8 Law Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
Exploring fields like law through programs, internships, and immersions during high school can have a positive impact on your academic and career trajectories. These experiences offer practical knowledge, skill-building, and networking opportunities that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom. Participating in such programs not only enriches your understanding of law but also helps you make informed decisions about college courses and your career.
Besides helping you understand the principles of legal practice, these programs can also hone your skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Many colleges value applicants who pursue their interests outside the standard high school curriculum. Attending a law program for high school students demonstrates the initiative to explore your academic interests, adding a unique dimension to your college applications.
Here are 8 law programs for you to consider if you are a high school student in Washington, D.C.!
Cost:
Individual Research Program: $2,990 (12 weeks)
Premium Research & Publication Program: $5,900 (16-20 weeks)
Research Fellowship: $8,900 (6-12 months)
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming Winter Cohort
Program Dates: Varies based on program selection
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students passionate about research
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent research in law and other fields under the guidance of top PhD candidates. Participants, called Lumiere Research Scholars, work 1-on-1 with mentors to complete a rigorous, research-based project.
The program includes a structured series of stages, starting with an initial meeting with a research mentor to define the research topic. Scholars then explore their chosen topic, formulate a research question, and develop a research paper with dedicated 1-on-1 support. The program concludes with revision and submission of the paper, followed by a presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
This intensive program is ideal for students interested in law and social justice, allowing them to produce a substantive research paper and gain valuable experience in academic writing, critical thinking, and independent research—all of which strengthen college applications and prepare students for university-level studies.
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote; open to participants worldwide
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming Winter Cohort
Program Dates: Winter Cohort begins December 16, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks, 5-10 hours per week
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and students on a gap year are welcome to apply
Ladder Internships, established by Harvard alumni, is a selective virtual program that connects students with legal startups, law firms, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Throughout the program, students work on real-world projects tailored to the needs of their assigned organization, culminating in a presentation of their findings and contributions. Each intern is guided by both a manager from their placement organization and a Ladder coach, who provides additional mentorship and support.
Beyond hands-on experience, the program offers professional development through skill-building workshops, one-on-one meetings with mentors, and collaborative training sessions with peers. This internship is ideal for students interested in exploring legal careers, as it provides a deep dive into various law sectors and hands-on experience in legal research, case analysis, and client strategy.
Location: Virtual
Application Date: December 1, 2024 for the winter cohort, and February 16, 2025 for the spring cohort
Program Dates:
Winter seminar: December 16, 2024 onwards
Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 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
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as law, data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
Cost: $2,700 (financial aid available)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Program Dates: July 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15-18, including graduating seniors
The ACLU National Advocacy Institute’s High School Program is a week-long, immersive experience in Washington, D.C., designed to inspire the next generation of social justice advocates. High school students from across the U.S. can join ACLU lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and experts to deepen their understanding of civil rights and civil liberties. Through lectures, policy discussions, and site visits, you will explore issue advocacy, legal strategy, and political decision-making processes.
Activities include lobbying visits with members of Congress, Capitol rallies, and advocacy actions such as phone banking, text banking, and writing Letters to the Editor. Past topics have included immigration, systemic equality, anti-racism, censorship in education, regulation of facial recognition technology, and protection of trans rights. The program equips you with advocacy skills, covering campaign strategies, team-building, and impactful engagement with policymakers. This is not only a learning opportunity but also a chance to influence current legislative issues on Capitol Hill.
Cost: $3,525
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Summer 2025 (Applications open in late fall 2024)
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in law
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
The Georgetown University Law Academy provides high school students with an introduction to the legal field, guided by Georgetown’s faculty and guest speakers. You will learn about jurisprudence, case analysis, and the evolution of America’s legal institutions, engaging with the legal perspectives and issues that shape today’s society.
Through lectures, discussion groups, and expert panels, you will explore both the theory and practice of law. You will engage with peers who share your interest in legal studies and participate in debates and discussions about current issues, from civil rights to environmental policies, to understand the changing landscape of law in America. You will also get a taste of life as a Georgetown student, making this program a unique opportunity for those considering a future in law or related fields.
Cost: N/A (paid position)
Location: U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Spring 2025 Session: January 26 – June 6, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, varies depending on summer or semester program. Check details here
Application Deadline: Varies by senator
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school students an opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand. Pages assist in various Senate activities while learning about government and public service. This program provides a deep understanding of the workings of the Senate and allows you to engage with lawmakers. To apply, you have to send a letter of interest, your transcript, and letters of recommendation to your senator’s office.
Cost: $4,195
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Program Dates:
June 13 – June 21, 2025
June 25 – July 3, 2025
July 8 – July 16, 2025
July 20 – July 28, 2025
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Rolling
The NSLC on Law & Advocacy offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of a trial attorney. You will explore courtroom procedures, examine evidence, and build a defense or prosecution for a mock murder case, gaining insights into the legal field and practical courtroom dynamics. This program includes workshops that cover key legal concepts as well as interactive sessions with guest speakers, including practicing attorneys and legal experts.
Alongside the legal training, NSLC incorporates a leadership curriculum that builds vital skills like communication, empathy, and resilience, which are essential for both legal careers and personal growth. Hosted at Georgetown University, the program allows you to experience college life while developing a foundational understanding of the legal profession and the leadership qualities it demands.
Cost: $4,395
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD (30 minutes from Washington, D.C.)
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:
July 5 – 12, 2024
July 19 – 26, 2024
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Law & CSI is a program designed for high school students interested in careers in law or crime scene investigation. You will choose either the legal or CSI track, allowing you to explore courtroom simulations, forensic analysis, and more. Students on the law track visit local courthouses to observe real proceedings and engage in a mock trial. You will also interact with law school professionals, exploring the educational and career paths within the legal field.
Students on the CSI track participate in panels with forensic scientists and professors to learn about the latest forensic technology and career opportunities in criminal investigations. In addition to the academic components, you will get to experience college life at the University of Maryland, College Park, and visit George Mason University for a campus tour and admissions workshop.
Bonus
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you establish a law startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.