15 Criminal Law Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 30 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Are you an undergraduate student interested in criminal law? If yes, internships are one of the best ways to see how the justice system works in real life.Â
What are criminal law internships for undergraduates?
Criminal law internships can include tasks like legal research, drafting documents, preparing case materials, or even supporting attorneys and investigators. Some programs focus more on courtroom experience, while others let you work in public service or advocacy organizations. Either way, you’ll build skills that classrooms alone can’t provide.
Internships in criminal law also make a strong addition to your resume. They show future employers and graduate schools that you’ve taken initiative and gained practical experience early. Along the way, you’ll also meet mentors and professionals who can guide you, give feedback, and help with future opportunities.
To help you find the right fit, here’s a list of 15 criminal law internships for undergraduates!Â
15 Criminal Law Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Headquarters (Arlington, VA) and numerous District/Field offices nationwide
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Available year-round; lasts one semester, lasts for a maximum duration of 6 months
Application deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens in good academic standing who are at least 18 years old
The U.S. Marshals Service Student Volunteer Internship Program (SVIP) is an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore federal law enforcement from behind the scenes. You can be placed in district offices nationwide or at headquarters in Virginia. Depending on your location and clearance level, you may assist with research, data entry, victim and witness coordination, or prisoner transport logistics. While you won’t take on operational roles, you’ll gain insight into core functions like fugitive apprehension, judicial protection, and witness security.Â
Location: New York
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohort
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. students
Known for handling some of the country’s most high-profile cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan offers a selective summer internship where undergrads get an up-close look at federal prosecution. Over eight weeks, you will assist with subpoena drafting, document redaction, factual research, transcription, and trial preparation. Depending on placement, you might work in the Criminal or Civil Division, or support teams like the Victim Witness Unit. Beyond your daily assignments, you’ll also have the chance to sit in on trials, observe witness interviews, and attend discussions led by attorneys.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).Â
Dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, gap-year students, and high school students (grades 9–12); undergrads require a commitment of 10–20 hours/week over an 8–12 week duration.
Ladder Internships is an eight-week remote program that places undergraduates with fast-growing start-ups across fields like tech, health, consulting, and journalism. If you're interested in criminal law, you may find crossover opportunities in legal tech, investigative reporting, or public policy. You’ll work on real projects with startup teams and receive one-on-one mentorship from a Ladder Coach to build both professional and personal skills. The program ends with a final presentation to your host company, giving you a chance to showcase your work and strengthen your communication.Â
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid based on education level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May–August, lasts for a duration of 10 weeks
Application deadline: Varies by position, check the website and USAJOBS
Eligibility: Current degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S.-accredited institutions who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, meet residency requirements, and can obtain a TS/SCI clearance
The Department of Homeland Security’s I&A Internship Program is a paid opportunity for undergraduates interested in law, policy, and national security. Based in Washington, D.C., the program places you in areas like counterterrorism, border security, organized crime analysis, or cybersecurity. You may draft intelligence reports, support open-source collection, or help build interagency partnerships. Interns are hired as federal employees, so pay depends on your education level. Some rotations across divisions may be available. The program also includes occasional site visits to other DHS or partner agencies.
Location: Nationwide (FBI field offices and headquarters)
Stipend: Paid (exact stipend varies by year and location)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June–August
Application deadline: Varies yearly
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral), maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and successfully pass the FBI background investigation to obtain a Top Secret clearance..
The FBI Honors Internship Program is a paid summer opportunity for undergraduate students interested in criminal law and federal investigation. You’ll be placed in an FBI field office or division, where you may assist with data analysis, research, report writing, or case support. Projects can involve cybercrime, counterterrorism, or organized crime, depending on your assignment. You’ll receive training in FBI protocols and work closely with agents and analysts under strict confidentiality. The program is highly competitive and widely seen as a pathway to entry-level roles at the Bureau, making it ideal if you’re considering a career in federal law enforcement.
Location: FLETC campuses (Glynco, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Artesia, New Mexico; Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Free; course credit may be offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 8 weeks, typically June–July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in legal careers
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) College Intern Program is an eight-week summer experience for undergraduates. You split time between project work and sitting in on training courses in areas like investigations, defensive tactics, and cybercrime. Depending on your placement, you might support training operations, mission support, IT, or policy projects. Each intern is matched with a mentor who offers career guidance and helps you connect with professionals across the federal law enforcement community.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: PaidÂ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 5–July 25 | May 19–August 8 | June 2–August 22 | June 16–September 5
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: College undergraduates
The Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) at the Public Defender Service in Washington, D.C., gives undergraduates direct experience in defense work. You take on responsibilities like interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing statements, serving subpoenas, and sometimes testifying in court. You may also visit clients in detention, document crime scenes, or prepare trial exhibits. The program includes training in investigative skills and offers chances to attend court proceedings, lectures, and office events.
Location: Remote or hybrid at ACLU affiliate offices across the U.S.
Stipend: PaidÂ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Available year-round
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Undergraduates and recent graduates, depending on the role
The ACLU Internship Program offers undergraduate students the chance to work on issues like criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, and civil liberties. You can intern remotely or in ACLU affiliate offices across the U.S., with placements in legal, advocacy, communications, or tech teams. Depending on your role, you might conduct policy research, draft communications, assist legal staff, or support grassroots campaigns. Internships typically last 10 weeks full-time or 12 weeks part-time, and stipends are provided unless you’re earning academic credit.
Location: New Brunswick, NJ (placements at local criminal justice and administrative agencies coordinated by the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer term (exact dates vary by placement and semester calendar)
Application deadline: Not specified (students must apply through the department before registration)
Eligibility: Junior or senior standing, declared Criminal Justice major, minimum GPA of 2.7, completion of Intro to Criminal Justice (01:202:201), at least 3 credits in criminal justice, and prior completion of an earlier internship course (01:202:406 or 407)
The Rutgers Criminal Justice Internship Course is a summer program that lets undergraduates earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in the justice system. You’ll complete around 120 hours of fieldwork in placements like law enforcement departments, correctional institutions, or court offices. Alongside your internship, you’ll participate in academic components such as symposiums, research projects, and presentations. This integrated approach helps you build professional skills, expand your network, and see how legal and criminal justice principles operate day to day.
Location: New York County/Manhattan
Stipend: $560 per weekÂ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort
Dates: 9 weeks starting the first Monday of June
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current college sophomores and juniors( applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of college by the time the internship commences)
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office College Internship is a summer program for undergraduates to learn about criminal prosecution in a busy jurisdiction. You help with preparing case files, supporting victim services, doing legal research, or drafting legislative analyses. You will also attend court proceedings, observe witness interviews, and review evidence to understand trial preparation. The program includes guest lectures, attorney-led discussions, and mock appellate arguments. Assignments vary based on your background and the office’s needs, so each intern’s experience is different.
Location: Las Vegas, NV (various local/state/federal agencies coordinated by UNLV’s CJ Dept)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer internship (exact dates vary by placement)
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Declared CRJ major or minor, junior/senior standing, minimum GPA 2.75, completion of core courses required (CRJ 104, 270 & 301)
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Criminal Justice Department Internship Program lets undergraduates earn up to six academic credits while working in the justice system. You may be placed with police departments, correctional facilities, courts, or other local, state, and federal agencies to observe and support daily operations. The program combines academic study with practical training and offers mentorship and networking opportunities. Internship hours are flexible and depend on the number of credits you choose.
Location: Georgia (GBI offices)
Cost: Free (for-credit or volunteer)Â
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summerÂ
Application deadline: Check website for updated info
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age, full-time college juniors or above, in good academic standing, and recommended by their institution
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internship Program is open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students who want experience in statewide law enforcement. Depending on your placement, you could work in forensic labs, support criminal investigations, or assist administrative teams. Tasks may include analyzing evidence, reviewing case files, contributing to forensic work, or helping with program management. The internship ties into academic programs, letting you earn course credit and complete an evaluation at the end of the term.
Location: Florida International University, placements nationwide
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Determined by placement availability
Dates: Summer arrangement possible (based on academic semester/term)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Florida International University Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship Program lets undergraduates earn credit while gaining field experience in the justice system. With faculty guidance, you design a placement that matches your academic focus and career goals, which may include working in a public defender’s office, court, correctional facility, law enforcement agency, or a nonprofit. Alongside fieldwork, you complete academic assignments like reflection papers to connect classroom theory with practice. Each internship is customized but always emphasizes mentorship and professional growth.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedÂ
Dates: 10 weeks (exact dates vary by semester)
Application deadline: Rolling (deadlines vary by semester)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time; first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students; and law school graduates who are enrolled in graduate law programs (e.g., L.L.M. programs) at least half-time; Must be U.S. citizens
The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Internship Program offers placements in Washington, D.C., during the summer and academic year for undergraduates and law students. Undergraduates in the Criminal Section help with federal civil rights investigations by reviewing discovery, researching facts, analyzing video evidence, and assisting with witness preparation. Law students take on tasks like drafting motions and conducting legal research on cases involving hate crimes or official misconduct. Most internships are unpaid but may count for academic or work-study credit.
15. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Student Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. headquarters and field offices nationwide
Stipend: Paid (GS-5 equivalent, based on academic level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, small cohort
Dates: Summer term (typically June–August), 10–12 weeks
Application deadline: February 14 annually
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program, minimum 3.0 GPA, and at least sophomore standing
The DOJ OIG Student Volunteer Internship Program places undergraduates on criminal-justice audit and investigative teams. You help with hotline intake, research fraud and abuse in DOJ programs, and draft memos, briefing charts, and interview summaries. You will rotate through the Office of Audit, Office of Investigations, and Office of Inspections & Evaluations to gain experience in audits and investigative methods. The program includes workshops on ethics, report writing, and federal law enforcement procedures, and ends with presenting your project findings to senior OIG staff.
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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