12 Top Law Firm Internships for High School Students
Internships are a fantastic way for high school students to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable professional connections—often without the high costs associated with many career-building opportunities. Many prestigious organizations now offer virtual internships, making them more accessible than ever. For students interested in law and legal research, law firm internships for high school students provide a unique glimpse into the legal profession, allowing you to explore real-world applications and build essential skills.
With countless options available, we’ve narrowed down the top 12 law firm internships for high school students that offer meaningful experiences, helping you get a head start on your legal careers. These internships will not only enhance your resume but also provide mentorship and a deeper understanding of the legal field.
1. Jimerson Birr's School Internships – Business Law
Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, Florida
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Typically, 4-6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students able to work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida
The Jimerson Birr High School Summer Internship Program offers you an inside look at how a dynamic law firm operates while helping you develop professional skills that can be applied to various fields. Over 4-6 weeks, you will work closely with key department heads and teams in areas, such as legal services, accounting, communications, marketing, and information technology. Your responsibilities will include engaging in real, substantive work that contributes to the firm’s daily operations.
By gaining hands-on experience in business administration and legal processes, you will develop a transferable skill set useful in fields ranging from law to economics and psychology. This program values students with strong communication skills, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. If you are considering a career in law, business, or a related field, this is one of the top law firm internships for high school students that provides a unique foundation for your future studies.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. March 9 for the priority admission to the upcoming summer cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. The summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! For over eight weeks, you will get to work with high-growth start-ups on internships that range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. As an intern, you will work closely with your start-up managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects. Eventually, you’ll get to present your work to the company. Here is the application form.
3. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Location: New York City Bar, New York, New York
Stipend: $15 – $21/ hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; around 34 students (as of 2023)
Application Deadline: January 31 (as per 2024)
Dates: 6-8 weeks. April 17 – August 14 (as per 2024)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who live in or attend school in Manhattan
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) is one of the best law firm internships for high school students; it offers you the chance to explore a legal career by working in a professional law office. Over the summer, you will take on administrative duties, such as organizing documents, handling mail, and managing phone communications, all of which contribute to the daily operations of a law firm.
While you may not be assigned directly to an attorney, you will work alongside paralegals and office staff to gain insight into the legal profession. In addition to work experience, you will participate in professional development programs designed to introduce you to legal career opportunities. These experiences will strengthen your workplace skills, including communication, organization, and attention to detail.
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law + Various law firms in Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: April 5
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors attending a Baltimore City Public High School and living in Baltimore City
As a participant in the Law Links Internship Program, you will gain practical experience working in a law firm or legal organization while earning a competitive hourly wage. During this seven-week, full-time internship, you’ll be placed in professional legal settings, where you will assist with office tasks and observe legal work in action. Along with hands-on experience, you will take part in the Law & Leadership Institute, a 50-hour educational seminar hosted by the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
This program begins with a multi-day orientation and continues weekly to provide instruction on professional skills and legal topics. To ensure that all interns have access to appropriate business attire, the program provides professional clothing, removing financial barriers to workplace readiness. This opportunity offers a strong foundation for students interested in law and professional careers.
5. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program
Location: Various law firms in Dallas, Texas
Stipend: $10+/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 28
Dates:
- Session 1: June 9 – July 3
- Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors during the current school year with an academic average of 85 or above and no more than 10 absences
The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) offers a unique opportunity for Dallas high school students to gain real-world legal experience. You will be placed in a law firm, corporate legal department, or non-profit organization, working 4-8 weeks in either a full-time or part-time capacity. Your assigned employer will determine your responsibilities, which may include legal research, administrative tasks, and office support.
To ensure a smooth transition into the workplace, you will complete a Summer Learning curriculum that introduces law firm expectations. Additionally, the Dallas Bar Association provides educational activities to broaden your understanding of legal careers. The program concludes with a reception, giving you the chance to celebrate your achievements and expand your professional network.
6. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Various private law firms, corporate law divisions, or governmental agencies in Memphis, Tennessee
Stipend: $500
Acceptance Rate: Selective; see their “Selection Criteria” for more details
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 2 – June 27
Eligibility: Minority rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school as of August; a resident of or attending a high school in Shelby County, TN
If you want to gain practical experience in the legal profession, the Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program offers a structured opportunity to work in a law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency. You will be expected to complete 60 hours of work during the summer, assisting legal professionals with administrative tasks, case preparation, and legal research.
This program is specifically designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, giving them exposure to potential careers in law. Intern selection is based on your passion for law, school and community involvement, and communication abilities. The experience will strengthen your professionalism, organization, and legal knowledge, preparing you for future educational and career opportunities. As a reward for your efforts, you will receive a $500 stipend upon completion.
7. The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program for High School Students (SLIP)
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; highly selective
Application Deadline: February 7 – March 20
Dates: May 28 – July 18
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school students who are juniors and seniors and members of the classes of 2025 and 2026
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) is a paid summer internship that provides high school juniors and seniors in Atlanta with firsthand experience in the legal field. Over eight weeks you will be placed in a law firm or legal organization, where you will engage in administrative work, legal research, and mentorship activities. SLIP is structured to provide meaningful professional exposure, an understanding of the legal system, and valuable networking opportunities.
However, this is a full-time, intensive program that requires complete commitment, meaning prior summer obligations cannot interfere. SLIP has placed over 940 students in legal internships, with many former interns continuing to law school and legal careers.
Location: 7 locations in New York City, New York
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Cohort Size: 30 students
Application Deadline: There is no deadline specified
Dates: First week of July to the first week of August
Eligibility: 8th graders and rising 9th graders from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens
The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is a five-week summer program designed for rising ninth graders who want to explore the legal profession. Taking place at seven different law schools in New York City, this program introduces you to criminal law concepts, including evidence, arraignment, and legal rights. You will spend each day learning from law students, engaging with attorneys, and participating in hands-on legal activities. A highlight of the program is the mock trial competition, where you will take on the role of an attorney and present a case before a real judge.
Additionally, SLI focuses on building important academic skills such as public speaking, writing, and logical reasoning. Graduating from the program also makes you eligible to apply for the four-year College Bound program to continue your law-related education.
9. Communities in Schools (CIS) of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program
Location: Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, etc
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: June 10 – August 2 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Houston
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, created in partnership with the Houston Bar Association, offers an 8-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors from CIS of Houston-supported schools. This program allows you to intern at Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies, where you will gain professional work experience. As an intern, you will develop essential career skills, leadership abilities, and workplace readiness, while learning about the different career paths in law. You will also have the opportunity to observe legal professionals in action and contribute to meaningful projects.
10. Saper Law Immersion Program
Location: Saper Law Offices, Chicago, Illinois
Cost: $875
Cohort Size: Around 40 students per class
Application Deadline: Rolling; May 1
Dates: August 4 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students and college students
The Saper Law Immersion Program is a one-week legal boot camp that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of law. Hosted at Saper Law Offices, the program focuses on legal writing, negotiation exercises, and mock legal proceedings, with a special emphasis on business, technology, and entertainment law. You will take part in field trips to law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments while engaging with legal professionals.
The program also includes guest lectures from practicing attorneys, judges, and in-house counsel who provide insight into different legal careers. In addition to hands-on legal training, you will work on LSAT questions and personal statement writing. With a maximum of 40 participants, the program ensures a focused and interactive learning environment.
11. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program
Location: Various law firms, corporate legal departments, and government law offices in Metro Nashville
Stipend: Paid ($10-$15/hour) and unpaid internships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: March 28
Dates: June 2 – July 18
Eligibility: Seniors and rising seniors
The Nashville Bar Association (NBA) Summer Intern Program is a paid internship program that places diverse high school students in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices in Metro Nashville. You will work full-time, earning between $10-15 per hour while developing professional skills. Open to seniors and rising seniors the program provides real-world legal experience, networking, and mentorship.
The internship begins with an orientation session that introduces you to the legal work environment. Each Friday, you will attend Lunch and Learn sessions, where attorneys will discuss law school, career planning, and success strategies. This program offers an immersive experience in the legal field while helping you build connections for the future.
Location: Available in different locations
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: April 5
Dates:
- Los Angeles, California: June 23 – 27
- San Diego, California: June 23 – 27
- Washington, D.C.: July 7 – 11
- Chicago, Illinois: July 21 – 25
- Seattle, Washington: August 11 – 14
Eligibility: High school students
The Summer Legal Institute (SLI) is a five-day immersion program that provides high school students nationwide the opportunity to explore the world of law in depth. Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive sessions that focus on developing essential skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking, public speaking, and professional etiquette. You will also participate in various activities that encourage teamwork and leadership development. Working closely with attorney volunteers from prestigious law firms and corporations, you will gain hands-on experience by analyzing legal cases, participating in debates, and taking part in negotiation exercises.
These activities will help you develop the practical skills needed for a career in law. Additionally, the program allows you to learn about the legal system through real-world case studies and insights into how law firms and corporations operate. As part of the experience, you will also develop valuable professional contacts with legal professionals who can offer you mentorship, potential internship opportunities, and access to scholarships.