Topics We Cover:
- Why Do Internships in High School?
- How to Find Law Internships for High School Students
- 20 Law Internships for High School Students
- Cold Outreach Strategy for Law High School Internships
- Email Template for Finding a High School Internship
Why Do Internships in High School?
Before diving into a list of law internships for high school students, it’s important to understand why these opportunities matter. According to PRISM, a consultancy, 70% of students attending a top 50 U.S. university (as ranked by U.S. News) completed at least one internship during high school. Internships can set you apart in the college admissions process by showing initiative and a clear interest in your future goals. They also give you firsthand experience in professional settings, helping you understand what kinds of careers you might enjoy. This clarity can make it easier to secure college internships and join competitive pre-professional organizations like pre-law or finance clubs.
How to Find Law Internships for High School Students
Online search tools and directories are a proven way to find official internship programs. The StandOutSearch database is a fantastic resource—it offers a comprehensive listing of internships for high school students. It’s searchable by a variety of filters, such as location and field of interest, allowing you to tailor your search to fit your needs.
The CollegeVine blog is another useful tool for discovering internship programs. MIT Admissions also has curated a list of high school summer programs, including internships, which you may find helpful. Lastly, your local state, city, or town might also provide a list of potential internship opportunities with elected officials or in government offices.
The downside of official programs is that they’re often extremely competitive. Consequently, students intent on participating in an internship in high school will want to develop a cold outreach strategy—that is, a prospecting process of identifying and reaching out to potential internship providers.
Further below, you can learn more about forming a cold outreach strategy for finding a high school law internship. You’ll also find an email template for connecting with potential internship providers, which can make the cold outreach process less daunting.
20 Law Internships for High School Students
Since there are more high school students searching for internships than there are available programs, most of the high school internships below have an acceptance rate of 20% or lower. This is especially true for remote internship programs. Because of this, we recommend applying to at least five positions.
If you find an opportunity below interesting, make sure to write the deadline on your calendar!
1. StandOut Connect
Ages: 15-19
Location: Virtual
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Varies
StandOut Connect is a program that helps match gifted high school students with online internships in their industry of interest. Potential sectors include finance, STEM, medicine, law, arts, and more. StandOut Connect is funded by StandOutSearch, the largest free database for high school internships. The program has been featured in Forbes and was created with the help of investment from The University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
2. U.S. Senate Page Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Varies
The United States Senate Page Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to live and learn in the heart of Washington, D.C. Pages come from diverse backgrounds and regions, creating a dynamic environment where students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. Participants live away from home, gain independence, build lasting friendships, and deepen their understanding of public service. From meeting influential leaders to observing real-time Senate debates, pages get an up-close look at how our government works.
The Senate Page Program is a prestigious opportunity, as there are only 30 page positions.
3. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Contact for Deadline
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program is a selective program that places outstanding NYC public high schoolers with legal employers for the summer. Additional programming is provided before, during, and after the summer to help interns prepare for a legal career.
4. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Ages: 15-18
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Contact for Deadline
This intensive opportunity, provided by the Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program, allows students to gain firsthand experience with the criminal justice system. Participants engage in workshops and discussions covering topics like:
- Criminal justice
- Police brutality
- Civic engagement
- Leadership
High school interns also participate in presentations and discussions with staff to better understand how policies are created and put into action, and how different academic and career paths can help advance justice.
5. Saper Law Immersion Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: Illinois
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: July 1
The Saper Law Immersion Program was originally intended for recent law school graduates—however, the program has evolved into a week-long camp that introduces both high school and college students to the legal profession. This in-person internship is held at Saper Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois.
During their internship, participants follow a curriculum focused on negotiation and writing exercises. They also go on field trips, take part in mock trials, and attend guest lectures covering a wide range of legal fields, including:
- Criminal law
- Civil rights
- Environmental law
- Immigration
- Employment
- Estate
- Family law
6. New York University High School Law Institute (HSLI)
Ages: 14-18
Location: New York
Timeline: School Year
Deadline: August 15
While not an internship per se, the New York University High School Law Institute (HSLI) is a free program for talented New York City high schoolers. Participants take courses in constitutional and criminal law, as well as speech and debate. Classes are taught by NYU undergraduates and law students and supported by NYU Law faculty.
This program is an excellent chance for NYC high schoolers to further their understanding of the law while building a network of potential peers and professionals.
7. Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program
Ages: 16-17
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: January 31
To date, more than 400 high school, college, and law school students have participated in the Sotomayor Program—gaining real-world experience with the legal system while developing their professional skills. The program is aimed at future leaders from underserved communities and diverse backgrounds and aims to increase diversity in the legal profession.
8. United Nations Temple of Understanding Internship
Ages: 17-18
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: March 20
The Temple of Understanding upholds its commitment to educating young people by hosting a Summer Internship. Temple of Understanding (TOU) interns attend meetings of the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, and various committees. They also have the chance to meet with Missions, nonprofit groups, pursue independent research, and participate in volunteer work. Ultimately, the program helps students become global citizens who care about the humanitarian goals embraced by the UN.
9. Connecticut Office of the Attorney General Internship Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: Connecticut
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Varies
The Attorney General is Connecticut’s chief legal officer for civil matters, and the OAG serves as legal counsel to all state agencies. Interns are placed in one of the OAG’s 16 sections, which include:
- Antitrust
- General Litigation
- Consumer Protection
- Environment
- Privacy and Data Security
- Public Safety
Internships are unpaid volunteer positions open to graduate and law students, paralegals, undergraduates, and highly motivated high-school students.
10. LA City Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: California
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Varies
This volunteer program allows high schoolers to gain firsthand experience working at the nation’s largest local prosecutorial agency. High school interns assist with a variety of clerical and administrative tasks, including:
- Scanning, photocopying, and/or shredding documents
- Answering telephones
- Typing, filing, and delivering documents
- Assembling reports, documents, or manuals
In addition to gaining real-world experience, participants will also work closely with all levels of staff, from District Attorneys and support staff to court and law enforcement officers.
11. City of Boston Mayor’s Youth Council
Ages: 14-18
Location: Massachusetts
Timeline: School Year
Deadline: Contact for Deadline
The Mayor’s Youth Council consists of 20 students who represent the population of Boston. Program participants engage in programming focused on civic leadership and community development while fostering leadership skills, gaining a deeper understanding of local government, and building experience in public service.
In addition to reaping personal benefits, Youth Council members have the opportunity to shape policy by voicing their opinions, collaborating with city officials, and developing solutions for the challenges facing the city’s young people.
12. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office High School Internship
Ages: 14-18
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Contact for Deadline
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office offers internships to high school, college, and law students. These competitive positions provide a unique opportunity to play a role in the district attorney’s office. High school interns assist with a number of tasks, including:
- Assisting in investigations
- Attending trials
- Preparing and compiling documents and financial data
- Conducting and analyzing legal research
- Supporting community outreach programs
13. NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program
Ages: 16-18
Location: New York
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: March 30
This internship program offers participants the chance to build experience, knowledge, and inspiration for a future career. Interns work in one of the 56 distinct units or offices, covering a broad spectrum of fields. Interns contribute to a number of projects, and their duties may include:
- Research
- Data analysis
- Drafting briefings
- Attending meetings
- Responding to inquiries
- Assisting with outreach
- Staffing events
- Supporting special initiatives
Interns will also work together to design and execute a service project.
14. Senator Cory Booker’s Office High School Internship
Ages: 16-18
Location: New Jersey
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Varies
Senator Cory Booker’s office offers spring, summer, and fall internships for high school and college students, as well as recent college graduates. Internships are in Senator Booker’s Washington, D.C.; Newark, New Jersey; and Camden, New Jersey offices.
Interns assist with general office duties, like answering phones, processing correspondence, drafting memos, tracking constituent opinions, and conducting research while gaining firsthand insight into the workings of Congress.
15. The City and County of San Francisco High School Internships
Ages: 14-18
Location: California
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: February 17
The City and County of San Francisco offers various summer internships to high school students through several departments and programs, most notably the City Attorney and District Attorney. Other opportunities include:
- Airport
- Department of Children
- Youth and Their Families
- Department of Elections
- General Services Administration
- Office of Economic Workforce Development
- Public Utilities Commission
Interns must live or attend school in San Francisco.
16. Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Haggerty Scholars Program
Ages: 16-17
Location: Oregon
Timeline: School Year, Summer
Deadline: March 1
Haggerty Scholars work one-on-one with an attorney mentor throughout the school year, providing assistance in the student’s field of interest. Scholars also attend law- and civil-rights-focused events and participate in discussions on topics such as:
- Criminal law
- Juvenile justice
- Mental health
- Immigration
Participants also have the chance to attend interactive events with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon Legislature.
17. The Smithsonian Office of Internships
Ages: 16-18
Location: Remote
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Varies by Position
The Smithsonian Office of Internships provides high school students the opportunity to gain experience in the world’s largest museum, education, and research institution. There are a variety of virtual, hybrid, and in-person internship opportunities across various museums, such as the National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and a variety of others.
18. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship Opportunities
Ages: 16-18
Location: Remote
Timeline: Summer, School Year
Deadline: Varies by Position
Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) interns have the opportunity to connect with members of the foreign relations community and gain experience working for a prestigious think tank. Interns are paired with a scholar or professional who works with them to build both hard and soft skills.
Weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers are provided for interns. Interns also have the chance to work on a research paper, which may be published on FPRI’s Intern Corner.
19. ACLU National Advocacy Institute
Ages: 15-18
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: April 14
Although not an internship, this program provides students with access to ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and others working to defend civil rights and civil liberties. Participants in the week-long program will discuss pressing issues, engage in keynote sessions and seminars, and take part in a day of action, providing a real opportunity to make their voice heard.
The downside of this program is its expense—it costs $2,700, although tuition assistance and travel assistance are available for students with financial need.
20. Congressman Chris Smith Internships
Ages: 16-18
Location: New Jersey
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Varies
Congressman Chris Smith provides internships to high school juniors and seniors in both his New Jersey and Washington, D.C. offices. Interns provide administrative and legislative support, assisting the constituents of New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District.
Interns build hands-on work experience and gain firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of the federal government.
Cold Outreach Strategy for Law High School Internships
If the opportunities above aren’t the right fit, the next step in finding a legal internship is to launch a cold outreach strategy. While reaching out to professionals you don’t know can feel intimidating, the guide below will help simplify the process. Just remember to use caution when contacting unfamiliar individuals—virtual meetings or interviews are the safest option.
How to Find Mentors to Reach Out to for a High School Internship
Because the majority of legal internships are aimed at law students, law is one of the most challenging fields for high schoolers to secure internships in. In fact, even college students struggle to land positions with law firms and government offices.
One avenue high schoolers can pursue is to reach out to political campaigns and local government officials, such as an Alderman, who are much more likely to respond than a lawyer or firm. Generally, university career advancement offices recommend that high school and undergraduate students interested in law search for internships at socially driven nonprofits or companies with missions that they care about. Writing and communication-heavy roles, such as drafting grants or content creation, are good preparation for a legal career.
LinkedIn is a valuable tool for discovering small companies and nonprofits that can benefit from your skills. Smaller organizations like these are often shorthanded and more willing to take on high-school-aged interns. When reaching out to possible intern providers, try and find something to connect over, whether it’s a hometown, a cause you’re both passionate about, or a favorite sports team.
How to Structure and Send Outreach Emails
An effective cold outreach strategy for high schoolers is to aim to send at least 50 emails to potential internship providers. When reaching out, make sure to include a link to your resume—no longer than one page for high school students. If you don’t have a resume, our resume template and tips are a great place to get started. The University of Chicago also offers a free, helpful resume template and guide.
We recommend sharing your resume as a Google Drive link rather than a PDF, as attachments can sometimes reduce email deliverability. Just make sure the sharing settings allow anyone with the link to view it. You might also consider adding a writing sample, such as a paper that earned you an A, to showcase your skills.
Email Template for Finding a High School Internship
If you are unsure how to structure your outreach emails to potential internship providers, here are some basic templates you can customize to your needs.
Template for Finding an Internship
Subject: Student Reaching Out
Dear Mr./Ms.____,
I hope you are having a great day! My name is [your name], and I am a rising [grade] at [your school]. I read about your organization on LinkedIn and found the concept quite interesting. For context, [briefly state how the organization relates to your interests or experience].
I was wondering if you might be looking for interns. I know I would have a great deal to learn from working with you, and I would love to contribute to your work in any way I can. I have included my resume here. Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Conclusion
Whether you’re applying to established programs or reaching out to professionals directly, persistence is key when searching for a high school internship. These opportunities can be challenging to land, but many students find the effort worthwhile for the early career experience they gain. If you found this article helpful, be sure to bookmark it or share it with a friend. Best of luck in your internship search!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you intern at a law firm in high school?
Usually not. Law firms almost always hire people who are already in law school, so direct law firm internships are rare for high schoolers and even undergraduates. Better routes are district attorney and attorney general offices, legal nonprofits, and legal or political tech startups, or reaching out to a small local practice using the cold outreach strategy above.
How do you get a law internship in high school?
Apply to established programs like the ones listed above, most of which open between winter and spring, and apply to several since they are competitive. If programs are full or you want something local, use the cold outreach strategy and email template earlier in this article.
Are there paid or free law internships for high school students?
A few. Programs like the Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program pay a stipend, and some university programs are free or offer financial aid. Most law internships for high schoolers, though, are unpaid or volunteer based.
Are there online law internships for high school students?
Yes. Some programs run virtually, and remote roles at legal nonprofits, advocacy groups, and legal tech startups are often easier to land than in-person positions. You can also get matched with an online law internship through StandOut Connect or filter for online options in internship databases like StandOutSearch.
