15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in NJ (New Jersey)

If you’re an undergraduate student planning to study law or explore legal careers, a law internship can help you see how the field actually works beyond classroom theory. You’ll get to experience the daily environment of law firms, courts, or government offices and see how legal teams handle research, prepare documents, and manage real cases. 

Law internships also help you understand the different directions a legal career can take. Some programs focus on public interest work or policy research, while others expose you to corporate or criminal law. You’ll see how lawyers approach complex problems, how legal writing and analysis are done in practice, and how communication shapes outcomes. 

A law internship also strengthens your resume and helps you build connections with mentors and professionals in the field. It shows initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to handle responsibility, qualities that stand out when applying to law school or early-career jobs. This blog covers opportunities hosted in New Jersey, as well as those open to undergraduate students in NJ.

To help you find the right opportunity, here are 15 law internships for undergraduates in New Jersey!

15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in NJ (New Jersey)

1. Ladder’s University Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type | Financial aid available

Application deadline: Cohorts throughout the year, including summer

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer 

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks | Open to high schoolers, undergraduates, and gap-year students

The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual internship where you work on real projects with start-ups and corporate businesses. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program focuses on applied learning through assignments guided by start-up founders and supervisors with experience at places like Harvard Business School, McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft. You’ll develop problem-solving and project management skills, gain insight into entrepreneurial practices, and receive weekly mentorship from your manager and a Ladder Coach. The program ends with a final project presentation to strengthen your resume and professional portfolio.

2. Law Office of Kelly Anderson Smith Internship

Location: Hamilton, New Jersey

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Rolling until full

Program Dates: Flexible, year-round; 10 hours/week

Eligibility: Open to students interested in criminal law

The Law Office of Kelly Anderson Smith offers an internship where you’ll gain firsthand experience in criminal defense work. You’ll assist with preparing cases and observe how attorneys handle client matters from start to finish, and your tasks may include drafting legal documents, organizing case files, researching appeals, and helping prepare witnesses for testimony. You’ll also attend courtroom proceedings, giving you a front-row seat to how defense cases are argued and resolved. Throughout the internship, you’ll interact with attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and clients. 

3. NJ Courts Mercer Vicinage (Civil Courthouse) Internship

Location: Mercer County Civil Courthouse, New Jersey

Cost: Paid ($20/hour)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Flexible, year-round; minimum 10 hours/week

Eligibility: Open to students interested in the court system and court operations

The NJ Courts Mercer Vicinage Civil Courthouse Internship gives you a structured role inside the legal system. You’ll work closely with court staff on tasks like filing case documents, entering data into court systems, and helping manage civil case records. Accuracy and attention to detail are key, especially in a fast-moving courthouse environment. You’ll learn how civil litigation works, from how cases are filed to how they move through the system. You’ll see how judges, clerks, and legal teams coordinate behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

4. Mercer County Superior Court Volunteer Municipal Mediator Program

Location: Mercer County, New Jersey (training online; mediation in-person at municipal courts)

Cost: Free (volunteer role)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Year-round; evening mediation sessions scheduled based on court calendars; minimum one-year commitment required

Eligibility: Open to students and community members age 18+ who complete 18 hours of court-approved mediation training and pass a background check

The Mercer County Superior Court Volunteer Municipal Mediator Program gives you the chance to help resolve disputes without going to trial. You’ll work directly with community members, guiding them through small-claims mediation in a calm, structured setting. After completing your training, you’ll start by observing sessions and gradually assist in leading them, always under the supervision of court staff. You’ll learn how to manage conflict, listen actively, and help people reach fair agreements. These are core skills used in alternative dispute resolution, a method courts rely on to settle cases efficiently.

5. Szaferman Lakind Legal Support Internship

Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Cost: Paid ($16–$17/hour)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Year-round; 12–24 hours/week, during business hours

Eligibility: Open to students able to work on-site

The Szaferman Lakind Legal Support Internship places you inside a busy law firm, where you’ll help attorneys manage the flow of legal documents and office operations. Your main tasks will include prepping, scanning, and digitizing case files, essential work that keeps litigation moving. You may also assist with front desk duties or general administrative support, depending on the firm’s needs. This gives you steady exposure to the paperwork behind legal cases and shows you how firms handle large volumes of material with precision and care.

6. Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Internship – New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

Location: Multiple offices, including Trenton (HQ), Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Hamilton, Sea Girt, and Whippany

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Application Deadlines: March 10 (Summer), May 31 (Fall), October 31 (Spring)

Program Dates: Summer (June–August), Fall (September–November), Spring (January–April)

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students; law students must also submit a legal writing sample

The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice offers internships that give you direct experience in how criminal cases are investigated and prosecuted across the state. Whether you're an undergraduate or a law student, you’ll be placed in a hands-on role that matches your level of study. If you're an undergraduate intern, you’ll focus on investigative techniques and learn how criminal violations are identified and addressed. Law interns work under the supervision of Deputy Attorneys General and explore key areas of New Jersey criminal law. Your tasks may include legal research, writing, preparing for trial, and supporting investigations. You’ll also attend court proceedings in the Law Division, Appellate Division, and sometimes even the New Jersey Supreme Court.

7. Division of Gaming Enforcement Internship – New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

Location: Atlantic City or Trenton, NJ

Cost: Free (unpaid)

Program Dates: 12 weeks; Spring (Jan–May), Summer (May–Aug), Fall (Sept–Dec)

Application Deadlines: Oct 1 (Spring), Mar 1 (Summer), Jun 1 (Fall)

Eligibility: Open to law students, undergraduates, and recent graduates

The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) internship gives you direct experience in how New Jersey regulates its casino and gaming industry. You’ll be placed in one of several specialized areas, such as casino licensing, regulatory enforcement, service industry licensing, records and ID, technical services, or the legal bureau. Your responsibilities will depend on your placement, but may include legal research, reviewing regulations, supporting investigations, and helping monitor compliance. You’ll see how decisions are made and enforced in a high-stakes environment where accuracy and accountability are critical.

8. Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) Internship – New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

Location: Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, NJ

Cost: Free (unpaid)

Program Dates: Fall (Sept–Dec), Spring (Jan–May), Summer (May–Aug)

Application Deadlines: July 30 (Fall), Nov 15 (Spring), Mar 15 (Summer)

Eligibility: Law students (1L/2L), undergraduates in pre-law, criminal justice, political science, public policy, social work, sociology, or history; Master of Social Work and BSW students for the trauma/resiliency track

The Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) offers a policy-driven internship that places you at the intersection of public safety, trauma recovery, and survivor advocacy. You’ll work within one of two specialized tracks, each offering a distinct lens on victim-centered justice. In the Office of Trial and Criminal Justice Process, your role focuses on legislative and procedural reform. You’ll research victims’ rights laws, analyze policy gaps, and help shape statewide protocols that improve access to services. Alternatively, a placement with the Trauma and Resiliency Officer immerses you in the design of trauma-informed practices. You’ll help build training modules, evaluate resiliency frameworks, and collaborate with grassroots organizations that support crime survivors.

9. Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) Internship - New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

Location: Hughes Justice Complex, Trenton, NJ

Cost: Free (unpaid)

Program Dates: Fall (Sept–Dec), Spring (Jan–May), Summer (May–Aug)

Application Deadlines: July 8 (Fall), Nov 11 (Spring), Mar 18 (Summer)

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students can apply

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office offers a dynamic internship for students passionate about equity in public service. You’ll work on initiatives that shape how DEI is practiced across the Department of Law & Public Safety, gaining firsthand experience in institutional change. Your responsibilities may include coordinating multicultural observances, supporting employee resource groups, and helping design programs that foster inclusion and belonging. You’ll work with DEI professionals on communications strategies, policy development, and event planning.

10. ACLU-NJ Civil Liberties Internship

Location: Newark, New Jersey

Cost: Free (partial stipends available; academic credit or outside funding possible)

Program Dates: Year-round (10 hours per week commitment)

Application Deadline: Not specified; check website for future openings

Eligibility: Undergraduate students can apply

The ACLU-NJ Civil Liberties Internship offers undergraduates a front-line role in defending constitutional rights and supporting community members facing civil liberties challenges. As an intern, you’ll help screen and document requests for assistance, research local resources, and guide complainants toward resolution through referrals and support. Based in Newark, this year-round program asks for a 10-hour weekly commitment and is designed to be accessible; partial stipends are available, and academic credit or outside funding can be arranged. You’ll also conduct factual investigations, analyze statutes and regulations, and draft response letters that reflect legal reasoning and empathy.

11. Montclair State University - Pre-Law Student Resources

Location: Montclair, NJ (on-campus & online resources)

Cost: Free for Montclair State students

Application Deadline: Varies by program or internship opportunity

Program Dates: Year-round access; timelines depend on specific internships or opportunities

Eligibility: Open to Montclair State undergraduate students interested in law school or legal careers

Montclair State’s Pre-Law Program offers a well-structured launchpad for students exploring legal careers. You’ll get targeted guidance on LSAC tools, diversity pipeline programs, scholarships, and essay competitions. If you need accommodations for standardized tests like the LSAT, the program helps you navigate that process with clarity and support. One of its strongest features is the direct connection to government and nonprofit internships. You could find yourself placed with Legal Aid, the ACLU, or the NJ Attorney General’s Office.

12. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)

Location: Fully remote (intern from anywhere)

Cost: None (you may be eligible for academic credit) 

Dates: Academic-year commitment (Fall through Spring)

Application Deadline: Annual cycle (projects posted in summer)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in college or graduate programs 

VSFS places you in the digital ecosystem of the U.S. government, working about 10 hours per week on projects that support domestic and overseas federal offices. Your assignments might range from policy analysis and research to data visualization, communications, or tech development, depending on the host agency’s needs. Because this is a virtual internship, you’ll gain federal work experience and strengthen digital professionalism without relocating. The program gives you a chance to interact with mentors in government, build networks across federal agencies, and sharpen your ability to work across teams and time zones.

13. The Intern Group - International Legal Internships

Location: Multiple global hubs (Bangkok, London, Madrid, New York, Dublin, Medellín, Melbourne, etc.) and fully remote/blended options 

Cost: Often unpaid for the host work, though there may be fees for program-organization services, housing (for in-person), workshops, etc.

Program Dates: Varies by program/destination; some are short (4 weeks), others several months; remote and in-person timing depends on the host organization.

Application Deadline: Depends on program & location; check individual listings. 

Eligibility: Students at various levels (often undergraduates), depending on the host; some remote options require you to be 18+, with varied demands for academic or law background.

In an International Legal Internship with The Intern Group, you gain hands-on exposure working in law firms, NGOs, LegalTech, or corporate legal departments in a global setting. You might support legal research, drafting documents, preparing for hearings or client meetings, managing cases, or helping with legislative or regulatory work. Internships include global networking, mentorship by legal professionals, and opportunities to attend client meetings or court sessions, depending on location. Remote programs often include workshops, keynote lectures, and access to global career resources.

14. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Internships

Location: Remote

Cost: None. Students are paid an hourly wage

Dates: Semester-based internships, typically 10–12 weeks

Application Deadline: Varies by semester

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students (some recent grads within one semester allowed)

At the Council on Foreign Relations, undergraduate interns can be placed in departments that focus on international law, human rights, and global governance. You may assist with legal research, policy briefings, and editing publications related to global legal issues. Interns often support the Studies department, which includes fellows working on topics like international institutions, cybersecurity law, and global justice. Internships are part of the Blavatnik and Robina Franklin Williams programs. You are paid a competitive hourly wage and can choose hybrid or remote formats based in New York or Washington, D.C.

15. New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) Internship

Location: Statewide offices across New Jersey

Cost: Free (unpaid volunteer internship)

Application Deadlines: June 15–July 31 (Fall), October 15–November 30 (Spring), December 15–April 15 (Summer)

Program Dates: Year-round opportunities; flexible scheduling based on availability

Eligibility: Open to college juniors and seniors, graduate students, and paralegal students 

The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender offers undergraduate students hands-on experience in criminal defense and public interest law. As an investigator intern, you’ll work with investigators, attorneys, and staff on cases that affect clients who can’t afford private lawyers. You’ll locate and interview witnesses, serve subpoenas, collect records, and visit crime scenes to take photos or examine evidence. You’ll also prepare reports, attend court hearings, and take part in training sessions that help you understand how the criminal justice system functions. The NJOPD also works in areas beyond criminal defense, including parental representation, mental health advocacy, and post-conviction reviews through the Conviction Integrity Unit. 

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 

Image Source - Ladder Internship logo