9 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 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.
We also have blogs on other internships for high schoolers in NYC, such as paid medical internships, paid internships, medical internships, and business internships. For high school students interested in law, we've covered free law programs, summer law programs, online law programs, and paid law internships.
Here are 9 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. Â Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
This 5-week program allows high school students 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. By shadowing attorneys and taking part in exercises, you will gain exposure to the day-to-day realities of working in a legal office and the importance of public service.
Eligibility:Â High school students in grades 10-12 living or attending school in Manhattan, New York
Dates: July 8 – August 9
Cost:Â Free (Interns will be paid minimum wage)Â
Location:Â Manhattan, NY
Application Deadline:Â March 8
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 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.
Eligibility:Â NYC high school students age 16 and older
Dates: April 17 – August 14
Cost:Â Free (Interns will be paid minimum wage)
Location:Â Various locations in New York City, NY
Application Deadline:Â January 31
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers an internship program for high school students interested in federal law. You will gain 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 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.Â
Eligibility:Â Rising seniors from accredited high schoolsÂ
Dates:Â Usually held in the summer
Cost:Â FreeÂ
Location:Â Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline:Â Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program offers high school juniors and seniors an 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 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 on resume-building, public speaking, and understanding ethical considerations in criminal justice.
Eligibility:Â High school juniors and seniors residing or attending school in Brooklyn
Program Dates:Â Typically a five-week program during the summer
Application Deadline: TBA
Cost:Â 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 eighth grade. Hosted by seven prestigious NYC law schools, including Brooklyn Law School, Columbia Law School, and NYU School of Law, SLI gives you a comprehensive introduction to law. You will study criminal justice topics taught by law students, interact with practicing lawyers, and engage in simulations, field trips, and a mock trial competition. Upon completion, you will become eligible to apply for the College Bound program, which provides long-term guidance and support for college admission.
Eligibility:Â Rising ninth-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten IslandÂ
Dates: Typically first week of July – first week of AugustÂ
Cost/Stipend:Â Free (a stipend is given to students upon successful completion)Â
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)Â
Application Deadline:Â Rolling basis until all slots are filled
This internship offers high school students 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 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:Â High school studentsÂ
Dates: July 8 – August 6
Cost:Â Residential: $3,665; Commuter: $2,715
Location:Â Fordham Law School, Manhattan, NYÂ
Application Deadline:Â December 1
The Youth Action Institute Fellowship is a public policy research fellowship for high school students in New York. This paid fellowship develops your expertise in research, project management, and public policy. It aims to help you 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. You will focus on how these areas intersect with public safety, legal systems, and youth empowerment. You will research and propose policy recommendations aimed at creating a fairer, more equitable system for youth.
Eligibility:Â New York City residents aged 16-21
Program Dates:Â TBA
Location:Â Center for Justice Innovation, New York City, NY
Cost:Â Free, paid fellowship
Application Deadline:Â September 30
The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program allows high school students to gain 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. 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.
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students (rising 12th graders) residing in NYC’s five boroughs; applicants must provide working papers
Program Dates:Â Typically in JulyÂ
Application Deadline:Â February 7
Cost:Â Free
Location:Â Various courthouses across New York City, NY
The Ladders for Leaders Program, organized by the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, offers high school students internships with companies and organizations across various sectors. You will gain 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.
Eligibility:Â High school students (ages 16 and above) residing in NYC
Dates:Â TBA
Cost:Â FreeÂ
Location: Various locations across NYCÂ
Application Deadline: January 21
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.