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 10 Best Summer Programs for High School Students Interested in Law

Writer's picture: Stephen TurbanStephen Turban

Summer programs offer high school students interested in law an excellent opportunity to explore their passion without interrupting the school year. These programs provide practical skills, introduce key legal concepts, and allow you to connect with peers and professionals through mock trials, legal research, and networking events. They offer hands-on experience that strengthens college applications and prepares you for a future in law.


 For those considering a legal career, summer is the perfect time to focus on learning and deepen your interests. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best summer programs for high school students interested in law, hosted by top institutions and offering competitive, sometimes fully funded, opportunities for aspiring legal professionals.


For additional resources, explore our guide to free, online, paid, and region-specific law research opportunities and business internships for high school students here.


The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is a five-week summer program for rising ninth graders, offering a hands-on introduction to criminal justice and the legal field. Hosted by prestigious law schools in New York City, including Columbia and NYU, SLI combines classroom learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure.

You will engage in legal simulations, study criminal justice topics, shadow lawyers, and visit legal institutions. The program culminates in a mock trial judged by professionals. Upon completion, graduates become eligible for the four-year College Bound program for ongoing support.


Location: Multiple law schools in NYC.

Cost: No cost.

Dates: The program operates from the first week of July through the first week of August.

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: Eighth-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, are eligible to apply for the SLI


The University of Pennsylvania’s Provost Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week initiative designed for first-generation and underrepresented high school students from Philadelphia. The program offers insights into various professional fields, including law, through the Penn Carey Law School.


You will participate in lectures, seminars, and hands-on activities that provide exposure to law school dynamics, legal responsibilities, and the societal impact of law. Additional support includes test preparation, financial literacy, life skills, and guidance for college applications. Participants also receive lunch, travel assistance, and a stipend upon successful completion of the program.


Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania

Cost: No cost. Each participant receives a monetary stipend upon successful completion of the program. 

Dates: July 8th  - August 2nd (Tentative, based on previous year program).

Application deadline: Applications typically close in mid-February.

Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-grade students attending high school in Philadelphia are eligible to apply. 


The Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session at Yale Young Global Scholars is a two-week summer program for students interested in the intersection of legal systems, governance, and economic theories. Through seminars, lectures, and hands-on activities, you will explore topics such as human rights, public policy, market regulation, and conflict resolution, using tools like game theory and economic modeling.


This interdisciplinary program helps develop critical thinking and policy evaluation skills, preparing you to address global challenges and understand the impact of legal and political systems on societal issues.


Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

Cost: $6,500 program fee + $90 application fee (Financial Aid available). 

Dates: 

  • Session I: June 22nd - July 4th

  • Session II: July 6th - July 18th

  • Session III: July 20th - Aug 1st

Application deadline: January 10th

Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors between the ages of 16-18 years by the start of the program are eligible.


Hosted by Stanford Law School, this 10-day program offers high school students an in-depth exploration of legal practice. You will learn legal theory, rhetoric, and ethics while developing skills such as crafting arguments, preparing cases, and cross-examining witnesses.


Through a mock trial endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association, you will gain hands-on courtroom experience. Led by Stanford Law professors, the program also includes workshops on leadership and career planning. During your stay, you'll have the chance to explore San Francisco’s iconic attractions.


Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

Cost: $5,345 (Financial Aid available).

Dates: 

  • Session I: June 24th - July 3rd

  • Session II: July 6th - July 15th

  • Session III: July 17th - July 26th

Application deadline: NA.

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible. 


The Atlanta Bar Association’s SLIP is a competitive six-week, paid internship for high school students interested in law. You will gain mentorship and legal work experience, with opportunities to learn about the legal system through hands-on tasks, meetings, and progress assessments. The program also emphasizes professional development and diversity within the legal field. With only 36 students selected, it’s a highly competitive and sought-after opportunity.


Location: Atlanta, GA

Cost: No cost. Interns will receive a stipend

Dates: June 10th - July 19th (Tentative, based on previous year program) 

Application deadline: Applications begin in March and typically are open for a month. 

Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools are eligible.


The Georgetown University Law Academy is a transformative summer program for high school students, offering an introduction to jurisprudence and the legal profession. This immersive experience includes lectures, group discussions, and mock trials, allowing students to explore lawmaking, interpretation, and application. You will engage with nationally recognized legal experts, including Georgetown faculty and guest speakers, and visit legal institutions. 


The program also offers debates on pressing legal issues and insight into how evolving societal values influence the legal system while sampling the Georgetown undergraduate experience.


Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Cost: Residential- $3,525| Commuter- $2,730

Dates: Session 1: June 22nd - June 28th | Session 2: July 13th - July 19 | Session 3: July 27th - August 2nd

Application deadline: April 15 

Eligibility: Be a current 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grader with at least a 2.0 GPA.


This five-week program offers high school students an in-depth look at the criminal justice system. You will participate in workshops on topics like criminal justice reform and police conduct, as well as engage in a mock trial program. Additionally, you will gain exposure to legal professionals and office settings while earning a stipend. It’s a great opportunity to develop professionalism and learn about courtroom procedures and case preparation.


Location: Manhattan, NYCost: No cost. Interns will receive a stipend, which aligns with the minimum wage.

Dates: June 30th - August 1st 

Application deadline: March 12th

Eligibility: Applicants must be current sophomores, juniors, or seniors residing in Manhattan.


The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program, organized by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is a six-week summer internship designed to teach high school students about the court system. You will gain practical experience through paid internships in courts in Boston, Springfield, or Worcester.


The program also includes weekly educational sessions with legal professionals and interactive learning activities such as mock trials, field trips, and group discussions. It provides valuable insights into the legal system and the rule of law.


Location: Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, MA

Cost: No cost. Interns will receive a stipend (exact details about the stipend are not mentioned)

Dates: 6 weeks, typically in July-August

Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in 10, 11, and 12 grades in Boston, Worcester, or Springfield high schools can apply.


The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) by the Dallas Bar Association offers high school students in the Dallas area an opportunity to gain legal experience by interning at law firms, non-profits, or corporate legal departments for 4-8 weeks.

You will assist with tasks like data entry and legal documentation. Applicants should have strong academic records and participate in extracurricular activities. The program also helps develop professional skills, including bilingual communication, Microsoft Office proficiency, and document management.


Location: Dallas, TX

Cost: No cost. Interns will receive a stipend (exact details about the stipend are not mentioned)

Dates: 

  • Session 1: June 9th - July 4th

  • Session 2: July 7th - August 1st

  • Full Session: June 9th - August 1st

Application deadline: Applications typically close in April (based on previous year).

Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors during the current school year with an academic average of 85 or above and not more than 10 absences.


The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by the American Bar Association offers high school students the chance to intern with federal or state judges, gaining hands-on legal experience through research, writing, and observing court proceedings. This full-time, six-week internship is designed to promote diversity in the legal field and is ideal for students committed to pursuing law, especially those interested in the judicial branch. Interns also receive a $2,000 program award and have access to mentorship and networking opportunities.


Location: Internships are available in several locations. Check details here.

Cost: No cost. Students will receive a $2,000 program award.

Dates: The program will run from May to June.

Application deadline: January 10thEligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply. Students who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the profession, students with disabilities, veterans, students who are economically disadvantaged, students who identify as LGBTQ+, women, and others are encouraged to apply.


One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.











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