10 Free Law Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student considering a future in law, summer programs are a great opportunity to explore the legal field while enhancing your education beyond the typical high school curriculum. These programs allow students to gain first hand exposure to the justice system, develop crucial skills like critical thinking, public speaking, and legal writing, and connect with experienced legal professionals. Whether through paid or unpaid internships, participating in these programs can give students an edge in their college applications, showcasing their commitment and proactive interest in law. 

Here’s our pick of the 10 best free law programs you can explore as a high school student interested in law. Whether through internships, mentorships, or seminars, each program provides a platform to engage meaningfully with the legal system.

1. UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)

The University of Pennsylvania’s Provost Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week initiative designed for first-generation and underrepresented high school students in Philadelphia. As a participant, you will engage with one of five professional schools at UPenn, including the Carey Law School, and explore what it means to be a law student and lawyer. The program’s curriculum is designed to expose students to the workings of the legal system, providing a hands-on understanding of how law influences society. 

In addition to academic exposure, the SMP incorporates practical support to enhance your overall preparedness for college and beyond. You will receive training in test preparation, financial literacy, life skills, and guidance through the college application process. These resources are designed to build confidence and equip you with essential tools for academic and personal success. The program also offers a daily lunch, SEPTA TransPasses for transportation, and a monetary stipend upon successful completion.

Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Program dates: 4 weeks in July

Application deadline: Spring 2025 (exact dates to be announced)

Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th grade students attending a Philadelphia high school (or surrounding counties) can apply.

2. Summer Law Institute (SLI) Program 

The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is a five-week immersive program that introduces students to the legal profession by engaging them in criminal justice topics and hands-on learning experiences led by law students. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to interact with practicing lawyers, visit legal institutions, and develop the skills necessary to act as attorneys in a mock trial. The program culminates in a capstone mock trial event overseen by actual judges, which will allow you to apply your newly acquired knowledge in a courtroom setting amidst seasoned professionals.

The SLI program not only prepares you for the academic rigors ahead but also helps instill confidence and discipline. Those who successfully complete the Summer Law Institute become eligible to apply for the four-year College Bound program, furthering their pathway to higher education. Participants also receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

Location: Multiple law schools and institutes in New York City

Program dates: First week of July - First week of August

Application deadline: Rolling admissions until full

Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island areas can apply.

3. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a prestigious, comprehensive five-week experience designed to give students a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. As an intern in this program, you get to participate in workshops and discussions on critical topics such as criminal justice reform, police brutality, civic engagement, and leadership. Further, you also gain valuable exposure to legal professionals and practices and are even compensated with a stipend of $175 per week.

Throughout the program, participants engage in discussions and workshops on critical topics such as criminal justice reform, police conduct, civic engagement, and leadership.  One of the highlights of the internship is the mock trial program, where you will actively participate in legal proceedings, learning courtroom procedures, case preparation, and public speaking. 

Location: Manhattan, NY

Program dates: July 8 - August 9, 2024

Application deadline: March 8, 2024

Eligibility: Students currently in their sophomore, junior, or senior years, enrolled in a Manhattan high school can apply.

4. Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) by the Atlanta Bar Association

Established in 1993, the Atlanta Bar Association's Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) is a rigorous high school program focused on four key goals: offering valuable work experience, enhancing students’ understanding of the law, fostering mentorship relationships with the legal community, and promoting diversity in the legal field. As an intern in this highly selective program, you will be immersed in hands-on legal work while engaging in educational discussions on key legal issues. Weekly meetings with guest speakers are conducted to further help enrich your experience, offering insights into various aspects of the law and the workings of the justice system. Participants also receive a $2,000 stipend for their commitment and work throughout the program.

In addition to your work duties, you will also participate in an academic component that includes legal studies and completing weekly written assignments. A vital feature of the program is the Terrence Croft Essay Competition, where interns submit a 750-word essay analyzing a U.S. Supreme Court decision. This intensive combination of professional exposure and academic challenge is instrumental in helping you build critical thinking, legal research, and writing skills. 

Location: Atlanta, GA

Program dates:  May 29 - July 19, 2024

Application deadline: March 21, 2024

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools can apply.

5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a highly selective and fully-funded summer program with an acceptance rate of about 5%. It offers an intellectually rigorous environment, providing courses that focus on critical thinking and the exploration of social justice issues through two tracks: Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) and Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS). 

TASS-CBS explores African history, politics, culture, and more. In contrast, TASS-AOS examines systems of oppression such as white supremacy and patriarchy. Upon acceptance, you will engage in college-level seminars, read books, watch films, and write excellent essays that will challenge your critical thinking abilities. Faculty-led discussions, small-group activities, and lectures provide a transformative educational experience that fosters intellectual growth.

Beyond academics, TASS encourages participants to engage in community-building and democratic decision-making. You are responsible not only for your academic work but also for creating an inclusive environment through group activities, outings, and community service projects. Guided by experienced faculty and resident advisors, TASS helps students build leadership qualities and a commitment to social justice, making it an invaluable experience for those accepted.

Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland (2025)

Program dates: June 22 – July 26, 2025

Application deadline: Applications for 2025 are likely to open in mid-October

Eligibility: Students in their sophomore and junior years of high school across the world are invited to apply; however, TASS does not provide any assistance with Visas or international travel.

6. New York City Bar's Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)

The New York City Bar’s Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) is designed to provide diverse high school students from NYC with exposure to the legal field. Upon selection, you will first undergo a rigorous three-part Pre-Employment Training designed to strengthen your professional skills and ensure you are prepared for your upcoming role. Next, you will be placed in a professional setting with legal employers, assisting with tasks such as filing, record keeping, data entry, and document organization. 

Interns of this program also participate in several professional development workshops, including the Speed Networking program, which offers comprehensive networking training followed by a series of speed sessions where you get to connect with volunteer attorneys in a fast-paced, interactive setting. Another critical element is the Diverse Career Opportunities Panel, where attorneys from various legal fields share insights into their career paths and offer guidance to aspiring professionals in a small group setting. This internship is a paid opportunity, offering compensation between $15-$21 per hour.

Location: Various law firms and legal organizations in New York City

Program dates: Typically June - August (exact dates vary)

Application deadline: Applications typically close in January.

Eligibility: Students enrolled in NYC public high schools can apply.

7. Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association

The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association is an invaluable opportunity for high school students in the Dallas area to gain some early legal experience. During the 4- to 8-week internship, you will be placed in law firms, non-profit organizations, or corporate legal departments where you can assist with tasks such as data entry, filing, customer service, and legal documentation. The program is moderately selective - to qualify, you must have a minimum academic average of a B and rank in the top 10-20% of your class. 

In addition to academic excellence, you will also participate in extracurricular activities such as debates, mock trials, sports like wrestling and softball, JROTC, and volunteer work with civic organizations. This program emphasizes both practical work experience and educational development, featuring activities organized by the Dallas Bar Association. As an intern, you will not only gain exposure to the legal profession but also develop important professional skills such as bilingual communication, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and document management. 

Depending on the employer’s needs, you may work full-time over 4 weeks or part-time across 8 weeks, earning $1,280 or $2,560, respectively. The program concludes with a reception that celebrates the students' achievements and offers networking opportunities within the legal community.

Location: Dallas, TX

Program dates: 4 weeks full-time or 8 weeks part-time (determined by the employer)

Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.

Eligibility: High school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above and residing in Independent School Districts in Dallas can apply.

8. Student Internships at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers a volunteer internship program for students interested in various fields, such as pre-law and criminal justice. As an intern, you can apply for specialized positions in either the Brooklyn or Central Islip offices, where you will engage in meaningful projects that align with your career aspirations. Each role provides students with unique experiences, from assisting the Automated Litigation Support team with case preparation and courtroom setups to contributing to the Library Legal Information and Resource Center.

 Interns may work in specialized placements such as Automated Litigation Support, Library Legal Information and Resource Center, and Paralegal-Legal Studies. If you are a part of the legal studies or paralegal track, you will get to work closely with experienced attorneys and litigation professionals, gaining hands-on experience in trial preparation, legal research, and case management. This immersive experience helps enhance your understanding of federal legal processes and allows you to develop critical skills in legal writing, analysis, and teamwork. 

Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip offices, NY

Program dates: Typically in the summer, varies depending on the employer.

Application deadline: Rolling admissions until full

Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled in accredited high schools can apply.

9. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program, organized by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is an immersive summer internship focused on helping students understand the court system and the rule of law. This six-week program runs from July through August and combines practical experiences in local courthouses with educational sessions led by judges, lawyers, clerks, and probation officers. If accepted, you will engage in various interactive learning activities, including mock trials, shadowing, field trips, and group discussions, designed to deepen your understanding of legal concepts and principles. 

In this program, you will also get to participate in paid internships at courthouses in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, where you gain practical insights into the operations of the judicial system. Each week, you will attend mandatory educational sessions that complement your fieldwork, reinforcing the knowledge and skills acquired during your internships. Beyond the internships, JYC includes weekly educational components where students meet with legal professionals to deepen their understanding of the justice system.

Location: Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, MA 

Program dates: 6 weeks, typically in July-August

Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in 10, 11, and 12 grades in Boston, Worcester, or Springfield high schools can apply.

10. Law Links Internship by the Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW)

The Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW) Law Links Internship is a prestigious 7-week summer program that immerses Baltimore City public high school students in the legal profession. As a participant, you will work full-time, Monday through Friday, in various law firms and law-related agencies, earning $15 per hour and engaging in multiple tasks, from assisting attorneys with case preparation to conducting legal research and attending court sessions.  

The program also includes the "Law & Leadership Institute," a 50-hour educational seminar that meets weekly and covers workplace etiquette, leadership development, and financial literacy.  Beginning with an intensive 2.5-day orientation at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, the Institute meets weekly, equipping you with essential knowledge about legal principles, professional conduct, and leadership skills necessary for success in the field. The program also addresses professional appearance by providing interns with professional attire from Ann Taylor or Joseph A. Banks, ensuring all students are appropriately dressed without financial burden.

Location: Baltimore, MD

Program dates: June 23 - August 8, 2025

Application deadline: April 5, 2025. Click here for the application form.

Eligibility: Students currently in their sophomore or junior years,  enrolled in a Baltimore City high school can apply.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - UPenn Logo