Competitive summer law programs for high school students can offer a unique opportunity to develop advanced skills and gain hands-on experience. These programs often feature rigorous coursework, mock trials, and interactive workshops led by legal professionals, which help foster critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication. By engaging in these immersive experiences, you can not only enhance your understanding of the law but also build practical skills that can come in handy while applying to research projects, internships, or even law school!
Here are 12 summer law programs for high school students!
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) — Law track
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
Law-related research topics covered by Horizon intersect with criminal psychology and include examining how jurors’ demographics influence their verdict decisions and exploring how social psychological theory can improve plea negotiation strategies. These areas address key issues in the intersection of law and psychology, aiming to enhance fairness and decision-making within the justice system.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session offers high school students a deep dive into the intricacies of law alongside economics and government. Tailored for those passionate about legal frameworks, the program explores a range of legal topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, and international law.
With an interdisciplinary approach, you will gain essential skills in critical thinking and legal analysis, tackling contemporary global issues through legal perspectives. The program emphasizes the application of legal theories to analyze challenges like political change and cross-border economic regulations, providing invaluable insights for future studies or careers in law and related fields.
Location: Yale Campus, CT
Cost: $6500
Application Deadline: January 10, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout June to August.
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, a current sophomore or junior (or any international equivalent), and a first-time participant.
The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers a solid experience for high school sophomores and juniors interested in law and the humanities. This prestigious, fully funded six-week program provides an immersive learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom settings, focusing on critical thinking and democratic community building. TASS covers all expenses, including tuition, books, room and board, field trips, and facilities fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation.
You will engage in rigorous academic work with a three-hour college-level class each weekday. The curriculum features stimulating discussions, small-group activities, and lectures from expert faculty. In 2022, past topics included “Race and the Limits of Law in America,” taught by Vincent Lloyd and Dana Lloyd from Villanova University. Students explore diverse materials such as books, articles, films, and art, and refine their writing skills through essay composition with instructor feedback. Beyond academics, you will collaborate on democratic decision-making regarding community life, including planning activities, organizing service projects, managing a program budget, and fostering an inclusive environment.
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 23 — August 3, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors. Participants must be at least age 15 and no older than age 18 at the start of the program (June 23, 2024). Black and Indigenous students, other students of color, and/or students who have experienced economic hardship are strongly encouraged to apply.
Harvard offers a two-week pre-college program through its Division of Continuing Education, ideal for high school students interested in law. This program features a legal studies track with courses such as ‘Introduction to American Law,’ ‘Constitutional Law, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties,’ and ‘Critical Race Theory: Law and Social Movements.’
You can choose from over 30 courses offered in three separate sessions, allowing them to enroll in multiple courses if desired. Enrollment in a pre-college course is available only after being admitted to the program, which provides a focused and enriching summer option for those keen on exploring legal studies.
Location: Harvard University Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5550 + $75 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadline: February 14, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: Between June 23 and August 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students graduating from high school in 2025 or 2026 who are at least 16 years old and younger than 19 years old before the start of the program are eligible.
The United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York offers several unpaid internships for motivated students. Available placements include Library Legal Information, Automated Litigation Support, the Library Legal Information and Resource Center, and Paralegal Legal Studies. For students with a pre-law interest, these internships provide valuable insights into criminal justice and community crime prevention, offering practical experience in these crucial areas.
Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip, NYC
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to attend. The internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis till April 5, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 — August 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising seniors from an accredited high school can apply.
The Provost Summer Mentorship Program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a four-week opportunity for first-generation and underrepresented students to gain valuable insights from one of the university’s five professional schools. This program allows participants to explore the nuances of law school, understand a lawyer’s responsibilities, and examine the role of law in contemporary society. In addition to the educational experience, students receive support in test preparation, financial education, life skills development, and guidance through the college application process.
Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania
Stipend: Each student receives a monetary stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Application deadline: February 14, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 8— August 2, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility:
- In 9th or 10th grade at the time of applying
- Students enrolled in Philadelphia public and public charter schools are especially encouraged to apply.
The ABA’s Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) offers high school students an exceptional chance to intern with federal or state judges across the United States. This program promotes diversity and inclusivity in the legal field by encouraging students from all backgrounds to explore legal careers. As a participant, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a court environment, observe trials, and engage in legal research.
Working directly with judges and their chambers, you’ll experience the judicial system from the inside, enhancing your understanding of legal processes and developing invaluable practical skills. The JIOP is ideal for those committed to pursuing a career in law, particularly within the judicial branch of government.
Location: Various cities across the country.
Cost: $2000
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program dates: 6 weeks typically in the summer.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
The American Civil Liberties Union’s Summer Advocacy Program offers an insightful glimpse into the work of social justice lawyers and activists. Participants attend classes and seminars to learn the fundamentals of law, legal strategy, and policy from an advocacy perspective. Past guest speakers have included actress and activist Kerry Washington and Olympic Gold Medalist Tommie Smith. The program features a Day of Action, where students engage in collective advocacy on Capitol Hill, addressing pressing civil liberties issues such as facial recognition technology, immigration, and the equitable distribution of COVID-19 response resources.
Location: Washington D.C., VA.
Cost: $2500 tuition
Application deadline: Currently closed for 2024. TBD for 2025.
Program dates: July 21— July 27, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 who have completed one year of high school by July 2024.
This internship is perfect for students interested in criminal law or post-conviction cases. The California Innocence Project (CIP) is a law clinic dedicated to providing pro-bono legal services to individuals wrongfully convicted. CIP hires a legal intern each trimester, offering a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field while contributing to the clinic’s projects.
Interns are expected to work between 15 and 35 hours per week. The program includes in-house training, where you’ll receive an introduction to wrongful convictions and an overview of your specific responsibilities. Duties may include legal research, copying, filing, client support, and other tasks as directed by CIP.
Location: San Diego, CA (California Western School of Law)
Cost/Stipend: No cost, unpaid
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on cohort. Typically March 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), and November 1 (Spring).
Program Dates: The program conducts summer, spring, and fall sessions. The exact dates will vary.
Eligibility: High school, college, law, and post-bar students are eligible.
The Ladder Internship is a highly selective program for high school students, offering the chance to work with nonprofits and startups worldwide, including legal-tech startups. This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection of law and technology. Interns will engage in a real-world project of significant importance to their organization and present their work upon completion.
Throughout the internship, you will collaborate closely with a manager from the startup and receive guidance from a Ladder Coach, who will assist you in navigating the startup environment. The Ladder program combines hands-on work experience with 1-on-1 and group training sessions focused on soft skills and professional development, providing a comprehensive introduction to the legal-tech field.
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
11. NSLC’s Law & Advocacy Program
The NSLC program provides an immersive experience in the legal profession, offering a nine-day stay on campus where you’ll simulate a real criminal case in an authentic courtroom setting. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with peers, attend lectures from forensic and legal experts from the Department of Justice and prestigious law firms, and hear from distinguished guest speakers, including past Supreme Court justices. Topics covered include homicide laws, evidentiary procedures, direct examination, witness preparation, and both opening and closing statements. Additionally, you have the opportunity to earn college credit by enrolling in an extra course for an additional fee.
Location: Multiple options: Yale University or Georgetown University
Cost: Georgetown University: $3,795 program tuition | Yale University: $3,895 program tuition
Application Deadline: Depends on the program selected.
Program dates: There are multiple 9-day sessions at each location between June and August.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12 can apply!
The Atlanta Bar Association offers a challenging summer internship for high school students, providing a comprehensive introduction to the legal field. Interns will take on various responsibilities, including copying, summarizing depositions, making deliveries, Bates stamping documents, answering phones, and assembling trial notebooks. Before starting, interns undergo intensive, mandatory orientations to familiarize themselves with the expectations and the internship environment. These sessions cover essential topics such as confidentiality and professionalism. A key feature of the internship is the opportunity to attend a deposition or court hearing.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: No cost. Students will receive a stipend of $2000.
Program Dates: May 29 — July 19, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Application Deadline: February 9, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.