12 Law Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you are a high school student thinking about a future in law, internships can be one of the most practical ways to explore that interest early. Instead of just learning about legal systems and professions in textbooks, internships let you explore firsthand how things actually work, whether that involves observing court procedures, helping with research, or understanding how policies are shaped. As an intern, you will also build skills like communication, critical thinking, and professional writing, all of which are useful no matter what career you choose. Internships can also help you connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who share your interests, giving you a clearer sense of possible career paths.
Why should I do a law internship in high school?
Taking on a law internship in high school can give you a strong head start in your academic and professional journey. It can help you explore your interests early, so you can decide whether law is something you genuinely want to pursue in college and beyond. An internship also strengthens your college applications, since admissions officers value students who actively seek out challenging experiences rather than relying solely on classroom learning. In addition to a profile boost, these internships help you develop concrete skills like research, argumentation, and public speaking, skills that are essential in law but also transferable to many other fields.
In this blog, we have narrowed down 12 law internships for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These internships span government offices, prosecutor's offices, law enforcement, civil rights advocacy, and policy research, so students interested in different corners of the legal and public service field can find a relevant opportunity in New Jersey.
NJ LEEP High School Program stands out as a free, multi-year pathway that begins with a Summer Law Institute and continues through grade 10 micro-internships and college-readiness support, making it one of the more comprehensive options on this list.
Most internships are unpaid, including those with Senator Cory Booker's office, Congressman Chris Smith's office, and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, though a few, such as the Mercer County Student Internship Program, offer paid positions.
Several programs, including the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and NJ Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program, require a nomination or nationwide application process rather than a simple submission, so students should plan ahead to secure recommendations.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: SelectiveDates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and WinterApplication deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise over a million dollars. You will work closely with a manager at the organization on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Location: Senator Cory Booker’s offices in Newark, NJ, or Camden, NJ; positions also available in Washington, D.C.Stipend: Not specified (typically unpaid) Acceptance rate/cohort size: SelectiveDates: August 11 – 28 (14 business days)Application deadline: Summer: April 10Eligibility: High school students; preference given to New Jersey residents
The Cory Booker Internship Program gives you a chance to explore firsthand how a government office works behind the scenes. As a high school intern, you will join a short summer session to help with office tasks such as answering phones, handling correspondence, and supporting outreach to constituents. You may also conduct research, draft memos, and attend community events, which can help you see how public officials interact with the people they represent. The experience can help you build communication and analytical skills while offering you a clearer sense of careers in government, law, and public service.
Location: Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multi-year program, including summer, after-school, and Saturday sessions
Application deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 12
The NJ LEEP High School Program is a free multi-year program that helps you learn about law and advocacy from early high school through graduation. You will begin with a Summer Law Institute where you will be introduced to legal concepts while building skills in research, writing, and critical thinking. As you continue, you will take part in activities like Constitutional Law Debate, where you will analyze cases, write briefs, and present arguments with support from attorney mentors. The program also includes experiences such as job shadowing, leadership development, and college-readiness support to help you plan your next steps. As part of the grade 10 programming, NJ LEEP allows you to participate in micro-internships at local companies to develop professional skills. The experience and long-term exposure can help you build a strong foundation for pursuing college and careers in law, advocacy, or public speaking.
Location: Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Hackensack, NJ
Stipend: Volunteer internship; no stipend specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by position availability and individual commitment; no fixed dates specified.
Application deadline: Rolling; placements coordinated through school programs
Eligibility: Students in high school or college enrolled in a school-sponsored internship program
If you are interested in seeing how law enforcement works at a local level, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Internship Program gives you a chance to explore it through a structured, school-sponsored experience. You will join the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office to support daily tasks and observe both administrative and operational aspects of the office. As you progress during the internship, you will develop an understanding of how a county sheriff’s office contributes to public safety and the legal system. Since the program is coordinated through your school, the experience is designed to align with your academic requirements while helping you explore interests in criminal justice or public service.
Location: Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; stipends provided in the past
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application deadline: March 11
Eligibility: High school students completing junior year by June who reside in Essex County, New Jersey; applicants must be nominated by a teacher, school official, or community leader.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Summer Youth Internship Program offers high schoolers a structured introduction to the inner workings of the local criminal justice system. You will take part in workshops on topics such as leadership, decision-making, internet safety, and substance abuse prevention while building general professional and college-readiness skills. The schedule includes activities such as college tours and cultural trips, giving you a broader view of future academic and career paths. You will spend time within the prosecutor’s office, gaining exposure to careers in law and public service.
Location: Congressman Chris Smith’s office/Constituent Service Center, Toms River, NJ; placements also available in Washington, D.C.Stipend: Unpaid; academic credit availableAcceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedDates: Internships offered during summer, fall, and spring sessions Application deadline: Varies; contact the office directly for detailsEligibility: High school upperclassmen and college students
This internship can offer you insights into real public service work and how congressmen serve their districts. You will support day-to-day office tasks like responding to constituents, managing communications, and helping with administrative or legislative work. Depending on your placement, you might assist office staff or work more directly with local community issues in a district office. In the process, you will build a clearer understanding of how elected officials represent their constituents and shape policy. The experience can help you explore your interests in law, government, or public policy, and see how these fields connect in practice.
Location: Mercer County departments in NJ Stipend: Paid (amount not specified) Acceptance rate/cohort size: SelectiveDates: Summer (commitment of up to 25 hours/week); exact dates not specifiedApplication deadline: Not specified; check website for updates Eligibility: High school and college students, ages 15 and up, who reside in or attend school in Mercer County; valid working papers or authorization are required for minors.
The Mercer County Student Internship Program gives you a structured way to get involved in the inner workings of local government. You will join a county department where you can contribute to real projects and day-to-day operations while gaining practical professional experience. Alongside the department-specific work, the program includes workshops on skills like communication, workplace readiness, financial literacy, and emerging technologies. As a high school intern, you will focus on building job readiness and engaging in career exploration rather than leadership opportunities. While it is not solely a law-focused program, certain placements can give you exposure to legal or policy-related work within government.
Location: Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multi-year program, including summer, after-school, and Saturday sessions
Application deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 – 12
The NJ LEEP High School Program is a free multi-year program that helps you learn about law and advocacy from early high school through graduation. You will begin with a Summer Law Institute where you will be introduced to legal concepts while building skills in research, writing, and critical thinking. As you continue, you will take part in activities like Constitutional Law Debate, where you will analyze cases, write briefs, and present arguments with support from attorney mentors. The program also includes experiences such as job shadowing, leadership development, and college-readiness support to help you plan your next steps. As part of the grade 10 programming, NJ LEEP allows you to participate in micro-internships at local companies to develop professional skills. The experience and long-term exposure can help you build a strong foundation for pursuing college and careers in law, advocacy, or public speaking.
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $1,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 18 | July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling; applications open on November 25
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th graders
This one-week residential program invites you to explore the criminal justice system through workshops taught by Montclair faculty in the Department of Justice Studies. You will learn how the criminal mind works, develop investigative skills through crime scene analysis, and understand how law enforcement operates. The schedule includes a mock trial, where you will take on the roles of lawyer or judge, plus discussions of important topics like the death penalty, wrongful convictions, and how race affects the criminal justice system. You will also visit criminal justice agencies and meet with professionals working in the field to see firsthand how the system functions. While not an internship, the program offers hands-on exposure to prepare you for a future in law. You will experience college residential life while living on campus for the week, participating in evening activities, and getting to know peers.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 26 – August 14
Application deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher; international student eligibility is not specified.
The USC Center for the Political Future Summer Internship lets you take on a policy-oriented setting and experience how legislation is developed, debated, and evaluated. You will work on real or recent legislative examples and study how legal language is used to structure policy proposals. You will work on two main assignments: drafting a legislative policy memo and conducting an analysis of the legislative process. You will examine how institutional procedures, committee structures, and political constraints influence the enactment of laws through decision-making systems. In the process, you will practice structured writing focused on policy and legal terminology, with an emphasis on clarity and evidence-based reasoning. You will have access to instructor feedback to refine your analysis throughout the program.
Location: Remote options available for NJ students
Stipend: Typically, unpaid and work-study supported opportunities; limited stipends available (need-based) for some roles
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer: June – August | Spring: February – April | Fall: October – December
Application deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: Students at all levels (high school to graduate); strong research, writing, and analytical skills are preferred, and some roles require writing samples and specialized experience (e.g., research, foreign language skills)
If you are interested in global affairs and policy, the FPRI Internship Program gives you a chance to explore how a foreign policy think tank operates. You will work alongside scholars or professionals on projects related to international relations, national security, and regional studies like Eurasia, Asia, or the Middle East. Over the course of the internship, you will build skills in research, writing, and critical analysis, and may even contribute to a research paper that could be considered for publication. The program also connects you with seminars, guest speakers, and policy events, helping you stay informed on current global issues. By participating, you will get a clearer sense of how policy research influences real-world decisions, especially if you are considering careers in law-adjacent fields like international relations or policy.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: October – June (academic year); conducted over bi-monthly meetings (Monday evenings)
Application deadline: September 22
Eligibility: High school students in New Jersey
If you are interested in civil rights and advocacy, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program offers a structured way to explore those areas over the course of a year. You will take on the role of a Youth Ambassador, learning about the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and building skills in research, communication, and community engagement. Throughout the program, you will work in a group to create a project, such as a campaign, podcast, or resource, focused on raising awareness about civil rights issues. You will also take part in workshops on topics like policy, mediation, and civil rights history, along with discussions led by students and professionals. The experience is designed to help you build a better understanding of how to advocate for equity and contribute to your community.
Frequently asked questions
What law internships are available for high school students in New Jersey?
Options include government office internships, such as Senator Cory Booker's office and Congressman Chris Smith's office, law enforcement and prosecutorial internships, such as the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and Essex County Prosecutor's Office, and long-term legal education programs, such as NJ LEEP High School Program, which combines a Summer Law Institute with multi-year advocacy and college-readiness support.
Are there paid law internships for high school students in New Jersey?
Most internships on this list are unpaid, including those with Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Chris Smith, and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office. The Mercer County Student Internship Program is paid, though the exact amount is not specified, and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office has provided stipends in past cohorts.
Which programs offer long-term or multi-year exposure to law and advocacy?
NJ LEEP High School Program is the most comprehensive multi-year option, running from grade 6 through grade 12 and including a Summer Law Institute, Constitutional Law Debate, job shadowing, and grade 10 micro-internships. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program also runs across a full academic year, from October through June.
Are there virtual law-related internships available to New Jersey high school students?
Yes, Ladder Internship Program is fully remote and connects students with startups across various industries. The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Internship and FPRI Internship Program also offer remote options focused on policy research and legislative analysis. The NJ Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program is conducted remotely through bi-monthly evening meetings.
When should I apply to law internships for high school students in New Jersey?
The earliest deadline is NJ Division on Civil Rights Youth Ambassador Program (September 22), followed by Essex County Prosecutor's Office (March 11), Senator Cory Booker Internship Program (April 10), and USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (April 24). Several programs, such as Mercer County Student Internship Program and Montclair State University Pre-College Summer, do not specify fixed deadlines or accept rolling applications.
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.