If you’re a high school student curious about law but unsure what it really looks like day-to-day, a pre-law internship is a great way to find out. These programs give you a behind-the-scenes look at how legal work happens and what lawyers, judges, and other professionals actually do.
During a pre-law internship, you might observe court hearings, assist with research, sit in on client meetings, or see how attorneys prepare for cases. Many programs also include mentoring, site visits, and training sessions to show how different roles in the legal system connect from clerks and support staff to judges and lawyers.
Doing a pre-law internship doesn’t just give you experience; it strengthens your college applications, too. It shows initiative, interest in public service, and a willingness to engage with work that demands attention to detail and critical thinking. Plus, it helps you figure out if a future in law is really the right fit for you.
With that, here are 14 pre-law internships for high school students to explore!
14 Pre-Law Internships for High School Students
1. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) by the New York City Bar
Location: New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Typically six weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Open to New York City public high school students. Applicants must demonstrate academic commitment, responsibility, and an interest in law or social justice.
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program, run by the New York City Bar Association’s Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, connects NYC public high school students with legal employers for summer work experience. Established in 1993, the program offers paid internships and pre-employment training that covers networking, workplace communication, and professional conduct. You attend a class led by a Columbia Law professor, take part in mock trials, and finish the summer with Job Shadow Week, which gives you a close look at different legal careers. The program supports mentoring and practical understanding of legal systems and helps students prepare for future studies in law and public service.
2. Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association
Location: Dallas, Texas
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Session 1 (June 9–July 3), Session 2 (July 7–August 1), Full Session (June 9–August 1)
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Open exclusively to Dallas ISD high school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above and no more than 10 absences.
The Summer Law Intern Program is a joint effort between the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Independent School District that gives high school students early exposure to the legal field. Over four to eight weeks, you are placed with law firms or corporate legal departments in the Dallas area, where you assist staff, observe legal proceedings, and learn the basics of legal work. The program includes orientations, educational sessions, and an end-of-program reception that supports professional development and networking. Through guidance from attorneys and direct experience, you build workplace discipline, communication skills, and a practical understanding of the legal profession, preparing you for future studies in law.
3. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Unavailable
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Fall Session: September 1 – January 23; Spring Session: January 25 – June 5; Summer Session I: June; Summer Session II: July
Application Deadline: Varies by senator’s office
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 16 or 17 who are either rising juniors/seniors (for summer) or current juniors (for semester sessions). Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, a physician’s health assessment, and proof of health insurance.
The U.S. Senate Page Program gives high school students the chance to work and study in Washington, D.C. As a page, you assist senators on the Senate floor, prepare legislative materials, and deliver correspondence, which gives you a direct view of how the legislative process works. You also attend the Senate Page School, balancing academic work with your duties. The program builds discipline, responsibility, and understanding of how government functions. Each senator’s office manages its own application process, and the program is competitive.
4. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Location: Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July – August (six weeks)
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in march
Eligibility: Open to high school students residing in Boston or attending high schools in Springfield or Worcester. Teacher recommendations and interviews are part of the selection process.
The Judicial Youth Corps Program, run by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Public Information Office, gives high school students direct exposure to the Massachusetts court system. Over six weeks, you work in local courthouses with judges, clerks, and probation officers and learn how the judicial system functions day to day. Fridays are set aside for paid educational sessions that include mock trials, group discussions, and legal workshops. With guidance from legal professionals, you learn about the rule of law, courtroom procedures, and ethical decision-making.
5. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: applications open January 26 and deadlines vary by program
Eligibility: Open to Manhattan residents who are current high school juniors or seniors. Participants must commit to the full five-week program and attend in-person sessions Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program gives students a five-week introduction to the criminal justice system. You take part in workshops, mock trials, and discussions with prosecutors and legal staff and gain direct exposure to courtroom procedures and case preparation. The program highlights professional conduct and clear communication. You work on-site in the DA’s office, observe legal strategy and office operations, and earn a minimum wage stipend.
6. The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York Student Internship
Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip, New York
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (volunteer positions); limited stipends available through external funding
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 90 interns selected each summer
Program Dates: June–August (10 weeks full-time)
Application Deadline: February 1 (Summer Session); October 15 (Spring); June 15 (Fall)
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in accredited high schools, colleges, universities, or law schools. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must have lived in the U.S. for at least three of the past five years. A security clearance is mandatory before acceptance.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers an internship program for students interested in pre-law, criminal justice, and related fields. You are placed in the Criminal or Civil Divisions at either the Brooklyn or Central Islip offices, where you assist Assistant U.S. Attorneys with trial preparation, legal research, writing memoranda, and witness interviews. You gain exposure to real federal cases and may observe hearings and trials in the U.S. District Court. The summer program also includes guided tours of federal facilities, speaker luncheons with judges, federal agents, and attorneys, and networking opportunities.
7. Atlanta Bar Association: Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 for six weeks
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 35 students selected each year
Program Dates: May 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors. Applicants must be available full-time for the entire program duration and reside in or near the Atlanta area.
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program offers high school students a six-week paid internship in the legal field. You are placed in law firms, corporate offices, or public legal institutions where you assist staff and observe courtroom proceedings. Weekly meetings include talks by attorneys, progress checks, and discussions on current legal issues. You also write a 750-word essay on a U.S. Supreme Court case and take part in the Terrence Croft essay and oralist competitions.
8. Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW) – Law Links Internship
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($15/hour)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Late June – August (seven weeks)
Application Deadline: varies by program
Eligibility: Open to Baltimore City public high school sophomores and juniors who live in Baltimore City. Students must be available full-time for seven weeks and adhere to professional dress requirements.
The Law Links Internship, organized by Maryland Youth and the Law, gives Baltimore City high school students full-time summer placements in law firms and law-related agencies. Over seven weeks, you work Monday through Friday and also attend the Law and Leadership Institute, a 50-hour seminar that includes orientation, legal education, and leadership training. You earn fifteen dollars per hour and receive professional attire to support equal access to the workplace. The program focuses on professionalism, accountability, and exposure to legal practice and helps you build confidence, communication skills, and career awareness for future paths in law or public service.
9. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 3 months minimum
Application Deadline: Varies as per the program
Eligibility: Open to high school students (preferably juniors and seniors) with a strong interest in law, criminal justice, or social work. Applicants must commit to a minimum of 16–20 hours per week for at least three months and successfully pass a background check.
The High School Volunteer Internship Program at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office gives students a close view of how one of the largest prosecutorial offices in the country works. You assist attorneys and staff in units such as Criminal Intake, Domestic Violence, and Victim and Witness Services. Tasks include taking sworn statements, researching case law, attending bond hearings, and helping victims with legal processes. Before beginning, you complete an orientation and training program that covers ethics, courtroom protocol, and legal procedures.
10. Nashville Bar Association Summer Intern Program
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: Both paid and unpaid placements available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 2–July 18
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Open to diverse high school students in Nashville who are rising seniors. Students must be available full-time for seven weeks and attend an orientation on May 30.
The Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program, organized by the Diversity Committee, gives students a seven-week introduction to the legal profession. You are placed in law firms, government offices, and corporate legal departments in the Nashville area and gain direct exposure to administrative and legal work. You work six to eight hours each day and attend weekly Lunch and Learn sessions led by judges, attorneys, and law students on topics such as law school admissions and legal advocacy.
11. Suit Up for the Future High School Summer Legal Institute and Intern Program: Louisiana State Bar Association
Location: Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free; up to $250 stipend upon completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 8–June 26
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates entering their first year of college. Students must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a legal career and commit to attending the full three-week program.
The Suit Up for the Future program, hosted by the Louisiana State Bar Association with the Louisiana Supreme Court, Just the Beginning, and regional law schools, offers a three-week introduction to the legal profession. You take part in an abridged law school curriculum that includes criminal law, legal research, and writing. Using the Socratic method, you practice mock oral arguments and write legal memoranda with guidance from attorneys and judges. You also shadow attorneys in law offices, courts, and agencies and observe proceedings such as trials and depositions. The program includes sessions on ethics, LSAT preparation, and legal careers as well as tours of law schools and courts in Louisiana.
12. Summer Law Institute (SLI) Program
Location: Various New York City law schools, including Columbia Law School, NYU School of Law, and Fordham University School of Law
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 180 students total (30 students per site across six law schools)
Program Dates: First week of July – First week of August
Application Deadline: Varies as per program
Eligibility: Open to students who have just completed eighth grade and are entering ninth grade. Applicants must complete an online application, submit teacher recommendations, and provide their eighth-grade report card.
The Summer Law Institute is a five-week program for rising ninth graders that introduces you to law and professional development. Hosted by Legal Outreach with support from major law schools and law firms, the program helps you see how legal careers work and what lawyers do. You take daily lessons on criminal justice taught by law students, meet practicing attorneys, and visit legal institutions. You build thinking and communication skills through projects that lead to a mock trial led by real judges. The program also focuses on professional conduct, time management, and academic discipline, which support success in high school and beyond. After completing the program, you can join Legal Outreach’s four-year College Bound program for continued academic and career support.
13. Communities in Schools (CIS) of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Eight weeks (summer)
Application Deadline:Varies as per program
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors enrolled at campuses supported by Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston.
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, run with the Houston Bar Association, offers an eight-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors. The program introduces you to legal workplaces and helps you build job readiness, leadership, and career skills. You are placed in law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies across Houston, where you observe attorneys, learn office professionalism, and assist with daily legal tasks. The program also supports students from underserved communities and aims to help at-risk youth plan for a professional future. Through mentoring and practical learning, you develop confidence, persistence, and a clearer sense of career direction.
14. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: $500 stipend upon successful completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 2 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Open to minority high school rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are residents of or attend high school in Shelby County, Tennessee. You need to be available to work 60 hours total during June, and you can’t have been accepted into the program before.
The Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program gives high school students a month-long introduction to legal workplaces. You are placed in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, where you work with attorneys and observe how they handle their daily responsibilities. You complete a total of sixty hours of work during June, which is manageable alongside other summer plans. The selection process is competitive. You apply with a statement of interest and take part in a group interview where they look at your interest in law, your school and community involvement, your presentation skills, and your writing.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like constitutional law, criminal justice, international law, legal theory, and public policy, 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 – Memphis Bar Association