If you’re curious about the legal field, fall law internships for high school students offer a practical way to explore how law, policy, and public service intersect. These programs usually run from September to November, allowing you to try out law without a long-term commitment. During this season, internships are typically smaller in size, enabling participants to engage directly with mentors, attorneys, or policymakers.
Several law firms, universities, and government agencies offer fall law internships for high school students in areas such as legal advocacy, civil law, and criminal justice. You might participate in mock trials, work on case studies, conduct legal research, and visit courts or law firms. Some programs even let you sit in on real trials or assist with legal work, such as drafting memos, reviewing evidence, or shadowing attorneys, providing you with firsthand courtroom experience. This hands-on exposure builds analytical reasoning, persuasive writing, and public-speaking skills, abilities that are foundational for legal or policy careers.
Below is a curated list of 14 fall law internships for high school students that run during or across the fall semester. Early exposure through these programs can also help you clarify career interests and bolster your college applications by demonstrating sustained academic curiosity and initiative.
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual or a NASA center (onsite)
Stipend: Paid (amount depends on the NASA center and student level)
Program Dates: September–December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: High school students (16+), undergraduates, and graduates | U.S. citizens only | Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Through this program, you will work with NASA mentors on applied projects spanning aerospace engineering, software development, and data systems. Fall placements often involve tasks such as building simulation models, analyzing spacecraft data, or testing mechanical designs that support active missions. The structure integrates professional engineering workflows, giving you exposure to both research and applied problem-solving in areas like aeronautics and human spaceflight. Because internships are project-based, you gain hands-on experience using engineering tools while contributing directly to NASA initiatives.
2. New York University’s High School Law Institute (HSLI)
Location: NYU’s Washington Square Park campus, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Weekly during the fall and spring semesters | Exact dates are available here
Application Deadline: August 15 (Fall Semester)
Eligibility: Students entering or currently in grades 9–12 who live within commuting distance of NYU’s Washington Square Park campus in NYC’s West Village
The New York University High School Law Institute (HSLI) is a free, student-run program for talented NYC high school students. While not an internship, it’s a great way to learn about constitutional and criminal law, as well as speech and debate. Classes run Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM during the academic year at NYU’s Washington Square Park campus. Courses are taught by teams of NYU Law and undergraduate students, trained and supported by NYU Law faculty. Classes are discussion-based and include assignments designed around your interests. You’ll practice critical thinking, teamwork, persuasive advocacy, and evaluating arguments using evidence and solid reasoning. The program will also help you connect with peers and future professionals, explore the U.S. legal system, and build a strong foundation for further studies in law.
3. Internship Program at CAIR-Chicago
Location: CAIR-Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Each department or division picks at least four team members for every session
Program Dates: September 1 – December 31 (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: August 1 (Fall Session) | Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, undergraduates, or graduates
CAIR-Chicago’s Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in grassroots advocacy. The program will also help you explore potential career paths. It’s offered year-round and can count toward academic credit or community service hours. The program partners with over 120 colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, UC and Texas system schools, HBCUs, and Carnegie Research I institutions. As an intern, you’ll work for at least 144 hours over a minimum of eight weeks, usually more than 10 hours a week. You can choose to work in various specialities such as Civil Rights Law, Government Affairs, Communications, Operations, and Outreach. You’ll start with orientation and training, wrap up with an exit interview, and submit a final evaluation. A strong performance may lead to an invitation to return for future sessions, depending on available space.
4. LA City Attorney’s Office High School Volunteer Opportunities
Location: District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: 225 positions are available for the Fall session
Program Dates: September – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: July 15 (Fall Session)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, college undergraduates, post-graduates, law students, and recent law school graduates waiting for their California Bar Exam results
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office offers volunteer opportunities for high school students, college and graduate students, law students, and recent law school graduates. As the nation’s largest local prosecutorial agency, it also offers opportunities for community members interested in supporting crime victims. Volunteers work during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during the Spring, Summer, or Fall sessions. You will be expected to work for at least 16 hours a week. You’ll get a close look at the criminal justice system, working with deputy district attorneys, investigators, support staff, and even interacting with court and law enforcement personnel. To apply, you will need to review the office’s eligibility requirements, follow the application procedures outlined in their packet, and complete a Background Investigation Waiver.
5. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Minimum three months (16–20 hours a week)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
The Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program introduces students to the criminal justice system and the work of the State Attorney’s Office. Before you start, you’ll go through a screening and interview to make sure you understand the role. After a short training, you’ll help with tasks like answering legal questions from the public, attending bond hearings, taking sworn statements from victims and witnesses, contacting victims, interviewing defendants, running background checks, helping with protection orders, researching case law, handling complaints, and reviewing evidence to determine if charges should be filed. You can plan a career as an attorney, legal assistant, paralegal, or in fields such as social work or criminal justice. You might also be able to earn school credit.
6. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: U.S. Treasury Department’s headquarters, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–12%
Program Dates: September – December (Fall Session) | You can find all available opportunities at www.usajobs.gov
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June for the Fall Session | Exact dates vary by opportunity
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens, enrolled or accepted at an accredited school, and able to stay eligible for the full internship
The Treasury Department offers unpaid internships in Washington, D.C. for students interested in federal work, law, and finance. Interns are placed in offices that focus on economics, international laws, finance, national security, and department management. Depending on the role, you may analyze policy data, plan events, research and summarize sources, draft reports, attend hearings, or assist with budgeting, HR, IT, or strategic planning initiatives. You’ll work with Treasury staff and other federal agencies, as well as develop research, communication, and management skills. If you’re interested in law, you can work with the Office of General Counsel, where you’ll observe how legal and policy advice is given to senior officials. This office provides legal services, including advising on legislation, regulations, policy, contracts, and organizational matters, as well as representing the CDFI Fund before regulatory agencies and committees.
7. Youth Council Internship at Democracy Maine
Location: Portland, ME
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $15 per hour
Cohort Size: Each semester, only 3-4 high school interns are selected from across the state
Program Dates: Late September – December (Fall Semester)
Application Deadline: September 19 (Fall Semester)
Eligibility: Maine high school students can apply | Students aged 15 or younger must obtain a Maine work permit before starting the internship
Democracy Maine is a non-partisan group focused on boosting civic engagement and voter turnout in Maine. Their Youth Council Internship allows high school students to explore how they can make a positive impact as active citizens. You’ll get some flexibility in what you focus on, but the internship generally covers how state laws are made and helps build facilitation and organizing skills. Interns are paid hourly and work about 5 hours a week. Tasks may include hosting events to raise awareness, creating newsletters for past interns and Youth Council members, and producing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for classrooms on topics such as Ranked Choice Voting, Automatic Voter Registration, or How to Vote in Maine. Past interns have gained college recommendation letters, attended national conferences, secured job opportunities, and met with Maine leaders, including the Secretary of State, Governor, and local representatives.
8. Department of Education Student Internships — Student Volunteer Trainee Program
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks between September and December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: July 31 (Fall Session)
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old | Enrolled at an accredited school at least half-time in a related field, and have permission from their school to intern
The Department of Education (ED) offers internships year-round for students interested in federal education, policy, and administration. Its Student Volunteer Trainee Program lasts 8–10 weeks and provides you with practical experience in areas related to your studies or career goals. You can work in departments like Education Policy, Human Resources, Project Management, IT, Communications, Data Analytics, Grants Management, and more. You’ll also gain an introduction to federal law and policy, learning how laws and policies interact and influence one another. You can attend ED events such as brown bag lunches with senior officials, resume workshops, D.C. tours, and other networking and social activities. During the spring and fall, you’ll usually work 20–40 hours per week, and in the summer, most interns work full-time. Schedules and start dates are flexible and can be worked out during the interview process. All available positions are listed on www.usajobs.gov.
9. Connecticut Office of the Attorney General Internship Program
Location: Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, Hartford, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Limited number of positions are available
Program Dates: September – December (Fall session)
Application Deadline: July 23 (Fall session)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, paralegals, graduate students, and law students
The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General (OAG) offers volunteer internships for students interested in law who have strong communication, research, writing, and computer skills. You’ll get a firsthand look at how the OAG serves as legal counsel to state agencies. These positions are unpaid, but you may be able to arrange school externships for course credit. Placements are available in various areas, including Antitrust, General Litigation, Employment Rights, Workers’ Compensation, Child Protection, Consumer Protection, Financial and Revenue Services, Privacy and Data Security, Health and Education, Public Safety, Special Litigation, and more. Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format and include the OAG application form, your resume, and a brief legal or analytical writing sample.
10. Himes Internship Program: District Internships
Location: Bridgeport and Stamford, CT
Cost/Stipend: Free | Need-based stipends are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: September 3 – December 19 (Fall Cohort)
Application Deadline: August 12 (Fall Cohort)
Eligibility: High school students, college students, and recent graduates
The Himes Internship Program provides district internships for students interested in politics, law, government, American history, or similar fields. It’s a great way to explore whether a career in public service is right for you while gaining valuable experience in a congressional office. When you apply, you’re considered for both the Bridgeport and Stamford offices, with placement based on staffing needs, commute time, and other factors. As an intern, you’ll help with research, assist with constituent casework, and draft correspondence, as well as gain a firsthand look at how government offices operate. Successful interns are detail-oriented, good at multitasking, and have strong interpersonal skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The program will also allow you to connect with government officials or representatives whose work interests you, providing you with direct insight into lawmaking and public policy in action.
11. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote or in person at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid internships with need-based stipends and part-time unpaid internships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: October – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by session
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships for high school students interested in international policy and law. You’ll get hands-on experience at a respected think tank and the chance to network with professionals in the field. You’ll be paired with a mentor who will help you develop both industry-specific and general skills like communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and time management. You’ll also learn how foreign policy and international law are connected, how law sets the framework for policy, and how policy influences a country to create and follow the law. Internships are available in various areas, including communications, research, special events/development, or operations. You’ll take part in weekly seminars on career development and foreign policy, featuring guest speakers. You might also get to work on a research paper for potential publication in FPRI’s Intern Corner.
12. Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Haggerty Scholars Program
Location: Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Small cohort size
Program Dates: The school-year program begins in the fall and runs from September to May
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with an interest in law and civil rights can apply | Students from under-served schools or historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply
The Haggerty Scholars Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore law and civil rights by pairing them with an attorney mentor and attending related events throughout the school year. You’ll work one-on-one with a mentor, visit legal workplaces, and join events hosted by the Oregon Federal Bar Association or the Haggerty Scholars group. Mentors have previously assisted students with college essays, accompanied them to court proceedings, and provided networking guidance tailored to their interests. Throughout the year, you’ll attend events on law and civil rights, including discussions with legal professionals on topics like criminal law, mental health, juvenile justice, and immigration. You will participate in interactive sessions with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the state legislature.
13. Pathway Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: Multiple locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns are paid, but the amount varies depending on the position
Cohort Size: Varies depending on the number of available positions
Program Dates: Internship dates vary by position | IEP internships align with the length of your academic program, while ITEP internships run year-round and during breaks
Application Deadline: Varies by location and opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by the application deadline | Must be U.S. citizens | Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and remain eligible students for the entire internship
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathway Internship Programs give students paid opportunities to explore federal careers in different government offices. You’ll get hands-on experience in foreign affairs, public policy, law, and international relations by working in offices like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, and the Environmental Protection Agency. If you’re interested in law, the Office of General Counsel offers a chance to see how legal and policy advice is provided to senior officials, covering legislation, contracts, regulations, policy, and organizational matters. The program offers a structured learning environment where you work with experienced professionals, undertake meaningful projects, and develop essential skills for a global career. There are two internship types: the Internship Experience Program (IEP), which matches the length of your academic program, and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), which offers temporary appointments up to one year or until your projected graduation date, with possible one-year extensions.
14. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: NYC Mayor’s Office, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | High school students earn $16.50 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: October 20 – April 10 (Fall/Spring Term)
Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall/Spring Term)
Eligibility: High school students who live in New York City | Must be at least 16 years old and have valid working papers when applying
The NYC Mayor’s Office offers internships for high school students interested in city government and policy. You can apply to the department that interests you and, if selected, work there for the duration of your internship. You’ll collaborate with staff on projects like research, attending meetings, handling inquiries, analyzing data, drafting briefings, staffing events, and more. You’ll also participate in a bi-weekly Speaker Series with Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, Program Directors, and other senior staff, and have the chance to tour various Mayor’s Office facilities. You’ll also work on a service project designed to benefit local communities. If you’re interested in law, you can apply to the Mayor’s Office of City Legislative Affairs, which helps shape public policy, advance the Administration’s agenda through law, budget, and land use, negotiate City Council legislation, and prepare agencies for public hearings.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – New York University