15 Summer Law Programs for High School Students in California

If you are a high school student in California with an interest in law, a program in the field can be a great way to spend your summer. 

Summer law programs can offer a convenient way to explore the field of law without committing to a full academic year or spending a fortune on expensive pre-college programs. These programs offer hands-on exposure to key concepts and specializations, college-level coursework, and professionals in the legal space. Whether you are considering a future as an attorney, policymaker, or civil rights advocate, a law program can offer you a firsthand look at career paths.

As a participant, you will gain insights into courtroom procedures, legal writing, debate techniques, and ethics, while also developing skills in public speaking, research, and critical thinking. You may also get to engage in activities like mock trials. Some programs even offer visits to courthouses or internship opportunities at local legal institutions. 

To help you get started, we have rounded up 15 of the top summer law programs for high school students in California. 

Whether you're looking to explore law through research, advocacy, or immersive simulations, there's likely a program on this list that aligns with your goals. We have focused on programs that are rigorous, selective, and often fully funded or offer generous financial aid. We have also prioritized opportunities that offer mentorship, real-world exposure, and partnerships with prestigious universities or legal institutions.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program 

Location: Virtual

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; <15% acceptance rate

Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available

Dates: Summer cohort: June – August

Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. You can find more details about the application here. 

Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher;

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an advanced research opportunity for high school students interested in exploring a field in detail through scientific investigation. While applying, you can indicate your preference to conduct research in the fields of law, policy, social justice, constitutional law, international relations, civil rights, or other related fields. In this virtual, PhD-mentored program, you get to work one-on-one with a researcher to design and complete an independent project on a law-related topic. Over 12 weeks, you will develop skills in legal research, academic writing, and critical thinking. You will meet weekly with your mentor to frame a research question, analyze sources and case law, and produce a publishable paper. You may also submit your work to academic journals or research competitions. 

2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual 

Cost: Varies depending on program type

Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).

Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts. 

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as law, political theory, economics, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. 

Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. 

3. UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute

Location: Virtual or in-person at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; limited space per session

Cost: Residential: $2,126 | Virtual: $1,288

Dates: Session A.1: July 6 – 12 (Residential), Session A.2: July 6 – 12 (Commuter), Session B.1: July 13 – 19 (Residential), Session B.2: July 13 – 19 (Commuter), Session C: August 3 – 9 (Virtual)

Application deadline: Residential A.1 and B.1: June 6; Commuter A.2 and B.2: June 13; Virtual C: July 25

Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old (or 17 years old for residential sessions)

At the UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute, you will spend a week immersed in the U.S. legal system, developing skills in public speaking, case preparation, and trial advocacy. Taught by seasoned instructors, the program focuses on hands-on mock trial exercises, helping you develop an understanding of real courtroom dynamics. The program also covers concepts like courtroom demeanor, courtroom exhibits, evidentiary trial objections, opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross-examination, and witness portrayal. You will also explore how legal arguments are formed and practiced while also building confidence, persuasive communication, and analytical thinking. A final mock trial competition is also a part of the experience.

4. UC Berkeley Legal Studies Pre-College Courses

Location: University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by session

Cost: $14,650

Dates: July 7 – August 15

Application deadline: March 10

Eligibility: High school students | Rising juniors and seniors are preferred

The UC Berkeley Legal Studies Pre-College Courses offer a rigorous introduction to legal studies through college-level coursework taught by Berkeley faculty. You can sign up for the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which covers landmark cases and foundational legal concepts. Here, you will also explore how the U.S. Constitution affects the relationship between individuals and the state, as well as the role of courts in this equation. In addition to academic instruction, you will engage with Bay Area legal professionals, including attorneys and judges, offering real-world perspectives on the justice system during the program. The program emphasizes strengthening critical thinking, legal analysis, and civic understanding.

5. Just The Beginning’s Summer Legal Institute 

Location: Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA; University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Cost: Free

Dates: June 23 – 27

Application deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students

The Summer Legal Institute (SLI) is a free, five-day legal immersion program designed to introduce high school students to the legal profession through a structured and highly interactive experience. Hosted at law schools like Loyola and USD, the program offers you the chance to participate in workshops on legal writing, public speaking, financial literacy, and courtroom procedure, while gaining direct exposure to legal professionals. Attorney volunteers from top firms and corporations mentor you throughout the week, sharing insights on legal careers. You will also learn how to develop professional etiquette, analytical thinking, and communication skills through interactions with professionals. You will also get to access professional guidance and explore career paths during the program.

6. USC Legal Reasoning and Argumentation

Location: University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies

Cost: Residential: $11,347 | Commuter: $7,812 (includes tuition, materials, room & board for residential)

Dates: June 15 – July 12

Application deadline: Domestic students: May 2; International students: March 14

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade

The Legal Reasoning and Argumentation course offered by USC offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to legal analysis and writing. Over four weeks, you will engage in case studies, attend federal appellate court proceedings, and develop a portfolio demonstrating your legal reasoning skills. You will explore topics like case analysis, legal reasoning, legal writing, court systems, the development of law, and oral advocacy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, oral advocacy, and understanding of court systems. You will also get to interact with USC Law alumni and college admissions officers to be better equipped for applying to a law school in the future.

7. The Intern Project (TIP)

Location: Various employer sites across Los Angeles County, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, priority given to high-need students

Cost: Free

Dates: June – August (8-week summer internship)

Application deadline: Applications open January 6

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in a Los Angeles County public high school

The Intern Project (TIP) connects Los Angeles high school students with eight-week, paid summer internships across a wide range of professional sectors, including law, government, and nonprofit policy. Through partnerships with firms, agencies, and civic organizations, you will gain practical experience, build professional skills, and receive mentorship from working professionals. If selected into legal or policy tracks, you may work with local government offices, advocacy organizations, or legal departments. You will engage in tasks relevant to the organization and also find opportunities to develop skills in communication, research, and public service. The program also includes career development workshops and offers college credit, making it an accessible, real-world introduction to legal and public service careers.

8. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) 

Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Cost: Scholarships available

Dates: June 16 – August 1

Application deadline: March 17

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA

UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a seven-week residential summer program that offers high school students the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research under the guidance of university faculty and graduate mentors. Legal and policy-related research is offered under the program’s Humanities and Social Sciences tracks. Here, you will get to explore topics such as constitutional interpretation, human rights, and criminal justice through scientific investigation. You will engage in field-specific training, master academic research techniques, and produce a final research project. The program offers college credit (4–8 units), networking opportunities with UCSB researchers, and skill-building workshops. 

9. Center for Youth Development through Law Summer Legal Fellowship

Location: UC Berkeley School of Law, Berkeley, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 25–30 students per summer

Cost: Free; students receive stipends for participation

Dates: June–August (8-week full-time program)

Application deadline: March–May (specific dates vary annually)

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending public schools in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Hayward, El Cerrito, or Richmond

The Summer Legal Fellowship by the Center for Youth Development through Law (CYDL) is an immersive, eight-week program designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Here, you will participate in a comprehensive curriculum that includes academic classes on law and social justice at the UC Berkeley School of Law. You will be provided with paid internships in law, government, and nonprofit organizations. You will also participate in skill-building workshops focusing on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, leadership, and college/career readiness during the program. Additionally, you will get to participate in mock trials and interact with legal professionals to get practical insights into the legal system. 

10. UCB’s Summer Research Academies (SRA) 

Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; admission based on academic record and fit

Cost: Scholarships available

Dates: June 25 – July 25

Application deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11 with a minimum 3.60 weighted GPA

The Summer Research Academies (SRA) at UC Santa Barbara is a four-week residential research experience. Here, you can choose from interdisciplinary tracks, including the Policy Puzzle track, to explore themes like legal systems, public policy, and societal justice through research. You will come up with a research question, explore fundamental concepts relevant to the research, and conduct university-level research under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors. The program also offers workshops on college readiness, GRIT talks from top researchers, and full access to UCSB campus resources. The experience can help you explore law from a research and academic perspective and build analytical and writing skills.

11. Stanford Pre-College Summer Institutes Legal Studies: Critical Thinking Skills

Location: Online

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; each class has 16 students on average

Cost: $3,080

Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27 | Session 2:  July 7 – 18

Application deadline: March 1 (for summer session)

Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 11

Stanford University offers high school students various pre-college courses, of which the Legal Studies: Critical Thinking Skills is meant for students interested in pursuing careers in law. The course focuses on helping you build critical thinking skills. Here, you will engage in hands-on activities like debates, role-playing, and group work to build public speaking and argumentative skills. You will also learn how to analyze facts, assess evidence, anticipate opposing arguments, and deliver your own arguments. You will also take on the role of an attorney or a witness in a mock trial. This experience can offer you insights into courtroom procedure.

12. San Diego County District Attorney’s Student Worker Program

Location: District Attorney Offices across San Diego County, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Cost/Stipend: Starting at $16.50/hour, varies with education level

Dates: Ongoing year-round; part-time summer and academic year opportunities

Application deadline: Applications open until seats are filled

Eligibility: Individuals who are at least 18 years old and enrolled full-time at a local high school, vocational program, or accredited college/university with a minimum 2.0 GPA

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Student Worker Program provides a paid, part-time opportunity for students to get some hands-on experience in the criminal justice system. Here, you will support administrative tasks such as filing, scanning, and data entry at various DA offices across San Diego. While not a legal research or trial prep role, the internship offers valuable behind-the-scenes exposure to the daily workings of the justice system. As an intern, you may also get to choose a flexible schedule, commit up to 20 hours per week, and get competitive hourly pay. The experience can help you get real-world experience and build professional skills in a legal environment.

13. Northwestern University Pre-College Program- Law: From Interview to Argument

Location: Online

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Cost: $1,795

Program dates: 2-week and 4-week sessions available

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; early application encouraged

Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up

Law: From Interview to Argument is an online law course for high school students who want to learn about the full scope of legal practice from client intake to courtroom argument. Through hands-on activities, you will learn how to conduct client interviews, research statutes and case law, and draft legal memos and persuasive briefs. For your final capstone project, you will craft and present an oral argument using the CRAC method (Conclusion, Rule, Application, Conclusion), simulating a real appellate court experience. The program also includes sessions with judges and practicing attorneys across fields like corporate law, finance, and civil rights, giving you insights into real-world legal careers. 

14. Georgetown University Pre-College Program Law: How To Think Like an Attorney 

Location: Online

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Cost: $1,795

Program dates: 1-week intensives, 2-week, and 4-week sessions available

Application deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students who are 13 and older

Law: How To Think Like an Attorney is an interactive online course offered by Georgetown University for students interested in exploring the legal profession. In this course, you will learn how attorneys make informed decisions based on evidence, critical reasoning, and disciplined inquiry. You will analyze real cases, including the Lululemon case, evaluate circumstantial and forensic evidence, and practice writing persuasive, ethics-informed legal arguments. The program concludes with the presentation of your capstone project, in which you will issue an official court opinion on a case.

15. University of the Pacific’s Law Summer Camp

Location: University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus, Stockton, CA

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Cost: $3,650 | A $500 discount is available for applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria

Program dates: June 2 – 12

Application deadline: May 11

Eligibility: High school students

The Law Summer Camp offered by the University of the Pacific's High School Summer Institute is a two-week hands-on introduction to the field of law. During the program, you will get to learn about the legal system through guest lectures, activities, and field visits. Under the guidance of faculty, law students, and professionals from McGeorge School of Law, you will learn about the work lawyers carry out in courts, legislatures, and regulatory bodies, the structure of civil and criminal justice systems, and the judiciary’s role in government. You will also attend skill-building sessions to sharpen your legal writing and analytical thinking abilities. The program also offers you a chance to visit a courtroom and learn directly from judges.

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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