15 Summer Law Internships for Undergraduates in 2026

Starting your career journey while still in college gives you a significant advantage in today's competitive professional landscape. Beyond the classroom, a summer internship serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of the workforce. You’ll gain the chance to develop essential soft skills while testing your interest in a specific field before making a long-term career commitment.

Why should I do a summer law internship in college?

Pursuing a law-focused internship during your undergraduate years is one of the most strategic moves you can make for your future. These roles provide a direct boost to your employment chances after graduation by proving you have hands-on experience with legal research and professional office procedures. Furthermore, these experiences significantly strengthen your application for law school admissions. Admissions committees look for applicants who understand the realities of legal practice and have engaged with the law in a meaningful, documented way.

What law internships are available for undergraduates in 2026?

The landscape of summer law internships for 2026 is incredibly diverse, offering everything from roles in government agencies to positions at major civil rights non-profits. These programs allow you to observe the justice system from multiple angles while building a network of seasoned legal professionals. These 2026 opportunities also include exposure to current legislative trends and high-stakes litigation processes happening in real-time. You will likely find yourself assisting with case files, attending court hearings, and drafting important legal memoranda under the guidance of experienced attorneys.

Navigating the number of available postings can be an overwhelming task, so we’ve curated this list of 15 summer law internships for undergraduates in 2026 to simplify your search.

Quick Look

• 15 internships total spanning criminal defense, civil rights, federal government, congressional offices, and public interest law, hosted by organizations including the ACLU, the White House, the Supreme Court, and several district attorney offices

• Most internships are unpaid or provide a modest stipend, with the strongest disclosed pay at OCA's Summer Internship Program ($5,250) and the New York District Attorney's Office ($560 per week)

• The ACLU appears twice on this list with distinct regional programs: the national ACLU internship and ACLU of Southern California, both covering different practice areas like immigration and gender justice

• Several programs are based in Washington, D.C., including the White House, OAG, Supreme Court, and OCA, making it the most concentrated location across this list

• Application deadlines cluster heavily in January and February, with the White House (January 4) and DC Public Defender Service (February 7) among the earliest

1. DC Public Defender Service: Criminal Law Internship Program

Location: Various locations in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

Interns in the Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) serve as investigators for staff attorneys representing indigent clients in the D.C. court system. This summer law internship begins with a week-long intensive training session covering investigative techniques, criminal law, and local procedure. Once trained, you’ll be paired and assigned to specific cases where you’ll locate and interview witnesses, take formal statements, and photograph crime scenes. You’ll also assist in court by serving subpoenas, reviewing body camera footage, and helping attorneys prepare trial exhibits. The role provides direct exposure to the frontline of public defense and the mechanics of the criminal justice system.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and young professionals

Ladder Internships connects college students with high-growth startups and nonprofits to work on real-world projects in fields like policy and compliance. While the program is not exclusively law-focused, you may join organizations where you can work on regulatory research or legal operations. You’ll work 10-20 hours per week and meet weekly with a manager or CEO for guidance and feedback. The program emphasizes the delivery of tangible project outputs, which are presented at the end of the term. The virtual format makes it ideal for students seeking flexibility while gaining experience in the intersection of business and legal frameworks.

3. The White House Internship Program

Location: White House, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 3 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 4
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students (18+) who have finished two semesters and are U.S. citizens

Interns in the White House Internship Program are assigned to specific offices such as the Office of the White House Counsel, the National Economic Council, the Domestic Policy Council, and more. Legal-focused interns assist with research on executive orders, constitutional issues, and the judicial nomination process. Daily responsibilities include drafting briefing memos, reviewing legislative proposals, and providing administrative support for high-level meetings. The program includes a mandatory leadership development curriculum featuring speakers from throughout the Executive Office of the President. This 2026 summer program offers an inside look at the intersection of law, executive authority, and national governance.

4. Brennan Center for Justice’s Undergraduate Internships

Location: Brennan Center for Justice, New York, NY
Stipend: $17.50 – $17.95/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

This summer law internship in 2026 places undergraduates within specific programs, such as Democracy, Justice, or Liberty, and National Security, to support law and policy research. You’ll assist with the rollout of major reports, provide litigation support, and aid in advocacy efforts regarding voting rights and campaign finance reform. Daily tasks include conducting literature reviews, monitoring legislative developments, and drafting routine correspondence or memos. You’ll also be invited to attend substantive program meetings and events featuring legal experts and policy advocates. The internships are primarily in New York City, but occasional opportunities may be in Washington, D.C. 

5. Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) Internships

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Flexible dates in the summer
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and law students in good academic standing

Undergraduate interns at the D.C. OAG work within divisions such as Public Advocacy, Public Safety, and Civil Litigation. You’ll assist with investigating consumer protection violations, drafting subpoenas, and summarizing findings from legal research projects. You’ll be given the opportunity to develop practical skills by helping attorneys prepare for depositions and trials. The program also features a structured Lunch and Learn series where you hear from the Attorney General and other senior legal staff about public service careers. You’ll also get tours of the DC jail, the MPD headquarters/training academy, and a visit to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. 

6. Supreme Court Internship Program

Location: Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who have completed two semesters of undergraduate study 

In this 2026 summer law internship for undergraduates, you’ll work in departments like the Office of the Curator, Marshal of the Court, the Public Information Office, the Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice, and more. The program focuses on the administrative and historical functions of the Court rather than drafting legal opinions. You’ll conduct historical research, assist with public information projects, and help manage the Court’s archival materials and visitor programs. You’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the nation’s highest court and the logistics of the judicial branch. The internship is suitable for students interested in legal history, court administration, and judicial procedures.

7. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Internships

Location: Virtual + In-person options in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks (full-time) or 12 weeks (part-time)
Application Deadline: Varies by post
Eligibility: Undergraduate/law students

The ACLU offers internships across several departments, including legal, advocacy, communications, operations & management, and more. You’ll explore a range of topics while receiving training and mentorship as you take on department work. Depending on your internship, you may assist with legal research and writing, factual investigation, or provide support for court cases, such as depositions, oral argument, hearings, or trials. You’ll also get the opportunity to take part in internal meetings and discussions regarding strategic advocacy and litigation. Other 2026 internship opportunities include the chance to work in the ACLU’s technology and analytics department or as a multimedia intern to improve marketing and communications. 

8. Legal Aid at Work (LAAW) Undergraduate Legal Honors Internship (ULHI)

Location: Virtual
Stipend: At least $1,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 4 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students entering their final year at a California-based accredited institution

The ULHI program allows you to serve as legal counselors within the Workers’ Rights Clinic at LAAW. You’ll be trained to conduct initial intake interviews with low-wage workers facing issues like wage theft, discrimination, and wrongful termination. Under the supervision of staff attorneys, you’ll analyze the factual and legal merits of these claims to provide guided advice or referrals. You’ll also help draft administrative complaints and legal research memos focused on California labor laws. The experience is designed to provide a significant client-facing experience and a foundational understanding of employment litigation.

9. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF): Congressional Internship Program

Location: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: May 23 – July 24
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing careers in public policy, political science, law, and government affairs with a 2.5+ GPA

This 2026 summer law program places undergraduates in the offices of Congressional Black Caucus members to work on legislative and policy issues. You’ll gain direct experience with the federal lawmaking process by attending committee hearings, drafting constituent correspondence, and conducting policy research. You’ll also attend professional development seminars focused on leadership and the intersection of law and public policy. The internship includes a community service component and opportunities to network with high-level government officials and legal experts. It’s a good opportunity for students interested in legislative law and national policy-making.

10. ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Undergraduate Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May/June – August/September
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

The American Bar Association offers remote summer internships for undergraduates in 2026 with the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice. You’ll work directly with the Section’s staff members on policies and projects related to civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights issues. You’ll be expected to research and monitor legal and legislative developments as well as attend committee meetings, civil rights programming, coalitions, and any other events. You’ll write reports on these events and may be required to write articles for the Section newsletter and work on content and marketing for social media. You may also work on an independent project that is related to the Section’s priorities. 

11. New York District Attorney’s Summer Internship Program

Location: New York, NY
Stipend: $560/week
Cohort size: 10-12 positions
Dates: 9 weeks starting from the first Monday in June
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current college sophomores and juniors

This summer law internship for undergraduates in 2026 gives you first-hand exposure to the criminal justice system in Manhattan. You’ll assist with law-related assignments, including investigative research, data analysis, and the organization of case evidence. You’ll interact regularly with Assistant Attorneys General and other staff, and support the office in preparing for depositions or court matters. Your assignments will usually be based on your interests and skills, as well as the needs of the office. The program includes structured learning opportunities to expose students to various public interest legal careers, including a weekly lecture series, brown bag lunch discussions, and a mock appellate argument. 

12. ACLU of Southern California Internships/Externships

Location: Virtual + In-person options in offices in Los Angeles, Orange County/Inland Empire/Kern County
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Undergraduates, law students, social work students, and other graduate students

The ACLU offers internships across multiple practice areas, including Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Immigrants' Rights, and Gender & Reproductive Justice, among others. Undergraduate interns support legal teams by monitoring legislation, conducting factual research, and assisting with community outreach and education. Responsibilities include organizing case files, drafting summaries of court hearings, and helping prepare materials for impact litigation. You’ll work alongside experienced civil rights attorneys to address systemic inequities through both legal and policy-based strategies. This role is ideal for students looking to understand how non-profits use the legal system to effect social change.

13. Loyola Law School’s Project for the Innocent (LPI) Summer Internship Program

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school, college, and law students

At LPI’s summer internship program, you’ll work directly on wrongful conviction cases to assist in the mission of freeing the innocent. Your responsibilities will include reviewing trial transcripts, analyzing police reports, and organizing discovery materials for active cases. You may assist with factual investigations and draft summaries that help attorneys identify new evidence or legal errors. You’ll learn how to navigate the incarceration system and gain experience with screening evidence and conducting interviews. This role provides a deep dive into the post-conviction legal process and the practical challenges of criminal litigation.

14. OCA Summer Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $5,250
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 4
Eligibility: Undergraduates (including recent graduates) who have completed their first year

Based in the nation's capital, this 2026 summer law internship program places you in nonprofits, federal agencies, and congressional offices to work on issues affecting the AANHPI community. You’ll work 35 hours per week at your assigned sites while participating in weekly "Sama Sama" workshops focused on leadership and advocacy. The experience includes attending the OCA National Convention and advocating on Capitol Hill during Advocacy Day. You’ll gain professional experience in public service and build relationships with legislative officials and community leaders. It is designed to cultivate future leaders through a combination of professional work and structured community engagement.

15. Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law’s (CERL) Summer Internship Program

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Provided on a limited basis for students unable to acquire funding
Cohort size: The previous cohort had 20 students
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in philosophy, political science, international relations, and other related fields

CERL's summer internship program provides you with an ethics and rule-of-law foundation for careers in national security. You’ll support the center's mission through intensive research, academic writing, and planning for conferences and workshops. You’ll also publish original works for CERL’s blog, "The Rule of Law Post," and help prepare policy briefings and academic publications. The internship facilitates interaction with leading academics, practitioners, and Executive Board members in the national security field. Overall, you’ll examine critical issues at the intersection of democratic governance, conflict, and applied ethics.

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. The ACLU appears twice on this list (the national ACLU and ACLU of Southern California). What's the difference, and which should I apply to?

The national ACLU internship spans departments including legal, advocacy, communications, and technology, with placements in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, giving you a broad range of practice areas to choose from. ACLU of Southern California is a regional affiliate, focused specifically on issues affecting California, including criminal justice, economic justice, and immigrants' rights, with offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Kern County. If you're based on the West Coast or specifically interested in California-focused civil rights work, the Southern California affiliate is the more localized option; if you want broader exposure across multiple practice areas and cities, the national program offers more variety.

2. Most of these internships are unpaid or pay very little. How should I think about choosing between them if I need to earn money over the summer?

If income is a priority, the New York District Attorney's Office ($560 per week) and OCA's Summer Internship Program ($5,250) stand out as the strongest paid options on this list. For the unpaid or low-stipend programs, like the White House Internship or ACLU's national program, it's worth checking whether your school offers a stipend or grant specifically for unpaid public interest internships, since many universities have funding set aside for exactly this situation. You might also consider pairing one of these prestigious unpaid programs with a part-time paid job during the same period if your schedule allows.

3. I'm interested in criminal justice specifically. Which programs on this list give the most hands-on exposure to that area?

The DC Public Defender Service's Criminal Law Internship Program is the most immersive option, since you'll work directly on active cases, interview witnesses, and assist with trial preparation under the supervision of defense attorneys. The New York District Attorney's Summer Internship Program offers the prosecution-side perspective, giving you exposure to investigative research and case preparation in Manhattan's criminal justice system. Loyola Law School's Project for the Innocent is the most specialized of the three, focused specifically on wrongful conviction cases and post-conviction work. If you want to understand both sides of the criminal justice system, pairing a defense-focused program like DC Public Defender Service with a prosecution-focused one like the NY DA's Office across different summers can give you a well-rounded perspective.