Suppose you're a high school student considering a future in law. In that case, summer programs offer opportunities to dive deeper into the legal field outside of your school classroom!
Law programs offer opportunities to gain practical exposure to legal systems, develop critical thinking, and engage in skills like debate, public speaking, and legal research. These programs include internships, pre-college courses, and mentorship-driven research, providing students with practical experience and the chance to learn from professionals. Whether you participate in paid or unpaid internships, these programs can give you a competitive edge in college applications, demonstrating your proactive interest and commitment to the field of law.
If you're curious about criminal justice, constitutional law, or global legal systems, these programs can build a strong foundation for future research projects or internships in the field.
Here’s our selection of 10 free law programs for high school students in 2024-2025.
Cost: Need-based financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Summer Seminar: June 24, 2025 – September 2, 2025
- Fall Seminar: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
(Lab dates are flexible; applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance.)
Application Deadlines:
- May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort
- September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing (GPA > 3.67/4.0); most participants are in 10th or 11th grade. Certain tracks may have prerequisites.
Subject Areas: Law, Political Theory, Criminal Psychology, International Relations
Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) offers an opportunity for high school students to learn about academic research across various disciplines, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and more, HARP is one of the few research programs allowing students to choose between quantitative and qualitative research tracks. In the law track, you can explore topics that combine law and psychology. Projects include investigating how juror demographics influence verdict outcomes or utilizing social psychological theories to improve plea negotiation strategies. These research areas address challenges in the legal system, offering insights into how fairness and decision-making can be enhanced within the justice system.
Under the mentorship of professors or Ph.D. scholars from leading universities, you’ll work on a 20-page, university-level research paper. The program provides guidance on submitting your work to prestigious journals. In addition to research experience, students receive detailed project feedback and a letter of recommendation, both of which can support future academic and professional goals.
Cost: Need-based financial aid available
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Program Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year. Summer Cohort: June – August. Fall Cohort: September – December, Winter Cohort: December – February, Spring Cohort: March – June
Application Deadlines: Vary by cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate strong academic achievement (accepted students typically have a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale). No prior knowledge of your chosen research field is required.
Subject Areas: Psychology, Law, International Relations
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers opportunities for high school students to engage in advanced research. The program provides one-on-one mentorship with Ph.D. scholars from top universities, enabling you to work on independent research projects tailored to your interests.
Throughout the 12-week program, you’ll learn the research topic of your choice, exploring areas like psychology, physics, economics, computer science, engineering, and more. With guidance from your mentor, you’ll develop a university-level research paper, which can enhance your college applications and future internships and research projects.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Program Dates: Offered in multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadlines: Vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can work 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Subject Areas: Law, Public Policy
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience with high-growth startups. Internships are available across various industries, including fields like artificial intelligence, health technology, and journalism, allowing you to explore areas that align with your career goals. During the program, you’ll collaborate closely with startup managers on real-world projects while receiving continuous support from a dedicated Ladder Coach. Past startups have included companies led by YCombinator alumni, founders with over $30 million in funding, and professionals with experience at top firms like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. At the end of your internship, you’ll present your work to the company, gaining communication and project management experience.
Ladder Internships also provide one-on-one training to enhance skills like time management and professional communication. Additionally, you’ll join group training sessions with other interns in a collaborative and learning environment.
Cost: Free, all expenses covered, including tuition, books, room and board, field trips, and facilities fees.
Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland
Program Dates: June 22, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Application Deadline: December 3, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are at least 15 and no older than 18 at the program’s start (June 23, 2024).
Subject Areas: Law, Humanities, Critical Thinking
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a fully funded six-week program designed for high school sophomores and juniors passionate about law, humanities, and critical thinking. TASS provides an academic experience where students participate in college-level classes and engage in a democratic, collaborative community. Each weekday, you’ll participate in three-hour seminars led by expert faculty, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, group activities, and lectures. Past seminars have explored topics like “Race and the Limits of Law in America” and used diverse materials such as books, articles, films, and art. Alongside academic coursework, you’ll develop your writing skills through essay composition and receive personalized feedback from instructors.
Beyond academics, TASS focuses on community building and decision-making. As a participant, you’ll help manage a program budget, organize service projects, and plan activities, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
Cost: Free (unpaid)
Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip, NYC
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 5, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Eligibility: High school seniors from an accredited high school
Subject Areas: Law, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies
The Internship at the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York offers an opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience in the legal and criminal justice fields. Designed for students interested in pre-law, criminal justice, or paralegal studies, this internship provides practical exposure to a federal prosecutor’s office. As an intern, you’ll have the chance to work in various departments, including Library Legal Information, Automated Litigation Support, and the Library Legal Information and Resource Center. Tasks may involve assisting with legal research, supporting litigation efforts, and participating in community crime prevention initiatives.
You will work closely with experienced legal professionals in a collaborative environment that focuses on experiential learning, offering insights into the federal legal system, criminal justice processes, and community safety strategies.
Cost: Free (Monetary stipend awarded upon successful completion)
Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania
Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Application Deadline: February 14, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in Philadelphia public and public charter schools in 9th or 10th grade at the time of application.
Subject Areas: Law, College Preparation, Life Skills
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) at the University of Pennsylvania provides a four-week summer program for first-generation and underrepresented students. Hosted at the Penn Carey School of Law, this program allows you to understand the foundations of legal education, understand a lawyer's responsibilities, and explore how law influences society. In addition to academic learning, SMP offers support to prepare students for college applications. You will receive assistance with test preparation, financial literacy, life skills development, and step-by-step guidance on the college application process.
This mentorship program emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions led by faculty and professionals from UPenn’s five professional schools. The program aims to support students by fostering academic growth and personal development, preparing them for higher education and beyond. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a stipend as well.
Cost: Free (Unpaid)
Location: San Diego, CA (California Western School of Law)
Program Dates: Sessions are available in summer, spring, and fall. Exact dates vary by cohort.
Application Deadline: March 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), and November 1 (Spring).
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, law, and post-bar students.
Subject Areas: Criminal Law, Legal Research, Post-Conviction Cases
The California Innocence Project (CIP) Internship is an opportunity for students passionate about criminal justice and post-conviction legal work. As part of CIP, a law clinic dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions, you will gain firsthand experience working on cases while supporting CIP's mission to provide pro-bono legal services. You will work between 15 and 35 hours per week for exposure to the legal field. The program includes an in-house training component, offering an introduction to wrongful convictions and detailing interns’ responsibilities. Your duties may include conducting legal research, organizing and filing case materials, assisting clients, and performing other tasks in CIP’s operations.
This internship provides a chance to work closely with legal professionals, gain practical insights into the justice system, and contribute to projects. Though unpaid, the experience and skills developed during this program are useful for aspiring legal professionals.
Cost: Free (Stipend of $2,000 provided)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Program Dates: May 29 — July 19, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Application Deadline: February 9, 2024 (TBD for 2025)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Subject Areas: Legal Processes, Professional Development, Courtroom Experience
The Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program offers an introduction to the legal field for high school students. Designed to provide practical experience, the program places interns in a legal environment where they contribute to tasks such as summarizing depositions, copying, making deliveries, Bates stamping legal documents, answering phones, and assembling trial notebooks. Before beginning your assignments, you will participate in a rigorous, mandatory orientation program. These sessions cover topics like confidentiality, professionalism, and internship expectations, ensuring you are well-prepared for your roles. A feature of the internship is the opportunity to attend a deposition or court hearing, offering a firsthand look at legal proceedings in action.
This internship combines administrative responsibilities with exposure to legal practices, making it a potential stepping stone for high school students considering careers in law. The $2,000 stipend supports the involvement of participants in the program.
Cost/Stipend: Paid (Between $15–$21 per hour)
Location: New York City
Program Dates: To be declared for 2025
Application Deadline: Last week of January 2025 (exact date TBD). Applications open for 2025.
Eligibility: NYC public high school students
Subject Areas: Law, Legal Research, Professional Development, Paralegal Work
The New York City Bar's Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) offers high school students an opportunity to gain exposure to the legal field. This program connects students with legal employers, including law firms, corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, providing an introduction to the legal profession. Internship responsibilities typically involve assisting paralegals, filing paperwork, maintaining records, and organizing legal documents. While these tasks provide hands-on experience, the program also offers additional development opportunities such as panel discussions and networking events designed to prepare you for a future career in law.
The program combines on-the-job experience with professional development and offers a stipend ranging from $15 to $21 per hour. This internship is an opportunity for you to pursue a career in the legal field by offering practical experience and networking opportunities in New York City’s legal community.
Cost: Free, stipend provided upon successful completion
Location: Multiple law schools and institutes in New York City
Program Dates: First week of July – First week of August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
Subject Areas: Criminal Justice, Legal Profession, Mock Trial, Law
The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is a five-week program designed to introduce high school students to the world of law, focusing on criminal justice and hands-on legal learning experiences. Under the guidance of law students, you will engage with practicing lawyers, visit legal institutions, and develop skills needed for a future in law. The program culminates in a mock trial event where you will be applying your new knowledge in a real courtroom setting, overseen by actual judges. This final event serves as an opportunity to showcase what you've learned throughout the program and receive feedback from professionals.
SLI prepares you for the academic challenges of a legal career and can help you build confidence and discipline. Upon successful completion, you are eligible to apply for the College Bound program, a four-year college program!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.