career paths. Many of these opportunities provide training, exposure to industry professionals, and connections that can support future academic or career goals. Participating in a structured law program allows you to participate in mock trials, work with attorneys, or even visit a government office to see the justice system function.

In  Florida, a wide range of colleges, law schools, and community organizations offer summer programs for high school students. Selectivity can vary, with some programs admitting only a small cohort every year, while others are open to broader participation. For students who want to explore their interest in law, these options serve as both an introduction to the field and a networking opportunity. 

Below is a curated list of the top 12 summer law programs for high school students in Florida.

1. Law Office of the Public Defender, Broward County –  Summer Justice Internship Program

Location: Broward County Judicial Complex, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; a stipend of $25/hour is offered in a state position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 - June 27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores who can attend a high school located in Broward County

At the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, the Summer Justice Internship Program gives you the opportunity to see what public defense work looks like in reality. Over 2  weeks, you’ll spend time in courtrooms observing trials, meet with attorneys to understand case strategy, and take part in research and preparation that supports ongoing cases. The program is designed to show you how defense lawyers protect constitutional rights and guide their clients through the justice system. You’ll also visit related agencies such as the medical examiner’s office or crime lab, to see how evidence is handled. The experience concludes with a mock trial where you can apply the legal skills you’ve been learning and practicing.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
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

The Ladder Internship Program is a virtual opportunity where you can join a startup team for 8 weeks and work on project-based assignments guided by both company staff and a Ladder coach. While placements span across multiple industries, students interested in law may be matched with startups or organizations working in areas such as litigation support, corporate governance, or public policy. Your tasks include research, writing, or organizational projects that give you insights about how legal concepts are applied in real-world environments. The program emphasizes skill development in communication, time management, and collaboration, which are essential in any legal career path. You’ll also complete a final presentation summarizing your contributions related to the company’s work. 

3. US Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internship Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend varies by intern's education level, the specific position, and the duration of the internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies depending on position  
Eligibility: Open to students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school; at least 16 years old; minimum GPA of 2.0 

The DOJ Pathways Internship Program allows you to gain experience inside the federal government while still in high school. Depending on your placement, you might assist in offices focused on legal policy, administration, or public affairs, where you’ll see how federal agencies handle legal responsibilities and decision-making. Interns often support attorneys and staff with research, case preparation, or program coordination while learning about the internal functioning of the U.S. legal system. The program can either be paid or unpaid, depending on the role, and performance qualifies you for a permanent position. This internship is designed to broaden your understanding of how legal frameworks are created and enforced at the national level. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Law Track

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
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 you are interested in the academic side of law, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a strong way to conduct original research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over the duration of 12 weeks, you’ll design a project on a topic that interests you, such as constitutional law, international law, or legal history, and work through every stage of the research process. You’ll conduct literature reviews, analyze sources, and develop your own argument in the form of a full-length paper. Regular 1-on-1 meetings with your mentor ensure you receive feedback on both the content and structure of your work. By the end of the program, you’ll have a finished piece of scholarship that can be submitted to student journals or used in college applications.

5. Jimerson Birr's School Internships

Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend amount is not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students per class
Dates: 4-6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the spring
Eligibility: Open to all high school students 

Jimerson Birr, a Florida-based business law firm, hosts a summer internship that lets you explore not only legal work but also many departments that support a full-service firm. During the 4-to-6-week program, you may be asked to assist with legal research, review case materials, or be part of internal meetings with attorneys. The internship also allows you to explore areas like marketing, IT, and accounting, highlighting how a law firm functions both as a professional practice and a business. This cross-department approach helps you understand the practical skills needed to manage clients and cases effectively. Interns work directly with staff across teams, giving you a clear picture of the daily life of legal professionals.

6. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program: Law: Litigation and the Legal Profession

Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: Residential Program: $9,532 | Commuter Program: $8,144
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: June 30 – July 17
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Students who completed grades 10 or 11 in high school; minimum GPA of 3.0. International applicants must have an F-1 student visa.

The University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program in Law is a 3-week college-level experience that introduces you to litigation, courtroom practice, and professional ethics. You’ll take 2 credit-bearing courses—Courtroom 101: Litigation Basics and Introduction to the Legal Profession that combine lectures with simulations and case studies. In the litigation course, you’ll learn how to draft arguments, question witnesses, and present your findings in front of a judge through structured mock trial exercises. The legal profession course examines topics such as ethics, client relationships, and the societal impact of legal decisions using the American Bar Association’s Model Rules as a framework. Guest speakers, field trips, and collaborative projects add further context to your classroom work. By the end of the program, you’ll have earned 6 college credits. 

7. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program

Location: Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: Minimum 3 months
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: Open to all high school students 

At the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, you can spend part of your summer learning how prosecutors handle criminal cases from start to finish. After the orientation, you’ll be placed in a unit such as Domestic Violence, Criminal Intake, or Victim/Witness, where you may help with tasks such as reviewing evidence, preparing documents, or contacting victims for pre-file conferences. The program also allows you to be part of hearings and observe attorneys in court so that you can see how arguments are presented and cases are built. While the work is volunteer-based, you’ll still be expected to assist staff in meaningful ways and gain an understanding of the responsibilities of a prosecutor’s office. Along the way, you’ll learn about professional ethics, courtroom procedures, and how prosecutors balance legal standards with victim support.

8. FAU's Criminal Justice Summer Camp

Location: FAU Campus, Boca Raton, FL
Cost/Stipend: $900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 13 | Session 2: July 20 – 25
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the Spring
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 to 12 in the coming fall are eligible to apply.

Florida Atlantic University’s week-long Criminal Justice Summer Camp introduces you to many areas of public safety through both classroom learning and field experiences. During the program, you’ll practice crime scene investigation techniques, examine forensic evidence, and see live demonstrations from specialized units like SWAT, bomb squads, and K-9 teams. The camp also includes visits to law enforcement agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office, which gives you a direct understanding of how evidence and investigations are handled. Sessions often discuss issues like FBI investigations, death penalty cases, and court procedures, tying field experiences back to legal concepts. Each group is capped at a small number of participants, so you’ll have the chance to interact with professionals and peers closely. At the end of the camp, you’ll receive a certificate of completion to mark your participation.

9. Stetson Young Scholars Pre-Law Camps

Location: Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 (includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee); need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/cohort Size: 12-15 students per Camp
Dates: Mock Trial Camp: July 7–11 | Mock Trial Camp: July 21–25 | Moot Court Camp: July 14–18
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: Open to high school students residing in the U.S. 

Stetson University executes intensive pre-law camps that allow you to focus on specific areas of legal practice in small, interactive cohorts. The Mock Trial camp teaches you how to argue civil or criminal cases, guiding you through pre-trial procedures, opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments before real judges. In contrast, the Moot Court camp simulates appellate law, where you’ll prepare briefs and present oral arguments on complex issues to a panel. Both camps emphasize applying the Federal Rules of Evidence, so you’ll get familiar with the same standards used in real courts. Instruction comes from practicing attorneys, retired professionals, and members of Stetson’s nationally recognized Trial Team. With limited spots available, the camps ensure you’ll receive direct feedback as you practice trial advocacy and legal analysis.

10. USF Summer Camps - JGHC: Mock Trial Intensive

Location: USF Sarasota/Manatee
Cost/Stipend: $695
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: July 27– August 2
Application Deadline: Applications open February 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10th–12th are eligible to apply

At the University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College, the Mock Trial Intensive allows you to work through an entire case in 1 week. From the start, you’ll study a major historical trial, build arguments, and prepare to take the case into a simulated courtroom setting at Stetson Law School. Along the way, you’ll learn how to question witnesses, deliver opening and closing statements, and craft cross-examination statements with guidance from experienced attorneys and collegiate mock trial competitors. Daily workshops help you improve public speaking and logical reasoning. The program also includes panel discussions with legal professionals who discuss law school, career paths, and the realities of practicing law.

11. Orange County Sheriff’s Teen Academy

Location: Orlando
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Week 1: June 23–27 | Week 2: July 7–11  Week 3: July 21–25
Application Deadline: Opens April 1
Eligibility: Young adults aged 13 to 18 years residing in Orange County

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office runs a week-long Teen Academy where you can learn about law enforcement responsibilities and how different divisions support community safety. The program covers topics that are directly relevant to teens, including online safety, bullying, and the impact of risky behaviors, along with introductions to deputy training and investigative work. You’ll also take field trips to facilities such as the Aviation Hangar, Crime Scene/Forensics Lab, and Mounted Stables, which showcase the variety of work done by the sheriff’s office. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, you’ll interact with deputies from specialty units like criminal investigations, operational services, and community policing. The academy requires an application and a background check.

12. Tampa Police Youth Academy

Location: Tampa
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approx 25 students
Dates: July 29 – August 1
Application Deadline: To be announced during the school year
Eligibility: High school students living or attending a school in Tampa

The Tampa Police Department offers a summer Youth Academy where you can explore law enforcement in an interactive, behind-the-scenes manner. The program brings together around 25 students for a week of activities that highlight different police divisions, including K-9, mounted patrol, SWAT, and forensic investigation. You’ll learn about the training and decision-making that officers use in real situations and have opportunities to ask questions directly to professionals in the field. The sessions are designed not only to explain police work but also to help you practice leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Since participants are selected with input from school resource officers, the program connects what you learn in school with community policing efforts. 

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