Are you interested in law, courtroom drama, or how legal systems shape society? You can get started without waiting for college! There are more law programs and internships designed for high school students than you'll have time to consider. Many programs offer direct, hands-on engagement like mock trials, legal research, and interact with real attorneys. They build critical thinking and speaking skills, as well as a picture of various careers in law. For those interested in being a lawyer or just wondering about the field, here are the top ten law programs you can check out now!
1. U.S. Senate Page Program
Focus: Government, Civics, Public Service, Legislative Process
Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. (In-person, residential)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens; must be at least 16 years old; GPA of 3.0 or higher
Deadline: Varies by senator; applicants must apply through the office of their U.S. senator (typically several months in advance of the fall or spring session)
Juniors in high school who are accepted into the Senate Page Program help senators with their everyday tasks. In addition to attending classes at the Senate Page School, students carry out crucial duties like delivering letters, setting up the chamber for meetings, and assisting with the legislative process. This opportunity offers students a unique behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the U.S. Senate as well as practical experience with the American government.
2. Congressman Jim Himes’ Congressional Internship Program
Focus: Government, Public Policy, Constituent Services, Legislative Research
Location: Washington, D.C. and District Offices in Connecticut (In-person)
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students; strong academic record and interest in public service encouraged
Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on semester (Spring, Summer, Fall); early application recommended
First-hand experience working in a congressional office is provided to interns in Congressman Jim Himes' office. Legislative research, hearing attendance, communication drafting, and constituent services assistance are among the duties. While interns in district offices help with casework and community outreach, those in the Washington, D.C. office concentrate on legislative work. Students who participate in this program gain knowledge about the legislative process and the day-to-day activities of a congressional office.
3. ACLU National Advocacy Institute – 2025 High School Program
Focus: Civil Liberties, Law, Social Justice, Policy Advocacy
Location: Washington, D.C. (In-person)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 (must be in high school at the time of applying)
Deadline: Priority deadline in early spring; applications reviewed on a rolling basis until full
High school students have the chance to learn more about civil liberties and the legislative process through the ACLU's National Advocacy Institute. In the nation's capital, participants attend workshops and advocacy training and interact with attorneys, lobbyists, and community activists. Young leaders are equipped by the immersive program to effectively advocate for change both within and outside of their communities.
4. North Dakota High School Mock Trial Program
Focus: Law, Public Speaking, Critical Thinking, Trial Procedure
Location: North Dakota (Regional and State Competitions held in person)
Eligibility: High school students in North Dakota; teams typically formed through schools
Deadline: Registration deadlines vary by year; typically in winter for spring competitions
Students are given a practical introduction to the American legal system through the State Bar Association of North Dakota's North Dakota High School Mock Trial Program. Teams compete in mock courtroom trials, prepare legal arguments, and play the roles of witnesses and lawyers. Working closely with legal professionals, students in this program gain advocacy skills, legal reasoning, and an awareness of courtroom procedures.
5. ABA Judicial Division’s Summer Judicial Internship Diversity Program (SJIDP)
Focus: Law, Judicial Process, Diversity in the Legal Field, Professional Mentorship
Location: Various locations across the U.S. (In-person placements with judges)
Eligibility: First- and second-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds; must have a strong academic record and interest in the judiciary
Deadline: Typically in January for summer placements
To give law students a firsthand look at chambers, the ABA's Summer Judicial Internship Diversity Program pairs them with state and federal judges. By providing professional development, exposure to the judicial process, and mentorship, the program seeks to increase diversity in the judiciary. In order to obtain a valuable understanding of the inner workings of the courts, interns may draft memos, conduct legal research, and watch court proceedings.
6. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Focus: Criminal Justice, Law, Public Service, Legal Careers
Location: Manhattan, New York City (In-person)
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors attending high school in NYC; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Deadline: Typically in May for the summer session
Through this rigorous summer internship, high school students in New York City have the chance to gain firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system from experts at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Interns participate in workshops, watch court cases, speak with legal professionals, and research legal and public service careers..
7. Miami-Dade State Attorney’s High School Volunteer Internship Program
Focus: Government, Public Service, Criminal Law, and the Legal System
Location: Florida's Miami (In person)
Eligibility: Students in high school who are 16 years of age or older and have a GPA of at least 2.5 must be citizens or legal residents of the United States.
Deadline: For the summer session, applications are normally due in April.
This summer volunteer opportunity, provided by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, gives high school students the chance to learn more about criminal justice careers. In addition to attending court observations and educational sessions, participants help with administrative and case-related duties and collaborate closely with prosecutors and staff. The program is perfect for students thinking about a career in law or public service because it provides firsthand knowledge of the legal system.
8. Nashville Bar Association – High School Summer Intern Program
Focus: Law, Careers in Law, Professional Growth, and Mentoring
Location: Tennessee's Nashville (In person)
Eligibility: Davidson County's rising seniors are advised to have a strong academic record and a legal interest.
Deadline: For summer placement, it is usually in March.
For a four-week paid internship, rising high school seniors are paired with local law firms, courts, and legal organizations through the Nashville Bar Association's Summer Intern Program. Students learn about the legal field, hone their professional skills, and get guidance from working lawyers. For students interested in careers in law, the program is a great first step because it offers networking opportunities and workshops for professional development.
9. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Focus: Law, Legal Careers, Professional Development, and Mentoring
Location: Dallas, Texas (Live)
Eligibility: Students must be from Dallas County public schools, be starting their senior year in the fall, be nominated by a principal, counselor, or teacher, and show an interest in the legal field.
Deadline: Usually in the early spring (the precise date varies; for updates for the current year, visit the program page).
High school seniors who are chosen for the Dallas Bar Association's Summer Law Intern Program are exposed to the legal industry through paid internships at courts, corporate legal departments, and law firms in the Dallas area. Under the guidance of lawyers, interns obtain knowledge about legal professions and work settings. Weekly luncheons with special guests and mentorship opportunities are part of the program. Through the development of professional networks and workplace skills, this program gives students a rare chance to consider a career in law.
10. Georgetown University Law Academy for High School Students
Focus: Public policy, legal studies, preparing for law school, and critical thinking
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (residential, in-person)
Eligibility: Students in high school, ages 14 to 18, who are passionate about public policy and law
Deadline:Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as there are openings; the priority deadline is usually in March.
High school students are introduced to fundamental legal ideas and the operation of the American legal system at Georgetown's Law Academy. Through lectures, interactive simulations, and mock trial exercises, students study topics such as criminal law, human rights, and constitutional law over the course of two weeks. The program provides an immersive pre-college experience that helps students hone their advocacy and critical thinking skills while investigating legal careers, taught by Georgetown Law faculty and legal professionals.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!