15 Summer Law Firm Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 18 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you are an undergraduate passionate about the legal field and want to get practical experience during college, one of the best ways to do that is through a summer internship at a law firm. For undergraduates, a summer internship can serve as a stepping stone to law school or a career in the legal field. They can offer rigorous professional experience and strong opportunities to network, all while adding an impressive credential to your resume.
A law firm internship lets you see what day-to-day life in the legal profession looks like. You’ll gain experience assisting with legal research, drafting documents, and observing client meetings or court proceedings. These experiences can help you understand how theory connects to practice and help build professional skills and gain exposure to real cases and clients. You’ll also work closely with attorneys and legal staff who can offer mentorship and insight into various areas of law, from corporate to public interest.
Here is a list of 15 summer law firm internships for undergraduates that check all the right boxes.
If you’re looking for more prestigious internship opportunities across fields, you might also like our guides.
15 Summer Law Firm Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 8-week program
Application Deadline: Opens in August
Eligibility: Current undergraduates interested in finance law or legal administration
Chapman offers two structured summer opportunities for undergraduates: the Law Firm Administrative Intern Program and the Finance Law Development Program (FLDP). Both internships are designed to provide hands-on, real-world experience in a professional law firm setting and begin with an orientation introducing finance/legal concepts. In the LFAI program, you’ll rotate through departments such as Human Resources, Marketing, Talent Development, Accounting, and Information Services. You’ll receive mentorship, training, and meaningful assignments while gaining insight into the inner workings of a law firm. The FLDP program focuses on finance and the law, featuring a four-week finance and business bootcamp, collaborative research projects, and direct interaction with firm management. It includes work on deal teams with Chapman attorneys and clients (e.g., financial institutions, investment banks). Students who complete the program are automatically considered for Chapman’s Analyst positions, making this a prestigious stepping stone for future careers in finance law.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: $600
Program Dates: May 27 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until all positions are filled
Eligibility: Open to law students, undergraduates, and recent graduates
Every summer, the Legal Services Center (LSC) of Harvard Law School hosts law students and undergraduates for a hands-on internship experience in community-based civil legal services. You’ll be placed in clinics such as Consumer Protection, Housing Law, and LGBTQ+ Advocacy, where you work directly with clients, conduct legal research, draft pleadings, and support case preparation. Undergraduate interns assist clinical faculty and law students with client intakes, research, and filings while gaining exposure to legal advocacy. The program is complemented by training sessions, guest speakers, and site visits, ensuring participants not only develop lawyering skills but also engage with diverse communities. While internships are unpaid, students may secure public interest funding, and LSC provides a one-time modest stipend to all summer interns.
Location: Nationwide, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ components
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: Exact dates not mentioned
Application Deadline: September 2
Eligibility: Law students who have completed at least one full semester of legal study by the application deadline. Most successful applicants intern the summer between their second and third year of law school; however, graduating law students who will enter an honors program, eligibility-preserving activity may intern following graduation. Part-time law students are also eligible to apply. All applicants should review eligibility rules.
The Department of Justice’s Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is one of the nation’s most competitive recruitment programs for compensated summer legal internships. You’ll gain firsthand experience working on high-impact legal matters and exposure to the Department’s diverse practice areas, from criminal law and civil rights to environmental and national security law. Each year, hundreds of law students from across the country participate, working alongside DOJ attorneys in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide. You are chosen based on a combination of academic excellence, leadership, law review or moot court experience, clinical or public service involvement, and a demonstrated interest in government service. Many alumni have gone on to pursue careers in federal service through the DOJ Honors Program.
Location: Various U.S. locations
Cost/Stipend: $7,000
Program Dates: 8 -10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Current law students enrolled at an Equal Justice Works member law school who have completed at least their first year of law school by the start of the internship. U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card holder). For several placements, applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license and access to adequate transportation during the summer placement.
The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) is a fellowship program addressing the access-to-justice gap in underserved rural communities. Each summer, 50 Student Fellows are placed at civil legal aid organizations to work on projects such as affordable housing and eviction prevention, domestic violence advocacy, and disaster-related legal services. You’ll gain meaningful hands-on experience by interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting legal documents, conducting community outreach, and supporting litigation preparation. Beyond direct service, you’ll also help build long-term capacity for host organizations through resource development and training. This program offers you the chance to make a tangible impact on rural communities while building skills that translate into future public interest careers.
Location: New York, NY
Stipend: $875 per week
Program Dates: 9 weeks, beginning the first Monday in June
Application Deadline: October 15
Eligibility: full-time second-year and part-time third-year law students
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Summer Law Fellowship offers law students the chance to gain hands-on experience in trial and appellate litigation within the public sector. Over nine weeks, you’ll work alongside Assistant District Attorneys, assisting with case preparation for grand jury presentations, hearings, and trials. You’ll also conduct legal research, draft appellate and trial briefs, and contribute to complex investigations. You’ll often have the opportunity to second-seat an Assistant District Attorney during trial proceedings, providing valuable courtroom exposure.
Beyond direct casework, the program includes weekly lectures, roundtable discussions, field trips, and mock litigation exercises, ensuring participants gain a broad understanding of the criminal justice system. Importantly, you may apply early for permanent positions as Assistant District Attorneys, making this fellowship both a training ground and a potential career pathway.
Location: Multiple locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend provided through partnership with Stand Together and The Koch Internship Program (KIP)
Program Dates: Approximately 15 weeks
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in a career defending liberty in the nonprofit sector.
The PLF Legal Policy and Constitutional Scholarship Internship offers a hands-on introduction to government outreach and legal research within a public-interest law firm. Over roughly 15 weeks, you’ll contribute to advancing state and federal reforms that expand individual liberty while conducting research to support litigation in areas such as property rights, equality and opportunity, and separation of powers. You’ll collaborate with attorneys, legal and social science researchers, and professionals across the liberty-focused nonprofit sector. This program is particularly well-suited for students seeking a career in public-interest law or constitutional advocacy.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Eligible undergraduates and graduates may apply for the $1,000 Howard Rossbach Stipend
Program Dates: typically 10-12 weeks
Application Deadline: 1L Summer applications: December 2 - February 6 | 2L Summer: September 5 - February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The Legal Aid Society offers undergraduates and graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a public interest law firm in New York City. You may assist attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and other staff with court observation, case preparation, research, client interviews, and volunteer initiatives. Assignments vary by practice area and may include civil, criminal, or juvenile rights cases. While internships are unpaid, students may be eligible for academic credit, pro-bono credit, or the Howard Rossbach Stipend, which supports 4-5 interns annually. Through this program, you’ll gain insight into legal procedures, courtroom practices, and public interest law, while building valuable professional skills and networks.
Location: Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: $30.24/hour
Program Dates: Late May – Late July; 10 weeks
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: Full-time enrollment at an ABA- or California-accredited law school; must have completed second or third year of law school by summer
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office is offering a paid summer internship for law students who will work alongside deputy district attorneys on legal research, misdemeanor arraignments, case preparation, plea negotiations, and courtroom proceedings. Opportunities include presenting evidence in preliminary hearings, motions to suppress, discovery motions, and probation violation hearings. Additionally, you may apply for the Justice, Training & Integrity (JTI) Unit, where you’ll research complex legal issues, draft trial and appellate briefs, and respond to petitions for writ of habeas corpus. Strong candidates for the JTI Unit should have strong legal research and writing skills, with Moot Court or law journal experience. They also have a Summer Law Student Volunteer Internship Program for students who will have completed their 1st year of law school and Spring Volunteer Intern program for 2nd and 3rd year law students.
Location: World Bank Headquarters and select country offices
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks during June - August
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a law program - LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent. Citizenship of an IBRD member state and an excellent command of the English language, with a preference for candidates who have a decent command of a second language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency offers a summer internship program designed for law students to gain full-time professional experience in an international, multicultural environment. You’ll work closely with staff in the Legal Vice Presidency, contributing to legal services, attending high-profile events, and supporting research and policy initiatives. Your responsibilities may include conducting legal research and comparative legal analyses, assisting supervising lawyers with a variety of legal assignments and ad hoc projects, participating in task/project teams, and contributing to policy discussions. You’ll gain exposure to international development law, policy-making, and the operations of a major global financial institution.
Location: Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and law school students
Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. (GLK) offers a structured summer internship that is designed to develop practical skills and provide an inside look at the workings of a litigation-focused law firm. Undergraduate interns gain hands-on experience by assisting partners with case files, trial preparation, and medical record requests while working closely with legal assistants and associates. Law school interns engage in substantive legal work such as conducting research, drafting motions and memoranda, and helping prepare cases for trial. Interns at both levels may attend court appearances, client meetings, and depositions, providing them with exposure to the full litigation process and mentorship from experienced attorneys.
Location: Frederick, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: Summer, June - August
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate and law students with relevant experience in criminal justice
The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office offers an Internship and Clerkship Program that provides students with direct exposure to the criminal justice system. You’ll observe and participate in all aspects of criminal investigation and due process, working alongside full-time Assistant State’s Attorneys and Division Chiefs. You can engage with specialized units such as Felony Trial, Family Violence, Domestic Violence, Special Prosecutions, Juvenile, and Narcotics, gaining a comprehensive view of prosecution work. During the program, interns are assigned meaningful tasks that contribute to the preparation of criminal cases across District, Circuit, and Juvenile Courts. You may also have the chance to collaborate with investigators and victim/witness coordinators. Each internship concludes with a performance evaluation, which may be shared with the student’s university if applicable. This hands-on experience offers undergraduates and aspiring legal professionals invaluable insight into prosecution and courtroom practice.
Location: Washington, D.C. Headquarters & Regional Offices
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: 10 weeks
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or law degree program with a minimum GPA of 2.5
The SEC Scholars Program provides undergraduate, graduate, and law students with an immersive summer experience in federal securities law. Legal interns assist with drafting regulations, supporting litigation, conducting reviews, and participating in public outreach initiatives. You’ll work closely with SEC staff and gain exposure to the Commission’s operations, including enforcement, examinations, and compliance projects. The program also offers mentorship, networking events, formal training, and career development opportunities, providing a strong foundation for those interested in law, finance, or regulatory careers.
Location: Manhattan, NY (limited opportunities also in White Plains office)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Program Dates: Summer session is usually June - August, 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Summer session- February 15
Eligibility: Students with dual citizenship are eligible to apply. Additional requirements: interns must complete a background questionnaire and obtain DOJ security approval
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) offers a highly competitive undergraduate internship for students interested in public service and federal law enforcement. You’ll gain first-hand exposure to the work of one of the nation’s most prominent federal agencies while supporting either legal divisions (Criminal and Civil) or support units such as Case Team, Electronic Evidence, HR, IT, Records Management, Recruitment, or Victim Witness. You’ll also participate in “brown-bag” lunches to learn about the Office’s wide-ranging work.
Location: Multiple U.S. Offices (Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C.)
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Program Dates: 10 weeks, May - July
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Must be enrolled as a 2L at an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
The Latham & Watkins Summer Associate Program provides law students with a comprehensive view of junior associate life at a leading global law firm. You’ll participate in the Unassigned Program, exploring multiple practices and industry groups, while assigned mentors offer guidance and real-time feedback. Highlights include Summer Academy, training seminars, pro bono work, and networking events. IP Litigation Summer Associates receive additional focus on intellectual property matters while still enjoying the benefits of the unassigned program. As summer associates, you’ll work closely with leading lawyers on substantive matters, refine your skills, and gain exposure to the firm’s collaborative and dynamic culture.
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (for academic credit)
Program Dates: Fall Semester: exact dates vary; Spring Semester: exact dates vary
Application Deadline: Fall Semester: April 1, 2026; Spring Semester: November 1, 2025
Eligibility: Second-year and first-semester third-year law students; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The New York County District Attorney’s Office Semester Law Internship provides law students with hands-on exposure to trial and appellate litigation in the public sector. Interns work closely with Assistant District Attorneys on investigations, case preparation, and prosecution of criminal cases, which may include larceny, domestic violence, sex crimes, narcotics, homicides, and white-collar fraud. Students conduct legal research, assist in drafting trial or appellate briefs, and gain practical courtroom experience. Interns are matched to assignments based on their interests and receive academic credit for their work.
Bonus Option:
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students.
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
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 Ph.D. 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.
Image Source - New York County District Attorney logo