15 Law Summer Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- May 10
- 11 min read
Summer can be a practical time to explore academic interests without the pressure of school exams. Summer camps for high school students offer a way to engage with college-level topics, build practical skills, and interact with peers who share similar interests. Compared to longer academic programs, camps are typically shorter, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, making them easier to fit into a summer schedule. While programs tend to be more structured and academically intensive, camps often emphasize hands-on activities such as simulations, workshops, and collaborative exercises.
Why Should I Do a Law Summer Camp in High School?
Participating in law summer camps for high school students can provide early exposure to legal studies in a structured yet accessible format. These camps often simulate real legal environments through mock trials, case studies, and debate exercises, helping you understand how legal systems function in practice. Another key benefit is access to professionals. Many camps feature guest lectures, mentorship, or instruction from practicing lawyers, judges, or law faculty. This allows you to gain insight into legal careers beyond textbooks and classroom discussions.
From a college admissions perspective, these camps demonstrate academic initiative and intellectual curiosity. Selective or fully funded law summer camps for high school students, particularly those hosted by well-known universities or organizations, can strengthen your academic profile. You also build transferable skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and structured writing. These are valuable not only in law but also in fields like business, policy, and international relations.
What will I do in a law summer camp as a high school student?
If you are interested in law, these camps also offer mentorship from lawyers, professors, and other legal professionals, providing insight into academic and legal career pathways. Participating in law summer camps for high school students can help build foundational skills in debate, reasoning, and legal analysis through hands-on learning. To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled a list of 15 law summer camps for high school students that stand out for their academic rigor, networking opportunities, selectivity, or funding support.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring | Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
Lumiere offers an opportunity to explore legal topics through structured academic research under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper focused on law or public policy. The program emphasizes skills such as forming research questions, reviewing academic literature, and presenting arguments clearly. Mentors guide the process through regular feedback sessions and structured milestones. By the end of the program, you will produce a research paper that demonstrates analytical thinking and depth of subject matter. This format helps build research experience that complements practical exposure gained from law summer camps for high school students.
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA (University of South Florida – St. Petersburg Campus; final trial at Stetson University College of Law)
Cost: $695 (optional residential add-on: ~$1,395)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~32 students (small, selective cohort)
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising Grades 10–12
During this intensive mock trial experience, you learn how courtroom advocacy works through structured simulations. Instruction focuses on developing skills such as opening statements, witness questioning, and closing arguments. Guidance from legal educators and collegiate mock trial competitors helps refine communication techniques. Participants attend expert panels featuring law faculty and admissions professionals. The final mock trial takes place at Stetson University College of Law, providing exposure to a professional courtroom setting. The program strengthens public speaking, reasoning, and analytical abilities relevant to legal education.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Boston
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts | Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
Immerse Education’s law track allows you to study legal topics in small groups led by tutors from leading universities. You live on campus and experience an academic life similar to that of an undergraduate. Sessions include discussions, moot court exercises, and project-based learning activities. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to explore law through practical applications. By the end of the program, you will have completed a personal project and received written feedback from instructors. The international locations also provide exposure to diverse academic environments.
Location: Tampa & St. Petersburg, Florida, USA (University of South Florida campuses; includes visits to Hillsborough County Courthouse & HCSO Forensics Lab)
Cost: $695 (residential add-on available; cost varies)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~30 students per session
Dates: June 22–26 (Tampa) | July 6–10 (St. Petersburg) | July 20–24 (Tampa)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising Grades 9–12
Justice Quest introduces you to criminology concepts through practical exercises and real-world case studies. Activities include evidence collection simulations and fingerprint analysis, helping you understand investigative processes. Field trips to the Hillsborough County Courthouse and forensic labs provide direct exposure to legal environments. Faculty and industry professionals guide discussions about criminal behavior and justice systems. The curriculum highlights careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and legal studies. By the end of the camp, you will have developed a foundational understanding of how criminal justice systems operate.
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA (University of South Florida – Tampa Campus; final mock trial at Stetson Law Center)
Cost: $695 (optional residential add-on: ~$1,395)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~30 students per session
Dates: June 22–27 | July 20–25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Entering Grades 10–12 (rising 9th may be considered with approval)
In this specialized camp, you examine how legal systems respond to cybercrime and digital evidence. Participants analyze simulated case materials involving online offenses and digital rights issues. Through guided activities, you develop arguments and assume courtroom roles, such as attorneys and witnesses. Faculty instruction introduces concepts related to cyber law, forensic investigation, and technology regulation. Training sessions also cover courtroom procedures and legal etiquette. The program concludes with a mock trial at Stetson Law Center, where you apply the skills developed throughout the week.
Location: DeLand, Florida, USA (Marshall & Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center, Stetson University)
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 (overnight camp; $500 non-refundable deposit required; scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~15 students per session)
Dates: Week 1: June 8–12 | Week 2: July 6–10
Application Deadline: Rolling until capacity is reached
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12; open to beginners and experienced mock trial participants)
At Stetson’s pre-law camp, you explore the fundamentals of U.S. trial law through structured mock trial simulations and legal exercises. Participants learn about civil or criminal procedure, depending on the session, along with evidentiary rules and pre-trial processes. Instruction is led by a retired attorney along with experienced student educators, offering both professional insight and peer guidance. You practice courtroom skills such as opening statements, cross-examination, and persuasive closing arguments in a structured environment. The program follows a full-day academic schedule with additional evening work, creating a rigorous immersion into legal learning. With a small cohort and experiential curriculum, the camp helps strengthen reasoning, communication, and advocacy skills.
Location: New York City, New York, USA (New York University – School of Professional Studies)
Cost: ~$2,579 tuition + $50 application fee (optional housing: ~$684; no financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 29–July 2 | July 6–10 | July 13–17 | July 27–31 | August 3–7
Application Deadline: International: March 14 | Residential: April 29 | Commuter: June 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Grades 9–11
NYU’s criminal justice camp introduces you to the structure of the U.S. legal system through college-style coursework and discussion. You study topics such as policing, courts, and corrections while examining issues like evidence admissibility and mass incarceration. The curriculum integrates perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology to help you understand how law interacts with society. Through case studies grounded in current legal debates, you learn to evaluate how public policy shapes justice outcomes. Coursework also explores constitutional principles and their application to modern legal challenges. By the end of the camp, you gain a deeper conceptual understanding of criminal justice and legal institutions.
Location: Sacramento, California, USA (University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law)
Cost: ~$3,800 (discounted ~$3,300 for select groups)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 1–11 (2-week residential program)
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 9–12
This two-week immersive camp helps you understand how legal systems shape society and maintain order through the rule of law. You explore legal careers while developing core skills such as legal writing, research, and analytical reasoning through guided workshops. Interactive sessions include drafting contracts, mediating disputes, and presenting arguments in simulated legal scenarios. Guest lectures from judges and legal professionals provide insight into how law operates in real-world contexts. Field trips to courts may also be included, allowing you to observe how legal processes unfold in practice. The experience provides a structured introduction to legal thinking while helping you build foundational skills relevant to future studies in law.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut, USA (UConn School of Law)
Cost: Free (for selected students)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective | Limited spots available
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students (priority for students overcoming adversity or first-generation aspiring law students)
CBA Law Camp introduces you to the legal profession through hands-on activities designed to build confidence and practical understanding. You prepare for mock trials, practice advocacy skills, and participate in discussions led by attorneys and judges. Observing real court proceedings helps you understand how legal arguments are presented in professional environments. Mentorship from legal professionals allows you to ask questions about academic pathways and career opportunities. The program focuses on developing communication, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking skills. Priority consideration is given to students overcoming adversity or who are first-generation aspiring law students.
Location: Athens, Georgia, USA (University of Georgia – Center for Continuing Education & Hotel)
Cost: ~$530
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited capacity (session marked full; selective)
Dates: June 7–11
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Ages 14–17 (no prior experience required)
UGA Legal Camp helps you explore legal careers by combining introductory academic instruction with hands-on activities. Sessions are led by practicing attorneys and law professors, providing insight into how legal professionals approach real cases. You participate in mock trials and structured discussions that highlight the role of law in policymaking and dispute resolution. Skill-building exercises focus on strengthening public speaking, reasoning, and analytical thinking abilities. The curriculum is designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering effective academic exposure. By the end of the week, you will have a clearer understanding of how legal education connects to future career pathways.
Location: United States (hosted by Master of MyFate, Inc.; exact venue shared upon registration)
Cost: $50 registration fee (typically paid; details provided after registration)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~8–12 students)
Dates: June 1–5
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school and college students (ages 13–21)
Lawyer Up: Summer Law Camp introduces you to core legal concepts through workshops and mentorship from legal professionals. Participants explore topics such as court structure, civil procedure, and legal ethics. Daily panel discussions provide insight into law school pathways and professional development. Activities include mock trial preparation and courtroom simulations. The small group size allows for individualized guidance and networking opportunities. The program concludes with a mock trial presentation where you apply your learning in a structured format.
Location: Ithaca, New York (Cornell University) & College Park, Maryland (University of Maryland)
Cost: Fully funded (tuition, housing, meals, books, and travel assistance covered)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~5–7% acceptance rate; small cohorts)
Dates: June 21–July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 15–17; domestic and international students eligible)
TASS is one of the most selective law summer camps for high school students because of its rigorous intellectual focus and fully funded structure. Over several weeks, you engage in seminar-style discussions that explore themes such as justice, power, inequality, and governance through readings in the humanities and social sciences. Instead of lectures, the program emphasizes collaborative dialogue, encouraging you to question assumptions and build nuanced arguments. The residential experience is intentionally community-driven, allowing you to practice democratic decision-making and public speaking in everyday settings. Mentorship from faculty and teaching assistants helps guide deeper engagement with complex legal and societal ideas. By the end of the experience, you will develop advanced analytical thinking and writing skills that are highly relevant to law, public policy, and political science.
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA (University of Southern California)
Cost: Tuition not publicly listed (application fee: $85; college credit awarded)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (exact cohort size not publicly specified)
Dates: June 22–July 17
Application Deadline: International: March 13 | Domestic: May 8
Eligibility: High school students (must have completed Grade 9; strong academic background required) | International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency
At USC’s legal reasoning camp, you examine how lawyers construct arguments by analyzing case law and understanding the hierarchy of the U.S. legal system. Through structured coursework, you explore how courts distinguish between questions of fact and law, thereby building a stronger understanding of legal interpretation. Activities such as moot court simulations and appellate advocacy exercises allow you to apply theory in practical settings. You may also attend real federal court proceedings, which helps you see how legal reasoning operates in professional environments. A key component of the program is drafting a predictive legal memorandum, giving you experience in formal legal writing. As part of USC’s Summer Trojan experience, you earn college credit while developing skills in argumentation, communication, and analytical thinking.
Location: Huntsville, Texas, USA (Sam Houston State University)
Cost: $725 (includes housing, meals, and materials; optional airport transfer ~$150)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots available
Dates: Session 1: June 14–18 | Session 2: July 5–9
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Ages 15–17 (high school students)
SHSU’s criminal justice camp provides a detailed look at investigative processes through experiential learning activities. You participate in mock crime scene investigations, analyzing evidence and understanding forensic procedures. Sessions include interaction with professionals from organizations such as the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals, offering insight into different legal career paths. Faculty and criminal justice students guide discussions on investigative methodology and legal frameworks. Living on campus encourages collaboration and peer interaction throughout the program. The camp builds foundational knowledge of criminal justice while strengthening analytical and investigative thinking skills.
Location: Boca Raton, Florida, USA (Florida Atlantic University + off-site law enforcement agencies)
Cost: ~$950 (includes meals, materials, and transportation during camp)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (~25 students per session)
Dates: Session 1: June 14–19 | Session 2: July 12–17
Application Deadline: Rolling (until sessions are full)
Eligibility: High school students entering Grades 9–12
FAU’s camp gives you hands-on exposure to investigative techniques used in criminal justice and forensic science. You practice collecting fingerprints, analyzing evidence, and understanding how crime scene investigations are conducted. Field visits to law enforcement agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office provide context for how legal processes work in practice. Demonstrations from SWAT teams, bomb squads, and K-9 units help illustrate how specialized units support investigations. Collaborative exercises and mock trials allow you to apply what you learn in structured legal scenarios. The experience helps you understand how different parts of the justice system interact in real-world settings.
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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