Many people assume a law career only begins in college or graduate school, and aspiring lawyers often don’t set foot in a law firm until then. But there are plenty of law internships that let high schoolers gain practical experience and a first look inside the legal field. This post covers the top law internships and law-focused opportunities for high school students, with overviews, key dates, eligibility, and more. Dates and details change each cycle, so confirm the current information with each program.
1. Senate Page Program
- About: one of the most prestigious law internships. The program selects about 30 students each session for a residential stay on Capitol Hill. These “Pages” work closely with a U.S. Senator, delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol and preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions.
- Eligibility: high school juniors aged 16-17 by the appointment date, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, covered by health insurance.
- Application: varies by senator’s office, but usually includes a letter of interest, official transcript, and letters of recommendation. Students write directly to senators to request consideration. Deadlines vary by office.
- Dates: the program runs in spring, two summer sessions, and a fall session (check the site for current dates).
- Cost: $780/month for room and board, plus two meals a day during the program.
2. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
- Description: for high school students in the greater Atlanta area. Selected students do a six-week internship at local law firms, government agencies, and corporations, and are paid a $2,000 stipend.
- Eligibility: current high school juniors or seniors.
- Application: an online application listing work/extracurricular activities, a 600-word essay (“What accomplishment in your life are you the most proud of and why?”), resume, and an in-person interview. Deadline is around late March.
- Dates: May to July each year.
- Cost: free.
3. Law Links Internship
- Description: for Baltimore City high school students. Students are matched with law firms and related agencies and work full-time, five days a week, paid $15/hour. The program includes a 50-hour educational seminar at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
- Eligibility: sophomore or junior at a Baltimore City public high school, residing in Baltimore City.
- Application: a one-page letter of interest, transcript, school attendance record, 3 letters of recommendation, application form, and YouthWorks verification form. Deadline is in April.
- Dates: roughly late June to early August.
- Cost: free.
4. Summer Justice Internship Program
- About: based in Florida (Broward County Public Defender), for students interested in law. Over a two-week program, students shadow attorneys, observe court proceedings, and watch trials and hearings. Participants also earn community service hours.
- Eligibility: completed 9th grade at a high school in Broward County, Florida, aged 15-18, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Application: 2 letters of recommendation and an online application, due around May 1.
- Dates: candidates are notified in the fourth week of May.
- Cost: free.
5. CIS Summer Law Internships
- About: sponsored by the Houston Bar Association, this eight-week program is for Houston-area high school juniors and seniors. Students intern at Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies.
- Eligibility: juniors or seniors attending high schools supported by CIS of Houston.
- Dates: roughly June to early August.
- Cost: free.
6. Dallas Bar Summer Law Intern Program
- About: sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association, this program offers 4- to 8-week summer internships, full or part-time, pairing high school students with law firms and corporate legal departments around Dallas.
- Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above, no more than 10 absences, with an interest in studying law preferred.
- Application: a 100+ word essay, a cover letter and resume, and one reference form from a teacher, counselor, administrator, or employer, plus an interview. Due around April each year.
- Dates: vary, but all over the summer.
- Cost: free.
7. Envision Intensive Law & Trial
- About: run by Envision Experience and held on a university campus, this immersive 10-day program lets students learn from legal professionals, build essential legal skills, and prepare a mock trial case.
- Eligibility: high school students based in the U.S.
- Application: an online enrollment form.
- Dates: several cohorts over the summer.
- Cost: around $5,145 (financial assistance available), including room and board, transportation during the program, and materials.
8. Judicial Youth Corps Program
- About: a six-week program teaching students about the Massachusetts court system and the rule of law. High schoolers are mentored by judges, lawyers, and other personnel, and take part in mock trials, field trips, and group discussions.
- Eligibility: students in grades 10-12 based in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, in good academic standing.
- Application: an online form, four short essay questions, and one letter of recommendation. Deadline is in late March.
- Dates: roughly July to mid-August.
- Cost: free.
Law Internships for High Schoolers: Concluding Remarks
These are eight strong law internships and law-adjacent opportunities for high schoolers. Real work experience in law early on opens doors, gives you a head start on your pre-law journey, and leaves you with lasting experiences.
And if your interests aren’t limited to law, check out these 50+ STEM opportunities in our comprehensive guide. High school internships look good on college applications and offer real experiences and room to grow. Best of luck.
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