15 Summer Pre-Law Internships for Undergraduates

If you’re an undergraduate thinking about law school, a summer internship can give you a clear look at what working in the legal field is really like. You might find yourself helping with research, sitting in on trials, or observing how lawyers prepare for meetings with clients. These experiences help you understand the day-to-day realities of the profession and the wide range of roles within it.

Pre-law internships are also practical because they give you skills you can’t always get in the classroom, like writing research memos, analyzing case materials, or seeing how courtroom dynamics play out in real time. They also put you in contact with lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals who can share advice and possibly serve as mentors later on.

For students who plan to apply to law school, these internships can strengthen your application by showing that you’ve explored the field seriously and tested your interest in it. They also give you stories and experiences to draw on in personal statements or interviews.

To help you explore what’s out there, we’ve put together a list of 15 summer pre-law internships for undergraduates! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!

15 Summer Pre-Law Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by format

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall, spring, summer, and winter

Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort—Summer: May | Winter: November | Spring: January | Fall: September

Eligibility: College students and young professionals who can work for 5–10 hours/week for eight weeks

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective program that connects undergraduate students with high-growth startups, which raise over a million dollars on average. These organizations operate in diverse industries, including engineering and tech. During the internship, you can explore your interests in engineering, develop relevant skills, and gain work experience while working on real projects under the guidance of the startup manager. This internship also provides you with exposure to professional work environments and the opportunity to explore various career paths. By the end of the program, you will complete and present your work to the organization. Apply now!

2. Pre-Law Project – University of Southern California

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: Free; unpaid internship

Dates: Dates vary by placement

Application Deadline: Sign-up required within the first two weeks of the semester

Eligibility: Open to all USC undergraduates, regardless of major or year

The Pre-Law Project at USC, run through the Joint Educational Project (JEP), is a hands-on way to explore the legal field before committing to law school. You’ll be placed with public interest law firms or civil rights organizations, where you can help with legal research, case prep, and advocacy work. During your internship, you will create a personal statement, something required as part of a law school application. At the end of your internship, you will also receive a letter of confirmation from JEP and from your internship supervisor stating that you’ve completed the internship program and all its requirements. If you do very well, you can even get a letter of recommendation!

3. Burr & Forman Pre-Law Program

Location: Burr & Forman LLP (various offices, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Charleston, and more)

Cost: Paid internship 

Dates: June 4 – July 1

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Open to college juniors and seniors with demonstrated interest and potential to succeed in law school

Burr & Forman LLP’s Pre-Law Internship Program is a paid, in-person opportunity for college juniors and seniors who are seriously considering law school. You’ll spend about a month working at one of the firm’s offices, getting direct exposure to legal practice through real assignments and mentorship from attorneys. The program includes panel discussions, networking events, and guided advising to help you understand what a legal career really looks like. You’ll work alongside professionals on actual cases, learn how a law firm operates, and build relationships that can support your future path into law school.

4. Finance Law and Law Firm Administrative Internships – Chapman and Cutler LLP

Location: Chapman and Cutler LLP (offices in major U.S. financial centers)

Cost: Paid internship

Dates: Summer; exact start/end dates vary by office

Application Deadline: Opens in August for the following year’s summer program

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students interested in finance, law, or law firm administration

Chapman and Cutler LLP’s Summer Internship Program gives you a close-up view of how a major law firm operates, whether you're interested in becoming a lawyer or exploring law firm management. You can choose between two tracks: the Finance Law Internship, which focuses on legal work in financial services, and the Law Firm Administrative Internship, which dives into the business side of firm operations. Both tracks start with a detailed orientation to help you understand key finance and legal concepts. From there, you’ll work directly with attorneys or administrative leaders on real projects. Past interns have helped with legal research, client service strategies, HR initiatives, and marketing analysis. 

5. Cornell Prelaw Program and Internship in New York City

Location: Cornell University, New York, NY

Cost: $7,000 (four credits at $1,750 per credit)

Dates: Six weeks total – three weeks of coursework followed by three weeks of full-time internship

Application Deadline: Typically closes in April

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; a strong interest in law is required

Cornell’s Prelaw Program and Internship in New York City gives you a powerful mix of classroom learning and real-world legal experience. It runs for six weeks each summer and is split into two parts. First, you’ll take The American Legal System, a four-credit course taught by attorney C. Evan Stewart. It’s taught using the Socratic method, just like in law school, so you’ll get a true taste of what legal education feels like. In the second half, if you’re placed in an internship, you’ll work full-time at a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or nonprofit.

6. LSAC Plus, Guided Journey

Location: Virtual, with optional in-person gatherings in Boston, Southern California, and Washington, D.C.

Cost: Free

Dates: Year-long program; summer participation includes workshops, LSAT prep, and law school exposure

Application Deadline: February 17

Eligibility: Must plan to apply to law school during the upcoming application cycle for enrollment the following year; must meet U.S. citizenship, residency, or qualifying immigration status requirements.

The LSAC Plus, Guided Journey is a free, year-long virtual program designed to support aspiring law students through every step of the law school application process. You’ll join a national cohort and get access to LSAT prep, help with writing strong applications, and tailored workshops led by law school faculty and staff. You’ll connect with mentors, peers, and more than 30 participating law schools, and while most of the program is online, there are optional in-person networking events in select regions.

7. Summer Pre-Law Achievers Network – Suffolk University Law School

Location: Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Dates: June 2 – June 13

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates or recent graduates planning to enter law school; GPA of 3.0+; priority given to students from diverse or nontraditional backgrounds

The Summer Pre-Law Achievers Network at Suffolk University Law School is a free, two-week, in-person program designed to give you a real taste of law school while helping you build a strong application. You’ll take two condensed first-year law courses: one in a core subject like torts or criminal law, and one in legal writing, taught by Suffolk Law faculty using law school-style instruction. Beyond the classroom, you’ll visit Massachusetts courts, attend guest lectures, and network with legal professionals across Boston. You’ll also get one-on-one support to polish your personal statement, diversity statement, and resume, plus guidance on when and how to take the LSAT, JD-Next, or GRE.

8. Undergraduate Internship – ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

Location: Remote 

Cost: Free (unpaid; candidates with external funding encouraged)

Dates: May/June – August/September (minimum 20 hours/week for summer term)

Application Deadline: Late May to early July for summer applicants

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates (junior or senior year preferred) with strong research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice issues

The ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Undergraduate Internship gives you a front-row seat to national legal advocacy. As the only ABA section focused entirely on civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights, it offers a solid opportunity to contribute to work in law and policy. You’ll help monitor legal and legislative developments, attend congressional hearings and Supreme Court arguments, and write reports or articles for the Section’s publications. You might also support social media, marketing, and events, depending on your interests.

9. Undergraduate Internship – Northeast Legal Aid

Location: Offices in Lynn, Lawrence, and Lowell, MA

Cost: Free; unpaid; schools may offer funding for public interest internships

Dates: Summer; May - August; exact dates vary

Application Deadline: Recruitment begins in January and continues until filled

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and law students with an interest in public interest law and serving low-income or elderly clients

Northeast Legal Aid’s Undergraduate Internship is a hands-on summer experience for students who want to explore law and public service. You’ll work directly with attorneys across legal units like housing, consumer law, employment, family, elder law, and public benefits. Your day-to-day might include conducting client intakes, doing legal research, managing case files, and observing court hearings. You will start with a structured orientation and receive ongoing mentorship throughout the program. You’ll also join Learning Lunches with legal professionals, attend networking events, and take on assignments tailored to your interests.

10. Center for Global Programs Internship – American Bar Association

Location: Washington, D.C.; field trips to legal institutions in D.C.

Cost: Free; unpaid; transportation reimbursement up to $15/day

Dates: Summer; May–August; dates flexible to align with academic calendars

Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students with an interest in public interest law, international development, or human rights; strong research, writing, and analytical skills required

The Center for Global Programs Internship at the American Bar Association is a solid opportunity for undergraduates interested in law, human rights, or international development. You’ll be placed with one of three ABA divisions: Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI), Center for Human Rights (CHR), or the U.N. Representatives program, depending on your interests and the organization’s needs. Once you're in, you’ll help with legal research, track global justice issues, support international development projects, and assist with program implementation. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how an international NGO operates. 

11. Undergraduate Internship – Legal Aid DC

Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid format)

Cost: Free; unpaid; applicants encouraged to seek external funding

Dates: Summer 

Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled; early application recommended due to high volume

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and law students with a strong interest in civil legal services and serving low-income communities

Legal Aid DC’s Undergraduate Internship gives you a hands-on look at civil legal practice while working with attorneys who serve low-income residents in Washington, D.C. You’ll be placed in units like housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law, immigration, or appellate advocacy, depending on your interests and the organization’s needs. Your work might include conducting client intakes, helping with legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and observing hearings or trials.

12. Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL) Summer Internship Program – University of Pennsylvania

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Funding must be sought from the home institution or external sources; limited stipends are available

Dates: Nine weeks from June to August

Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in fields such as philosophy, political science, international relations, and related areas; interest in ethics, rule of law, and national security required

The Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL) Summer Internship Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a nine-week, full-time opportunity for undergraduates interested in law, ethics, and national security. You’ll work in teams under CERL leadership, contributing to research, policy briefings, conference planning, and publications like The Rule of Law Post blog. The program blends legal, philosophical, and ethical perspectives to explore issues like democratic governance, conflict, and the rule of law. You’ll attend workshops and public events featuring top academics, policymakers, and practitioners.

13. College Internship – Manhattan District Attorney’s Office

Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, New York, NY

Cost: Free; unpaid

Dates: Summer

Application Deadline: Varies; check DA’s Office careers page for the current postings

Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate students interested in law, criminal justice, or public service

The College Internship at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office gives you a front-row seat to criminal justice in action. You’ll work alongside attorneys and staff in one of the busiest prosecutors’ offices in the country, helping with trial prep, legal research, data analysis, and case management. Depending on your placement, you might join units focused on homicide, domestic violence, financial crimes, or community partnerships. You also get to observe court proceedings, attend professional development sessions, and learn how the DA’s office fits into the broader justice system.

14. Undergraduate Internship – Women’s Law Project

Location: Philadelphia, PA, or Pittsburgh, PA (hybrid; in-person 2–3 days/week)

Cost: Free; unpaid; one $7,000 Summer Diversity Internship stipend available; external funding is encouraged

Dates: Summer

Application Deadline: Rolling until filled

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students; strong interest in gender justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ equality preferred

The Women’s Law Project (WLP) Undergraduate Internship gives you the chance to work directly with attorneys and advocates at one of the country’s leading gender justice organizations. You’ll contribute to legal work on issues like reproductive rights, pregnancy discrimination, violence against women, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity in athletics. Your responsibilities might include legal research, writing blog posts on gender justice, helping with client intake, and supporting the development of amicus briefs. You’ll also attend staff meetings and get exposure to impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach.

15. Supreme Court Internship Program – Supreme Court of the United States

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost: Paid

Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer (not to exceed 90 days)

Application Deadline: Summer applications open February 15 and remain open for three weeks

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or those owing allegiance to the U.S.; must have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate study and be returning to a degree program after the internship; law and graduate students are not eligible

The Supreme Court Internship Program is one of the most prestigious undergraduate opportunities in the country, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the highest court in the U.S. You’ll be placed in one of several offices, like the Office of the Counselor to the Chief Justice, Curator’s Office, Public Information Office, Clerk’s Office, Marshal’s Office, or Police Department, each with its own focus, from historical preservation to public engagement to administrative operations. Your work might include conducting research, drafting correspondence, helping with public tours, preparing materials, or supporting day-to-day functions.

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 in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.

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