15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in DC
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 3, 2025
- 10 min read
Internships in law can be a super accessible pathway for college students to explore the legal field while gaining hands-on professional experience. Beyond strengthening your resume, these roles expose you to the day-to-day workings of the profession, from research and writing to observing client interactions, all while sharpening key skills such as critical thinking, communication, and analysis.
If you’re looking for an internship, the options can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re based in Washington, D.C.. That’s why we’ve narrowed our list to highlight 15 law internships for undergraduates in D.C., selected with criteria such as prestige, rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network with established legal professionals.
Each program offers a slightly different angle on the law, giving you a chance to test whether your interests lie in advocacy, policy, litigation, or another area of practice.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available.
Dates: Multiple 8-12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: All high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to working for 10-20 hours a week for 8-12 weeks.
Ladder’s University Program offers virtual internships for ambitious students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships 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. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship typically lasts 8 weeks.
Location: Remote or hybrid; placements at the National Office in New York City and regional offices such as Washington, D.C., Durham, NC, and San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid; interns receive a stipend (either for a 10-week full-time placement or a 12-week part-time option); some placements may allow outside funding
Dates: Typically 10 weeks (full-time) or 12 weeks (part-time); specific dates vary by semester
Application Deadline: Legal Summer applications open now; Non-Legal Summer applications open in February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (for non-legal departments) and law students (for legal placements); requirements differ by department
The ACLU internship program gives you the chance to contribute directly to advocacy, litigation, and public education efforts in one of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations. Depending on placement, you might join the legal, advocacy, communications, or development teams, where you could conduct research, draft materials, support ongoing cases, or help with campaigns. Positions are available in both remote and hybrid formats, with placements at the National Office or local affiliates. In addition to daily work, interns benefit from structured mentorship, internal training, and professional development activities designed to expand their knowledge of civil liberties. By the end of your internship, you will have gained exposure to pressing legal and policy issues and hands-on experience in nonprofit advocacy.
Location: Remote
Stipend: Unpaid; external funding or academic credit may be available
Dates: Fall: August/September – December | Spring: January – April/May | Summer: May/June – August/September
Application Deadlines: Fall: July 28 | Spring: early December | Summer: mid-March
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (juniors and seniors preferred) with strong research and writing skills and an interest in social justice
Through the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section, you can take part in policy-oriented work that addresses human rights, constitutional law, and emerging justice issues. Interns often draft reports, summarize policy developments, track legislation, and prepare content for newsletters or social media. You may also attend coalition meetings, public events, or congressional hearings, providing insight into how advocacy organizations collaborate with policymakers. In some cases, students develop independent projects aligned with the Section’s goals, giving them ownership of substantive work.
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid)
Stipend: Paid; summer interns receive $6,125 for 10 weeks, semester interns receive $2,500 for 12 weeks (some restrictions apply for students with external funding)
Dates: Summer: 10 weeks (35 hours/week) | Semester: 12 weeks (12+ hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling; see website for current openings
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates; preference given to students interested in legal advocacy or public service
Legal Aid DC provides direct services to low-income residents, and its internship program enables undergraduates to experience the frontline of civil justice work. You may assist in the Intake or Development departments by working with client files, drafting correspondence, supporting outreach, or observing court hearings. Interns often interact directly with clients, gaining insight into both the legal process and the challenges faced by underserved communities. Depending on your placement, you might also conduct research, help with fundraising or communications, and participate in team meetings. Hybrid work is standard, with some responsibilities carried out in person at the D.C. office.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid; exact stipend amount not specified, but academic credit is possible
Dates: Fall and Spring: 16 weeks | Summer: 8 – 12 weeks (max 90 days)
Application Deadlines: Fall: May 15 – June 5 | Spring: Sept 15 – October 6 | Summer: February 15 – March 7
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study; law and graduate students not eligible
This internship provides undergraduates with a structured introduction to the operations and history of the U.S. Supreme Court. Interns are placed in Court offices such as the Curator’s Office, Clerk’s Office, Public Information, or the Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice. Depending on placement, responsibilities may include archival research, drafting correspondence, handling administrative tasks, or assisting with visitor services and public education. Interns also have access to enrichment activities like attending Court sessions, participating in lectures, and networking with staff and fellows. The program emphasizes professionalism and confidentiality, while providing students with a unique insight into the country’s highest judicial institution.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Unpaid (funding may be available depending on budget)
Dates: Summer: May – September | Fall: August – November | Spring: January – April
Application Deadlines: Summer: February 1 | Fall: May 31 | Spring: November 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; summer interns must commit full-time for 12 weeks (40 hrs/week)
The Public Defender Service (PDS) for D.C. runs an intensive Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) where students directly support defense attorneys. After an initial training week, interns assist in real criminal defense investigations, conducting tasks such as interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, photographing evidence, or serving subpoenas. Many interns also testify in court regarding their investigative findings. The program incorporates ongoing educational sessions, workshops, and observation opportunities in addition to casework. This makes CLIP one of the most hands-on undergraduate legal internships in criminal defense.
Location: Remote, with some hybrid opportunities
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer, J-Term; generally 10–12 weeks
Application Deadlines: Fall: September 15 | Spring: December 15 | Summer: March 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in international human rights; prior research experience preferred
This program introduces students to global human rights advocacy by assigning them to projects in the International Justice Program. Typical responsibilities include researching human rights abuses, drafting reports for international bodies such as the United Nations, and assisting in the preparation of training materials for partner organizations. Interns may also assist in monitoring legal and political developments in assigned regions. The program values applicants with strong research, writing, or language skills, and is especially suitable for students with backgrounds in law, political science, or international relations.
Location: Worldwide (U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Bureaus) and Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid (GS-04, Step 1 level); includes travel reimbursement and possible housing assistance
Dates: Summer: May – August/September | Fall: September – December/January | Spring: January – April/May
Application Deadlines: Summer: October | Fall: February | Spring: July
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only; GPA 3.2+; open to undergraduate juniors/seniors and graduate students who will return to school after internship; must obtain security clearance
The State Department’s Student Internship Program provides a pathway into diplomacy and policy work, with placements at embassies and consulates abroad as well as bureaus in Washington, D.C. Interns might assist in preparing briefing materials, drafting reports, coordinating events, and supporting U.S. delegations in international settings. The program provides GS-level pay and covers certain expenses, making it financially accessible compared to many unpaid opportunities. It also allows students to see how U.S. foreign policy is developed and executed, offering a rare view of international law, negotiation, and diplomacy.
10. Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia – Internship and Summer Associate Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Fall: September – December | Spring: January – April | Summer: May – August
Application Deadlines: Fall: July 31 | Spring: November 30 | Summer: February 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and law students in good academic standing
The OAG Internship and Summer Associate Program gives students the opportunity to observe and support the legal functions of the District’s attorney general’s office. Interns assist with legal research, draft motions, and help prepare for hearings or trials. Depending on placement, you may also attend depositions, strategy meetings, or community events. The program includes enrichment activities like field trips, guest lectures, and seminars on specific practice areas, such as environmental protection, juvenile justice, or consumer law. With divisions across public safety, civil litigation, and legal counsel, the OAG internship can be tailored to student interests and offers broad exposure to law in a public service setting.
Location: Primarily at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.; limited placements in select country offices
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Up to three months per cycle; offered in Summer (June – August), Fall (September – November), and Spring (March – May)
Application Deadlines:
Summer cycle: December 1 – 31
Fall cycle: April 1 – 30
Spring cycle: September 1 – 30
Eligibility: Currently enrolled law students (e.g., LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD or equivalent) from IBRD member states
This internship offers a unique insight into the World Bank's Legal Vice Presidency, positioning you at the intersection of international development and legal practice. You will collaborate with seasoned staff and senior leadership, undertaking diverse legal responsibilities such as conducting research, analyzing comparative law, drafting memoranda or briefs, and contributing to policy and operational discussions. You may also support the planning of internal conferences and events, further exposing you to high-level engagements and collaborative projects. As a law-focused program within a major international institution, the World Bank Legal Internship combines exposure to international legal frameworks and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to substantive legal work in a multicultural environment.
Location: London, The Hague, and Washington, D.C. (with some remote options)
Cost/Stipend: N/A
Dates: Varies by placement and university program
Application Deadlines: Varies by placement and university program
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and postgraduate law students, as well as recent law graduates; eligibility for London LPRU placements restricted to students whose UK university program requires an internship component
The International Bar Association (IBA) is the world's largest professional organization for legal practitioners, bar associations, and law firms. Internships with the IBA offer the opportunity to contribute to projects addressing significant international legal matters and initiatives. These internships are available at IBA offices located in London, The Hague, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, some remote placements are offered to university students outside the UK if these align with their academic requirements. Specifically, positions within the London-based Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) are designed for students fulfilling mandatory internships as part of their UK law programs. Across all offices, interns gain experience with legal research, policy development, and organizational support while observing how the Association engages with emerging issues in the international legal community.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: For more information about this opportunity, please contact: Jessica Sanet, Associate General Counsel, at sanetj@si.edu
Dates: Internships may be part-time or full-time, aligned with academic schedules, often for one semester
Application Deadlines:
Spring Internship: July 15 – October 15
Fall Internship: January 15 – May 15
Eligibility: Open to law students; typically limited to two interns per semester
At the OGC, you’ll work alongside attorneys involved in a wide range of legal issues affecting the Smithsonian, including environmental and intellectual property law, tax, ethics, employment discrimination, federal appropriations, and international trade matters. Your responsibilities may include conducting case law and legislative research, drafting legal memoranda, reviewing contracts, and assisting with client counseling and transactional or litigation-related tasks. When available, interns may also attend depositions, hearings, or internal meetings for direct exposure to legal proceedings. Many law schools allow this experience to count toward course credit.
Location: Washington, D.C., as well as DOJ offices across the country
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid, volunteer-based internship
Dates: Typically last up to 6 months; duration varies by placement
Application Deadlines: Deadlines differ depending on the office or division
Eligibility: Open to law students enrolled at least half-time who have completed at least one semester of law school
The DOJ Volunteer Legal Internship Program offers law students a chance to engage directly with federal legal practice across numerous divisions and field offices. With placements in U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the U.S. Trustee Program, and various DOJ components, you’ll support attorneys on a wide range of assignments, including legal research, drafting briefs or memoranda, reviewing case files, and preparing for hearings. Many offices also provide opportunities to sit in on trials, depositions, or investigative proceedings. Depending on where you are placed, you might focus on areas such as civil rights enforcement, criminal justice, antitrust, environmental regulation, or national security law. The program is structured to give you substantial exposure to federal litigation and policy, making it a strong foundation for careers in public service or government law.
Location: New York, NY, and Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; interns receive an hourly wage
Dates: Internship duration depends on position and department
Application Deadlines: Deadlines differ by role
Eligibility: Many positions are open to current undergraduate students
The Brennan Center for Justice, located at the NYU School of Law, is a nonpartisan think tank and advocacy organization that addresses issues of democracy, civil liberties, and equal justice. As an intern, you may work with one of the Center’s core teams — such as Democracy, Justice, or Liberty & National Security — or contribute to its communications and development units. Typical responsibilities include conducting policy research, collecting and analyzing data, drafting reports and outreach materials, and providing logistical support for events and public programs. Interns also benefit from access to NYU resources, including academic databases, professional development courses, and library services.
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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