10 Law Internships for High School Students in NYC
For high school students in New York City interested in the legal field, internships provide valuable firsthand experience and insights into the legal system. These internships can help you build skills important for a career in law, such as research, public speaking, and logical thinking. In addition to building valuable skills, internships are also a good addition to your college admissions profile. They show colleges that you’re committed to getting work experience and enhancing your knowledge during breaks. The more selective an internship, the more useful it is from the college admissions standpoint.
Here are 10 law internships in New York City designed to help high schoolers explore their interest in law, gain practical skills, and prepare for future academic and career opportunities.
Ladder Internships offers high school students the opportunity to work with nonprofits and startups globally, including legal-tech startups. Participants take part in this 8-week-long program where one works on real-world projects of importance to the organizations, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as media, technology, finance, and law. Interns work closely with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach who guides them through the project, ensuring that they successfully navigate the startup environment.
The program includes individual and group training sessions focused on developing professional skills. Interns present their work at the end of the internship, showcasing their contributions. This program is ideal for students looking to gain practical experience in law.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. December 16, 2024 onwards for the winter cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
This 5-week rigorous program provides high school students with the chance to work alongside assistant district attorneys, gaining insight into how criminal cases are prosecuted. You will observe court proceedings, attend workshops on criminal justice, ethics, and trial advocacy, and participate in group activities.
The program emphasizes professional development, providing opportunities for you to learn about legal ethics, trial preparation, and evidence analysis. It also allows you to understand the challenges faced by prosecutors while preparing cases. By shadowing experienced attorneys and taking part in hands-on exercises, you will gain exposure to the day-to-day realities of working in a legal office and the importance of public service.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 living or attending school in Manhattan, New York
Dates: July 8 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free (Interns will be paid minimum wage)
Location: Manhattan, NY
Application Deadline: March 8, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program, offered by the NYC Bar Association, places high school students in internships at law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations. The 6 to 8-week program focuses on introducing you to legal careers through hands-on experience and professional development workshops.
You will learn about different areas of law, attend networking events, and receive mentorship from legal professionals. You will also participate in mock interviews and resume-building workshops to prepare for future academic and career opportunities. The program aims to empower students by providing them with the skills and connections needed to pursue a career in law.
Eligibility: NYC high school students age 16 and older
Dates: April 17 – August 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free (Interns will be paid minimum wage)
Location: Various locations in New York City, NY
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers an exciting internship program for high school students interested in federal law. You will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of federal prosecution and defense, including attending court proceedings, assisting with administrative tasks, and learning about the criminal justice process from federal prosecutors.
You will have the opportunity to engage with attorneys, observe trials, and participate in educational seminars covering topics such as civil rights, criminal law, and public safety. This internship provides you with an inside look at the role of federal prosecutors and the functioning of the U.S. justice system. This is a valuable internship for those interested in pursuing a legal career.
Eligibility: Rising seniors from accredited high schools
Dates: Usually held in the summer
Cost: Free
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program offers high school juniors and seniors a comprehensive introduction to the criminal justice system. You will be placed within various units of the District Attorney's Office, allowing you to assist with legal research, trial preparation, and the organization of court documents. This hanBds-on experience includes observing court proceedings, such as trials, guilty pleas, and sentencings, giving you an understanding of how the DA’s office operates and contributes to public safety.
You will also participate in sessions designed to enhance your professional development, including resume-building, public speaking, and understanding ethical considerations in criminal justice. This program is ideal for students interested in careers in law, criminal justice, or public service, offering valuable mentorship and networking opportunities within the legal field.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing or attending school in Brooklyn
Program Dates: Typically a five-week program during the summer
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Cost: Free; participants receive a weekly stipend and a MetroCard for transportation
Location: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY
The Summer Law Institute (SLI), organized by Legal Outreach, is a five-week summer law program designed for students who have just completed their eighth-grade year. Hosted by seven prestigious NYC law schools, including Brooklyn Law School, Columbia Law School, and NYU School of Law, SLI gives you an immersive introduction to law. You will study criminal justice topics taught by law students, interact daily with practicing lawyers, and engage in simulations, field trips, and a mock trial competition.
The program aims to enhance your critical thinking, advocacy, and public speaking skills, laying a foundation for high school success. Upon completion, you will become eligible to apply for the College Bound program, which provides long-term guidance and support for college admission.
Eligibility: Rising ninth-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
Dates: Typically first week of July – first week of August
Cost/Stipend: Free (a stipend is given to students upon successful completion)
Location: Multiple law schools across NYC (Brooklyn Law School, Cardozo School of Law, Columbia Law School, CUNY School of Law, Fordham School of Law, NYU School of Law, St. John’s School of Law)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until all slots are filled
The Fordham Law School Summer Internship offers high school students a pre-law intensive program that provides exposure to key areas of legal practice, including criminal justice, civil law, and trial advocacy. You will attend lectures by Fordham Law faculty, participate in hands-on workshops, and interact with guest speakers from various fields within the legal profession.
The program also features practical exercises such as mock trials and debate sessions, allowing you to develop essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and legal analysis. This internship is ideal for students interested in understanding the pathways to a career in law and preparing for future academic pursuits.
Eligibility: High school students
Dates: July 8 – August 6, 2025
Cost: Residential: $3,665; Commuter: $2,715
Location: Fordham Law School, Manhattan, NY
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
The Youth Action Institute Fellowship, organized by the Center for Court Innovation, is a public policy research fellowship tailored for high school students in New York. This paid fellowship develops your expertise in research, project management, and public policy, empowering you to take on meaningful roles in community-driven legal and policy initiatives. You will receive training on anti-oppression practices, qualitative research methods, and New York City’s policy landscape, focusing on how these areas intersect with public safety, legal systems, and youth empowerment.
Through the program, you will deepen your understanding of how policy impacts legal and social justice issues, developing critical skills in areas relevant to public law and advocacy. The fellowship offers hands-on experience through collaborative projects in which you research and propose policy recommendations aimed at creating a fairer, more equitable system for youth. By combining legal and policy learning, the Youth Action Institute Fellowship prepares you for future careers in public policy, social justice, and community advocacy.
Eligibility: New York City residents aged 16-21
Program Dates: Academic year 2024-2025
Location: Center for Justice Innovation, New York City, NY
Cost: Free, paid fellowship
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program provides high school students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the judiciary. During this four-week internship, you will be placed in the chambers of state or federal judges, where you will gain an inside view of court proceedings, legal processes, and the responsibilities of the judicial branch.
You will carry out tasks such as case research, observing courtroom activities, and preparing legal materials, helping you understand the day-to-day work within the justice system. Fridays are dedicated to educational workshops and professional development sessions, where you will learn about career paths in law, develop essential skills like public speaking and critical thinking, and connect with mentors across the legal field. This program encourages students to consider future careers in law and serves as a gateway for those passionate about justice, advocacy, and public service.
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students (rising 12th graders) residing in NYC’s five boroughs; applicants must provide working papers
Program Dates: Typically in July
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free
Location: Various courthouses across New York City, NY
The Ladders for Leaders Program, organized by the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, offers high school and college students internships with top-tier companies and organizations across various sectors, including legal firms. You will gain valuable work experience and develop leadership skills. For students interested in law, the program provides placements in legal firms and teams, offering exposure to different aspects of the legal profession. You will also attend career readiness workshops, receive mentoring, and network with professionals. This program is a good way for students to explore their interest in law and build professional connections that could support future career opportunities.
Eligibility: High school students (ages 16 and above) residing in NYC
Dates: TBA for 2025
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations across NYC
Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in Law and related fields, you could also 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 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.