15 Pre-College Law Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 10 min read
Pre-college law summer programs are a solid way for high school students to explore the legal field while engaging with college-level academics and college life. Hosted by top colleges and universities, the law programs in this list provide access to advanced academics, legal case studies, and hands-on learning. You’ll gain exposure to key legal concepts, improve your argumentation and writing skills, and engage with faculty and legal professionals.
If you're serious about a career in law, a pre-college program can help you build a strong foundation and strengthen your college applications. Even if you’re exploring other fields, understanding the law can be helpful in political science, international relations, business, and public policy.
To help you find the best options, we've compiled a list of 15 pre-college law summer programs for high school students that stand out for their rigor and networking opportunities!
15 Pre-College Law Summer Programs for High School Students
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a free six-week program for high school sophomores and juniors. The curriculum focuses on Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) or Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS), exploring topics like history, politics, literature, art, and systems of power and oppression. You will also explore history, politics, literature, art, and systems of power while improving your reading, writing, and analytical skills.
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 — July 26
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors aged 15 to 18.
The University of Pennsylvania's Provost's Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a free, four-week summer program for rising 10th and 11th graders from Philadelphia high schools. You'll be paired with one of five Penn professional schools - Perelman School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Penn Carey Law School, or School of Dental Medicine to explore careers through hands-on activities and discussions. In addition to career exposure, the program offers sessions on financial literacy, study skills, time management, SAT preparation, and college application assistance.
Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th grade students attending a Philadelphia high school (or surrounding counties)
The High School Law Institute (HSLI) at Columbia Law School is a free, year-long program for high school students in New York City. You will study constitutional law, criminal law, and moot court, learning how laws shape society and impact real cases.
Columbia Law students will guide you through case analysis, legal writing, and public speaking exercises. You’ll also practice building arguments, presenting cases, and responding to opposing viewpoints in discussions and mock trials.
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: Saturdays from September to March
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students in New York City; no specific GPA requirement
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $5,345 (includes housing, meals, and transportation). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Not publicly listed. Check here for details.
Program Dates: June 24 – July 3 | July 6 – July 15 | July 17 – July 26
Eligibility: High school students between the grades of 9-12 can apply.
The Stanford Intensive Law and Trial Program is a 10-day immersive experience at Stanford Law School, where you get a comprehensive introduction to legal practice. You will explore legal theory, rhetoric, and ethics while developing skills like crafting opening and closing arguments, preparing cases, and cross-examining witnesses.
Through mock trial simulations endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association, you gain hands-on experience in courtroom procedures, evidence management, and oral advocacy. Guided by Stanford Law professors, you also build leadership and goal-setting skills, creating a strong foundation for your future in law.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a prestigious summer program for high school students interested in global issues. The Politics, Law, & Economics session focuses on understanding the interplay between legal systems, economic policies, and political structures.
You engage in seminars, workshops, and discussions led by Yale faculty and guest speakers, exploring topics like international law and economic theories. The program also includes cultural activities and excursions in New Haven.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6,500 + $90 application fee (financial aid available)
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 4; Session II: July 6 – July 18; Session III: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors, aged 16-18 by July 20; first-time participants
Harvard's Pre-College Program allows you to take college-level courses at one of the world's top universities. The Legal Studies course covers topics such as American law, constitutional law, civil rights, legal history, critical race theory, and intellectual property.
You participate in lectures, discussions, and practical exercises that simulate legal scenarios, helping you develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The program also includes social and cultural activities, offering a taste of college life at Harvard.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee (housing included); limited need-based aid for U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 3; Session 2: July 6 – July 18; Session 3: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; at least 16 years old by June 21; will not turn 19 before July 31
Georgetown University's Law Academy is designed for high school students interested in exploring the legal field. The program covers topics such as criminal law, constitutional law, the jury system, Supreme Court cases, and laws in practice. Through lectures, workshops, and mock trials, you gain hands-on experience in legal analysis and advocacy.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: Residential: $3,389; Commuter: $2,625
Dates: Session I: June 9 – June 15; Session II: July 7 – July 13; Session III: July 28 – August 3
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Domestic and international students; at least 2.0 GPA
The National Student Leadership Conference's Law & Advocacy Program offers you an immersive experience in the legal field. You participate in trial simulations, learning about criminal law and legal practice through hands-on activities such as mock trials and case studies.
Held at universities like Yale, Georgetown, and the University of Michigan, the program provides you with the opportunity to experience college life while developing critical skills for future legal careers.
Location: Yale University (New Haven, CT), Georgetown University (Washington, DC), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Cost: Yale: $4,095; Georgetown: $3,895; Michigan: $3,795
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 17 – August 2 (specific dates depend on the location)
Application Deadline: Varies by program and session
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
NYU's Pre-Law Boot Camp introduces you to the fundamentals of law through an intensive curriculum. The program covers substantive law, careers in law, litigation trials, and legal case studies. You engage in simulated legal scenarios, learning how to analyze cases, build arguments, and present them effectively. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal field, this program is perfect for students considering a future in law.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable); Tuition: $2,579 per course; Housing & Dining Fees (optional add on): $640
Dates: Several sessions from Jun 23 to August 8
Application Deadline: International Student: March 15; Residential U.S Student: May 15; Commuter U.S Student: June 13
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in law
UCLA's Mock Trial Summer Institute offers you a week-long immersion into the U.S. legal system. Led by experienced instructors, you learn trial advocacy techniques, public speaking, and case preparation through hands-on mock trials.
The program is designed to boost self-confidence, persuasion skills, and knowledge of the legal field. Available in both residential and virtual formats, it is accessible to students across the country, making it a flexible option for legal exploration.
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (residential) or virtual
Cost: Residential: $2,126 for high school students; Virtual: $1,288
Dates: Session A.1: July 6– July 12; Session A.2: July 6– July 12; Session B.1:: July 13– July 19; Session B.2: July 13, – July 19; Session C: August 3 – August 9
Application Deadline: A.1 (Residential) June 6, A.2 (Commuter) June 13, B.1 (Residential) June 6, B.2 (Commuter) June 13, C (Virtual) July 25.
Eligibility: Participants must be at least 15 years of age (or 17 for residential sessions)
Penn Carey Law's Pre-College Academy provides you with a unique opportunity to experience law school at a top-tier university. The three-week program includes an accelerated version of the first-year law school curriculum, followed by specialized courses in areas like corporate law, environmental law, human rights, and intellectual property law. You will also engage in legal research, workshops, and discussions with legal professionals.
Location: University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Residential: $9,899; Commuter: $6,299
Dates: Residential: July 5-26; Commuter: July 7-25
Application Deadline: Not specified (check the website for updates)
Eligibility: High school students (rising juniors and seniors preferred)
Northwestern University's College Prep Program offers you a two-week residential seminar on Law and Society. This course examines the connections between law and society through an interdisciplinary social science approach. You explore how legal systems shape and are shaped by social, political, and economic forces. The program includes lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects, providing you with a deeper understanding of the role of law in society and its broader implications.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: Varies by program, check details here
Dates: June 23 - July 07
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
Rhodes College's Mock Trial Academy is a one-week program that provides you with intensive training in mock trial competition. You learn trial advocacy skills, including opening and closing arguments, direct and cross-examination, and legal research. The program is led by experienced coaches and includes practice trials and feedback sessions, helping you develop confidence and competence in the courtroom.
Location: Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
Cost: $2300. Students applying before February 15 will receive an early bird discount of $300.
Dates: June 15 - June 22
Application Deadline: Regular application deadline is April 1. After April 1, applications may still be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Emory University’s Pre-College Program offers high school sophomores and juniors a chance to take college-level courses, including the Introduction to the U.S. Legal System. This program allows you to dive into the U.S. legal system and its constitutional foundations while also exploring the relationship between law and society.
In the first week, you will study constitutional principles, history, and governmental structures that shape the U.S. legal system. You will gain an understanding of how courts make decisions based on these principles. During the second week, you will focus on the format of legal advocacy. This includes attending courts to observe oral arguments, learning the structure and substance of legal arguments, and practicing your own oral arguments in front of mock judges.
By the end of the program, you will have learned key legal concepts such as separation of powers, federalism, jurisdiction, and how law is applied in courts. You will also develop the skills necessary for legal advocacy, including analyzing legal issues, recognizing strengths and weaknesses in a case, and crafting persuasive arguments.
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA (residential) or online
Cost: Varies by course and format (check the website for details)
Dates: Jun 15 - Jun 28; Jul 13 - Jul 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The UC Berkeley Legal Studies Pre-College Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore law through college-level courses taught by Berkeley faculty. Courses like "Civil Rights and Civil Liberties" provide in-depth understanding of key legal concepts, allowing you to engage with complex legal issues and develop critical thinking skills.
You'll also have the chance to interact with Bay Area lawyers and judges, gaining insights into the legal profession. This program is ideal for students considering a future in law or those interested in understanding how law shapes society.
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Varies (check the Pre-College Scholars website)
Dates: Typically summer sessions (e.g., July - August)
Application Deadline: Varies by course (check the website)
Eligibility: High school students
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students interested in advanced legal studies. Whether you want to explore law through political theory, psychology, or international relations, this program allows you to conduct qualitative or quantitative research in these fields.
You will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will guide you in developing a 20-page university-level research paper, which can be submitted to prestigious journals. The program includes interdisciplinary courses like Political Theory and Philosophy for legal foundations of Neuroscience and Law for a specialized approach.
Throughout the program, you receive detailed feedback to refine your research, a recommendation letter from your mentor, and support to strengthen your college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can get the exact cost by raising an interest form here.
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program where you work with startups and nonprofits worldwide. You collaborate directly with founders from institutions like Harvard, Wharton, and Google, gaining hands-on experience in AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, and journalism. The program includes structured mentorship from startup leaders and Ladder Coaches, real-world projects tailored to your interests, and training in skills like communication and time management.
By the end of the program, you will complete impactful projects and present your work, strengthening your professional experience and college applications. Ladder also provides financial aid to ensure opportunities for underrepresented students.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The Summer Cohort priority application deadline is March 9!
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and students on a gap year
Image Source - Harvard Logo
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.