Applying for summer law programs during high school is an important step for students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field. These programs provide you with hands-on experience, exposing you to various areas of law, legal processes, and the day-to-day work of legal professionals. 

They also help refine your career goals and build a foundational knowledge of legal principles. Law programs also cultivate essential soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are vital for success in any legal career.

Early exposure to the legal profession through summer law programs can boost your college application. The experiences gained during these programs can provide compelling content for college essays and interviews, distinguishing you from other applicants. 

To help you get started, here is our curated list of the top 8 summer law programs for high school students in Texas!

1. Lumiere

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,990 (Financial aid is available)

Dates: 12 weeks. There are Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions.

Application Deadline: Varies based on cohorts.

Eligibility: High school students with a passion for research can apply. 

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online research opportunity designed for ambitious high school students. Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, the program offers students the chance to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to learn about the cutting edge in their field of interest and produce an independent research project. 

This rigorous program is ideal for students passionate about law and eager to contribute original research to the field. Additionally, students from underrepresented backgrounds can apply for the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which offers full need-based financial aid to talented, low-income students. 

The Law track of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into legal research and writing, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with complex legal issues under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Whether you're interested in constitutional law, criminal justice, or international law, the program will help you hone your research skills and produce an independent research project that could stand out in your college applications. You can find the application form here.

2. High School Pre-Law Academy: Stephen F. Austin State University

Location: Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX

Cost: $800 (and an additional $25 registration fee). Scholarships are available. 

Dates: June 23 – June 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Admissions typically open in January. 

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The High School Pre-Law Academy at Stephen F. Austin State University offers an immersive, week-long experience for students interested in the legal field. You will engage directly with some of the state’s top judges and attorneys as well as SFA professors, gaining invaluable insights into the world of law. You will discuss contemporary issues in U.S. law, participate in mock trial tournaments, and work on simulated crime scenes.

Throughout the week, you’ll attend lectures and panel discussions covering topics like preparing for law school, understanding trials, and exploring the criminal justice system. This is a residential program, so you’ll live on campus and eat in the dining hall. To apply, you must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors and a 250-word essay explaining your interest in attending SFA’s Pre-Law Academy.

3. Rice University: Law Pre-college Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,495 (Need-based scholarships are available) 

Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions throughout the year

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session, but usually a week before the program starts

Eligibility: Students who are 13 years and older 

Rice University’s Law Precollege Program offers a virtual course designed for high school students interested in exploring the legal field. This program allows students to learn at their own pace while receiving personalized guidance from mentors. Through a combination of pre-recorded lessons and self-paced assignments, students will dive into the fundamentals of law and its impact on society.

You will explore key legal principles, such as the role of law in promoting justice and equal opportunity. The program culminates in a capstone project, where you will propose legal solutions to issues like education access. You receive a Certificate of Completion from Rice University, making this an excellent opportunity for those considering a career in law or related fields.

4. Summer Legal Academy: Office of the Harris County Attorney

Location: Harris County Attorney's Office, Houston, TX

Stipend: $15 per hour

Dates: July 15 – July 26

Application Deadline: March 22

Eligibility: Harris County students entering grades 10-12. Priority is given to students who are first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented 

The Summer Legal Academy (SLA) at the Office of the Harris County Attorney is a two-week program designed for high school students with a passion for law. This program introduces you to the law school application process and the various legal fields and career paths. You will gain valuable insights through lectures, guest speeches, and interactions with attorneys and community leaders. 

You will attend mock law school lectures taught by professors, read and analyze case studies, and practice LSAT logic games. The program offers firsthand accounts of law school’s challenges and the best practices for success. Hosted by the civil legal office for Harris County, Texas, this academy provides a unique and practical glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding world of law.

5. LSPI High School Law Camp: University of Texas at El Paso

Location: The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX

Cost: Free (including meals) 

Dates: June 3 – June 14

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recently graduated students 

The LSPI High School Law Camp, hosted by UTEP's Patti and Paul Yetter Center for Law, is a two-week, all-day summer program designed to introduce high school students to the legal profession and prepare them for college. The camp gives you a comprehensive overview of what a career in law entails, including case law instruction, professional skills development, and an engaging mock trial exercise. 

Campers also enjoy field trips to various legal community organizations, offering them a real-world glimpse into the legal field. Through a combination of academic instruction and practical experiences, you will develop essential analytical and critical reading and writing skills, gain confidence in your ability to pursue law school, and explore a future in the legal profession.

6. Houston Bar Association Communities In Schools (CIS) Summer Legal Internship Program

Location: Houston, TX

Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided. 

Dates: June 10  – August 2

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Academically advanced high school students from at-risk schools.

The Houston Bar Association partners with Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) to facilitate summer internships in the legal profession for high school students who attend at-risk schools. This program offers a paid eight-week internship in a prestigious law firm, giving you a glimpse into a professional legal environment. 

Additionally, you will benefit from enrichment programs and mentorship during the internship. In past years, these activities have included a visit to the University of Houston’s Law Center, mock trial prep, and visits to the federal courthouse. 

7. Rising Scholars Program: Southern Methodist University 

Location: SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas, TX

Cost: No information available

Dates: June 3 – June 7

Application Deadline: April 12

Eligibility: Current high school junior with a GPA above 3.0 and no more than 10 absences 

The Rising Scholars Program at SMU Law will introduce high school students to the law school experience and the practice of law through mini-classes, professional development workshops, and panel discussions with practicing attorneys. This residential program aims to provide opportunities to underrepresented communities, with the goal of diversifying the legal profession.

You will learn about the basics of law, law firms, judicial careers, and in-house corporate work. You will also participate in public speaking exercises, networking and interview skills sessions, and a moot court competition. There were 22 students in the previous cohort. Admissions are rolling, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to apply early. 

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.