12 Law Internships for High School Students in Canada
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
Law internships can be a strong option if you are a high school student interested in understanding how legal systems, public policy, and advocacy work. These opportunities often introduce you to legal research, policy discussions, civic engagement, and the day-to-day work of lawyers, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. Participating in an internship can also help you build communication, analytical thinking, and professional skills while exploring potential legal career paths.
Why should you intern in Canada?
Canada offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in law, public policy, and governance through universities, government programs, nonprofits, and legal organizations. Many internships allow you to explore areas such as legal research, public service, human rights, or legislative processes while learning from professionals working in these fields. Whether you are interested in corporate law, social justice, or government policy, Canada provides several pathways for early exposure to the legal field.
To help with your search, here are 12 law internships for high school students in Canada.
If you’re looking for free law summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12), undergraduates, and gap-year students; must commit to 10–20 hours per week
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
Ladder Internships is a program that pairs high school students with start-ups and organizations across industries, including law, policy, and legal tech. You’ll work on real-world projects like legal research, competitive analyses for policy start-ups, or marketing campaigns for social justice firms. Over the eight-week program, you'll benefit from both professional mentorship and 1:1 guidance from a Ladder Coach. You’ll conclude your internship by presenting your project deliverables to your host organization, gaining both experience and visibility. Ladder’s flexibility and structured support make it a strong fit for students seeking prestige, professional rigor, and industry exposure.
Location: Legislative Building, Toronto, ON
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort of students from across Ontario
Dates: Typically, February, virtual prep sessions begin in November
Application Deadline: Typically in early fall; includes essay and letter of recommendation
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 who reside in Ontario and have an interest in current events and provincial governance
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Model Parliament Program offered by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario gives high school students a rare chance to immerse themselves in provincial politics through a three-day simulation at Queen’s Park. You’ll participate in mock debates, committee work, and caucus meetings while sitting in the actual Legislative Chamber. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with guided workshops, parliamentary training, and opportunities to engage directly with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). A virtual component kicks off the experience in November, providing foundational knowledge before the in-person session. This is a prestigious civic engagement opportunity for students in Ontario interested in law, government, and public policy.
Location: Across Canada; varies by department and agency
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Large cohort; over 200 departments participate
Dates: Varies by position (full-time and part-time roles available year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted year-round
Eligibility: Must be a full-time high school or post-secondary student returning to studies next term, and meet the minimum age requirements in the province/territory of work
Stipend: Paid; salaries vary by role and department
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is the Government of Canada's largest student hiring initiative, offering a broad range of entry-level positions across federal departments. While it’s not specifically a law program, some placements involve administrative roles, policy research, and legal support, especially within departments like Justice Canada, Public Safety, and Immigration. These roles provide early exposure to government legal operations, legal documentation processes, and public policy work. Instead of applying to a single position, you enter a general inventory, and departments may contact you when opportunities that match your profile arise. Positions are offered throughout the year, with both full-time and part-time options depending on your availability.This flexible structure makes the program useful for those interested in careers in law, public service, or governance.
Location: Blakes Toronto Office, Toronto, ON
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to LAWS partner schools
Dates: Runs throughout the academic year with workplace visits and events
Application Deadline: Varies by school; coordinated through LAWS program
Eligibility: High school students attending LAWS-partner schools in Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Free
The LAWS/Blakes Mentoring Program connects high school students from equity-deserving communities with legal professionals at Blakes, a major Canadian law firm. As part of the broader Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS) initiative, this program provides you with workplace mentorship, professional development, and law-related enrichment activities. You’ll be paired with a lawyer-mentor, engage in job shadowing, and attend skill-building workshops and office events. The internship emphasizes confidence-building, exposure to legal careers, and long-term academic encouragement.
Location: Various locations across Canada; programming varies by region
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by site; small group workshops
Dates: Offered during the academic year; program schedule varies
Application Deadline: Varies by partner organization and location
Eligibility: Black-identifying youth in Canada aged 11–18
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Black Youth Justice Program (BYJP), run by Level, offers culturally relevant legal education and mentorship for Black-identifying youth across Canada. You will explore legal issues impacting Black communities through mock trials, lawyer-led discussions, and interactive workshops. The program aims to build leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills while fostering pride in Black Canadian heritage and justice traditions. Sessions are led by law students and professionals, offering relatable mentorship and real-world legal insights. BYJP also aligns well with law internships for high school students in Canada, offering mentorship and early practical experience.
Location: Delivered in schools and Indigenous communities across Canada
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by region; small group, community-based format
Dates: Offered during the school year; schedule varies by location
Application Deadline: Rolling; depends on community/school participation
Eligibility: Open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth aged 11–18
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP) offers culturally grounded legal education and mentorship for Indigenous youth across Canada. Through mock trials, legal workshops, and community-based learning, you will explore the Canadian justice system while celebrating Indigenous traditions and identities. The program fosters leadership, confidence, and critical thinking through engaging, collaborative activities led by Indigenous-identifying legal professionals. A key feature of IYOP is its focus on reconciliation and equity, aiming to close the gap in legal representation and understanding for Indigenous youth.
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; maximum enrollment of 50-60 students per week
Dates: June 30 – August 15 (1-5 week sessions)
Application Deadline: No fixed final deadline; spaces fill on a first-come, first-served basis (Registration opens February 12 )
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
Cost/Stipend: $1,175 per module + $98 non-refundable registration fee
The Youth Summer Program (YSP) at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law offers high school students a chance to explore the legal field at Canada’s top-ranked law school. You can choose from modules in Criminal Law, Corporate Law, International Law, and Social Justice, each involving lectures, case simulations, and skills workshops. Instructors include faculty members and legal professionals, and sessions are supplemented with career talks and field trips. The program emphasizes both legal reasoning and real-world applications, providing you with exposure to advanced legal concepts and networking opportunities with peers and mentors. When combined with law internships for high school students in Canada, YSP can provide both classroom-based learning and practical exposure, helping you build a stronger foundation for future law studies. A certificate of completion and program hoodie are also included.
Location: Sheridan College campus and Peel Police facilities, Ontario
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; typically around 35 students per summer
Dates: 8-week summer program typically July–August
Application Deadline: January 9 – January 27
Eligibility: Ages 15–18; must be full-time high school students and residents of Peel Region; legally eligible to work in Canada; no criminal record
Stipend: Paid summer employment
The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) offers law internships for high school students in the Peel Region of Canada. It is a paid opportunity to learn about law enforcement while gaining work experience and mentorship. You’ll spend eight weeks engaging in hands-on activities related to policing, including educational workshops, physical training, team-building exercises, and lectures from Sheridan College faculty. The program is designed for youth from diverse or underrepresented communities, with a strong focus on career readiness, leadership, and building positive relationships with police. Mentorship is a central part of the experience, supporting your personal and professional growth as you explore future paths in law or public service.
Location: Legislative Chambers, Victoria, BC
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; approximately 95 youth participants annually
Dates: December 27– December 31
Application Deadline: Early fall
Eligibility: Youth aged 16–21 who reside in British Columbia
Cost/Stipend: ~$455 CAD participation fee; some financial aid available
The BC Youth Parliament (BCYP) is a non-partisan, youth-led educational program that allows participants to simulate the work of a real legislative body. Held annually in the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, you will draft, debate, and pass legislation related to youth-led community service initiatives. BCYP emphasizes democratic participation, public speaking, and leadership through parliamentary procedure. You will not only debate mock bills but also plan and implement outreach projects throughout the year. The program culminates in a five-day legislative session, offering a rare chance to engage in governance from within the actual seat of provincial power. Similar to law internships for high school students in Canada, BCYP provides high school students with hands-on exposure to legal reasoning, policy analysis, and civic engagement. It's a highly respected experience for youth interested in law, public policy, or civic leadership.
Location: Virtual- open to youth across Canada
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 80 students selected annually
Dates: October to June (approximately 2–4 hours of online engagement per month)
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Open to youth across Canada, typically ages 13–18; must be willing to participate in virtual forums and contribute thoughtful input on community issues
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes 20 community service hours and a reference letter upon completion
The National Youth Advisory Committee (NYAC) is a nationwide initiative by the RCMP that empowers Canadian youth to influence law enforcement programs and outreach. As a committee member, you will participate in private online forums to discuss key social issues, including reconciliation, mental health, online safety, bullying, substance use, and inclusion. Your insights will help shape national RCMP educational materials and strategies. You’ll also interact with RCMP officers, youth from other provinces and territories, and community experts while developing skills in civic dialogue and public engagement. The program is a flexible, online opportunity that allows you to contribute meaningfully to national change while earning volunteer hours and leadership experience.
Location: Hybrid, in-person and virtual opportunities across Canada
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by year and partner organization
Dates: February to March
Application Deadline: Typically early - November
Eligibility: Self-identifying girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth ages 14–24 living in Canada
Cost/Stipend: Free; no program fee; school accommodation support letters available
Girls Belong Here is a national leadership initiative that empowers young people who experience gender-based discrimination to step into positions of influence across corporate, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. You will participate in “seat share” experiences, shadow leaders at institutions such as RBC, IKEA, and federal ministries, and contribute to high-level discussions and strategic planning. The program also includes the Innovation Hub, a collaborative workshop where you'll co-design solutions to real organizational challenges. Through mentorship, networking, and public speaking opportunities, you’ll build confidence and advocacy skills while advancing gender equity in Canada’s leadership landscape. Like other law internships for high school students in Canada, Girls Belong Here provides practical exposure to professional environments, policy discussions, and leadership experiences that prepare you for future careers in law, governance, and advocacy.
12. Youth Council
Location: Hybrid; virtual meetings with occasional in-person events across Canada
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 10–12 members per year
Dates: Annual cycle
Application Deadline: Typically opens in late spring
Eligibility: Youth aged 14–22 living in Canada with a passion for gender equality and youth advocacy
Cost/Stipend: Free; all participation-related expenses are covered
Plan International Canada’s Youth Council (YC) offers a leadership opportunity for Canadian youth to advise on national and global issues, including gender equality, education, and children’s rights. As a YC member, you’ll collaborate closely with 10–12 peers and Plan International Canada staff to shape youth engagement strategies, advocate to decision-makers, and design initiatives that center youth voices. You will participate in monthly meetings, lead workshops, and contribute to the council’s annual work plan. This role requires a commitment of 1–3 hours weekly and offers direct engagement with nonprofit leadership and international advocacy networks. All travel and program costs are fully covered to ensure accessibility.
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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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