If you’re a high school student interested in becoming a lawyer or pursuing studies related to law, government, or public policy in college, enrolling in a law program can be a great way to start exploring the field.
Law programs introduce students to the legal system and help them understand how laws are interpreted and applied in real situations. These programs allow you to explore topics that are rarely discussed in standard school courses. Students often analyze legal cases, participate in mock court proceedings, and discuss questions related to constitutional law, civil rights, or criminal justice.
Why should you choose a program in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers a strong environment for students interested in legal studies. The state is home to universities, civic organizations, and legal institutes that host programs designed for high school students exploring law and related fields.
Choosing a program within Massachusetts can also be a practical choice, especially if you live nearby, since you may not need to worry about travel or housing. These programs can also strengthen your college applications by showing that you took the initiative to explore law early and gained experience that you can discuss in essays or interviews.
With that in mind, here are 15 law programs for high school students in Massachusetts! You can also check out our blog on online law programs for high school students here and Law internships here.
15 Law Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. The Nelson Fellowship Program
Location: John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston
Stipend: Paid + Travel expenses
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors from Boston and Worcester who attend area city schools and have shown leadership potential and academic ability.
The Nelson Fellowship introduces students to the workings of the federal judicial system through direct exposure to court operations and legal professionals. You observe court proceedings and learn how judges, attorneys, and clerks contribute to the decision-making process within federal courts. Educational sessions cover topics such as civil rights law, constitutional principles, and the role of courts in addressing social issues. You also take part in workshops designed to strengthen analytical reading, legal writing, and structured argumentation. Throughout the program, legal professionals provide mentorship and share perspectives on courtroom practice and judicial careers. A key feature of the experience is preparing for and presenting a mock trial before a federal judge.
2. Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Courts in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester
Stipend: Paid
Dates: July – August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Boston and enrolled in Boston Public Schools.
The Judicial Youth Corps Program provides high school students with an introduction to the Massachusetts court system through a combination of educational sessions and practical courthouse experience. You learn about legal principles, court procedures, and the responsibilities of professionals working in the judiciary. Workshops and discussions led by judges, attorneys, and court personnel focus on how laws are interpreted and applied within different legal settings. You examine real legal issues and participate in collaborative activities designed to strengthen reasoning and communication skills. Mock trials allow participants to practice presenting arguments and responding to opposing viewpoints. Additional activities expose you to the range of roles that support the functioning of courts.
3. BU Summer Challenge
Location: Boston University, MA
Cost: $3,730 tuition + other additional costs
Dates: Varies by session
Application deadline: Rolling until seminars are filled
Eligibility: Students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in the fall
Boston University’s Summer Challenge includes seminar courses that introduce students to foundational legal concepts within a university learning environment. In the law-focused seminar, you’ll study the structure of the U.S. court system and learn how judges interpret precedent when deciding cases. The coursework includes reading and briefing court opinions, analyzing legal arguments, and discussing how legal principles influence judicial decisions. You also examine contemporary issues related to criminal justice, incarceration, and correctional policy through case studies and guided debates. Projects and group assignments encourage you to apply legal vocabulary and reasoning to practical scenarios, and each seminar concludes with a final presentation.
4. Harvard Summer School Pre-College Program
Location: Harvard campus, Cambridge
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee(limited number of scholarships available)
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Early Application & Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 7 | Regular Application & Financial Aid Deadline: February 11 | Late Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who have completed their sophomore or junior years
The Harvard Pre-College Program allows high school students to study law-related topics through intensive seminar courses taught by university instructors. Course options cover areas such as constitutional law, civil rights, intellectual property, and the historical development of legal systems. Classes are centered on discussion, critical reading, and analytical writing to help you evaluate legal arguments and understand how legal frameworks operate. You’ll examine case studies and legal texts while exploring how courts interpret statutes and constitutional principles. Outside of class, you take part in academic workshops and lectures that introduce broader legal and policy issues.
5. Harvard Secondary School Program
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Harvard University, Cambridge
Cost: $4,180–$15,735 + $75 application fee; financial aid available
Dates: 4-Week: July 12 – August 8 | 7-Week: June 20 – August 8
Application deadline: Early Application & Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 7 | Regular Application & Financial Aid Deadline: February 11 | Late Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students graduating high school in the current or next two years | At least 16 years old by June 21 and under 19 years old as of July 31
Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows high school students to enroll in actual Harvard courses that explore topics connected to law, justice, and public policy. You’ll study subjects such as human rights, criminal justice systems, global governance, and the philosophy of law through college-level coursework. Classes require regular reading, discussion, written assignments, and formal assessments. You also analyze legal frameworks and examine how ethical principles influence policy decisions and judicial interpretation. Many courses incorporate case studies that highlight contemporary issues such as inequality, international conflict, and civil liberties.
6. Mayor’s Youth Council
Location: Boston City Hall, Boston
Cost: None
Dates: September – May; Typically aligned with the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students; Boston residents
The Mayor’s Youth Council provides high school students with an opportunity to engage with local government and understand how public policy decisions affect communities. You get to collaborate with city officials and community leaders to discuss issues related to education, housing, public safety, and youth development. Council meetings and policy discussions allow students to analyze how municipal policies are created, debated, and implemented. Members also participate in public forums, youth town halls, and outreach initiatives that raise awareness about issues affecting young residents. Projects often involve researching community concerns and proposing recommendations for policy improvement.
7. ATF Pathways Internship Program
Location: ATF’s Boston Field Division, Boston
Cost: None
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old; Minimum 2.0/4.0 GPA; Eligible to work for the U.S. federal government
The ATF Pathways Internship Program introduces students to the work of a federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, and regulated substances. You work with professionals such as special agents, legal advisors, and forensic specialists who explain investigative procedures and evidence analysis. Activities may include reviewing case materials, assisting with administrative tasks, and learning how agencies document investigative findings. Mentors also discuss career pathways in federal law enforcement, forensic science, and legal investigation.
8. Court Service Center Internships
Location: Multiple Massachusetts locations
Cost: None
Dates: Year-round intake
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Massachusetts or attend school in Massachusetts
Court Service Center Internships allow students to work within the Massachusetts Trial Court system while assisting individuals who are navigating the legal process without legal representation. You get to help court service staff explain legal procedures and guide court users in completing required forms and documentation. Responsibilities may include interviewing court users to identify their needs and directing them toward appropriate legal resources. You’ll also research community support services and assist staff in organizing legal information for the public. Working alongside attorneys and court personnel provides insight into how courts manage large volumes of cases and support access to justice.
9. Tufts College Experience (TCE)
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville
Cost: Residential: $11,790 | Commuter: $9,196 (Limited need-based scholarships available)
Dates: Residential: July 5 – August 14 | Commuter: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Entering grades 10–12 or a Spring high school graduate; Must be age 15 at program start
The Tufts College Experience allows high school students to enroll in undergraduate-level courses that explore topics related to law, ethics, and public policy. You can select courses from Tufts’ academic offerings and complete assignments similar to those expected of university students. Classes are focused on analytical reading, written argumentation, and discussion of complex social and legal issues. Law-focused courses examine topics such as justice, legal frameworks, and ethical decision-making in contemporary society. The coursework may include case analysis, research projects, and debates that require students to evaluate legal arguments. Faculty members guide you through the process of developing clear and evidence-based conclusions, along with academic discussions with peers to help refine your communication and critical thinking skills.
10. Pre-College @ UMass Amherst
Location: UMass Amherst, Amherst
Cost: Residential: $4,119 | Commuter: $2,337 + $45 application fee
Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: Programs starting June 28: May 1 | Programs starting July 12: May 15 | Programs starting July 26: May 31
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores through seniors
The UMass Amherst Pre-College program includes a course in Legal Studies that examines how law operates within everyday social and political contexts. You’ll explore how legal systems shape relationships between individuals, institutions, and government authorities. The curriculum addresses topics such as how crime is defined, how laws are enforced, and how legal systems respond to social inequality. You’ll also evaluate how legal narratives appear in the media and how these portrayals influence public understanding of justice.
11. Youth for Innocence Summer Internship
Location: Online
Cost: None
Dates: June 16 – August 10
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: All high school students
The Youth for Innocence Summer Internship focuses on the investigation and documentation of wrongful conviction cases within the criminal justice system. You will review case materials, organize legal documents, and summarize transcripts to help track key details in ongoing investigations. You’ll also assist with research related to evidence, witness accounts, and procedural developments in post-conviction cases. Educational sessions explain how innocence claims are pursued through legal motions and appeals, while guest speakers discuss topics such as eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, and forensic evidence.
12. World Scholars Academy Law Internship
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by session (approx $2000)
Dates: Every Saturday or Sunday for 4 weeks
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18
The World Scholars Academy Law Internship focuses on legal research and academic writing within a small-group learning environment. You examine contemporary legal topics such as antitrust regulation, government censorship, and political economy. The experience begins with reviewing academic literature to understand how scholars approach legal questions. You’ll then conduct your own research under the guidance of a mentor who provides feedback throughout the process. You work with peers to produce a research paper that analyzes a specific legal issue. Writing workshops help you refine your analytical structure and citation practices. The program concludes with the submission of a completed research paper and a presentation of findings to instructors and fellow participants.
13. University of Notre Dame – Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Dates: 2-week or 4-week sessions
Application deadline: Varies by selected session
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
The Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer course introduces students to the analytical frameworks used by legal professionals to evaluate cases. You will learn the IRAC method, a widely used structure that organizes legal reasoning by identifying issues, rules, analysis, and conclusions. Lessons examine how constitutional law, international law, and intellectual property law influence legal disputes. You compare legal systems across countries to understand how different constitutional frameworks interpret rights and responsibilities. The coursework also covers how contracts, compliance rules, and regulations operate within areas such as sports law. A final project requires participants to analyze a legal problem using structured reasoning techniques.
14. Georgetown University – Law Pre-College Online Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895
Dates: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application deadline: Varies by selected session
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
The Georgetown Law Pre-College Online Program focuses on the skills lawyers use to analyze facts, interpret legal rules, and construct persuasive arguments. You study how legal systems develop and how constitutional protections influence modern legal decisions. Course modules introduce you to investigative techniques used by attorneys to gather information and evaluate evidence before trial. You also learn how legal professionals structure arguments by connecting facts to established legal principles. The course concludes with a capstone project in which you apply legal analysis techniques to a complex case scenario.
15. William and Mary’s Pre-College Online Constitutional Law Course
Location: Online
Cost: $1,495
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on the session
Program Dates: Multiple year-round sessions
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up can apply
For anyone interested in law, understanding the U.S. Constitution is essential. This course lets you explore how lawyers and judges use the Constitution to build and defend their cases. You’ll examine the judiciary’s role in interpreting constitutional rights and look at the different views on how the Constitution should be understood. You’ll learn from constitutional scholars and law professors as you study the history of the Constitution, including its creation and approval. The course also covers the Bill of Rights and the ongoing conflicts between state and federal governments.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like criminal, civil, corporate, property, tort, and constitutional, 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 – Georgetown University