The DOI Pathways Program
Responsibilities: The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) offers paid internships for students from high school to the graduate level. Interns work within various DOI agencies, gaining experience related to their academic field or desired career.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to students from high school to graduate level.
- Application Deadline: Varies.
- Duration: Varies.
The DOI Pathways Program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain insight into public and environmental policy. Depending on the agency, interns can work part-time or full-time, getting hands-on experience in their chosen field. The program can even lead to permanent or temporary job positions under certain conditions.
California Innocence Project Legal Internship
Responsibilities: This program requires interns to work in person in the California Innocence Project’s San Diego office. Interns have flexible hours but are encouraged to work 15 to 35 hours a week.
Internship Eligibility: Open to students interested in criminal law or post-conviction law.
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: March 1st Fall: July 1st
Spring: November 1st - Duration: N/A
The California Innocence Project Legal Internship provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in criminal law. While the time commitment may be challenging during the school year, the summer session offers invaluable experience.
National Student Leadership Conference’s Law & Advocacy Program
Responsibilities: An introductory program that allows students to simulate a criminal trial, visit a law school, and meet with legal experts.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12.
- Application Deadline: N/A.
- Duration: Nine days.
The National Student Leadership Conference’s Law & Advocacy Program is more of an introductory experience than a traditional internship. However, it offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of law, visit prestigious universities, and engage in legal simulations.
Passport to Work Youth Employment Services Program
Responsibilities: Exposes D.C. high school students to the inner workings of a legal career, focusing on skills like communication and time management.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to D.C. high school students.
- Application Deadline: N/A.
- Duration: N/A.
The Passport to Work Youth Employment Services Program is a paid internship program designed to help high school students understand the skills required for a successful legal career. While tasks may be more clerical, the program provides invaluable exposure to the legislative process.
Internship with Congresswoman Lucy McBath
Responsibilities: Provides first-hand law experience through internships in government offices. Interns attend hearings, research, draft materials, and answer calls from constituents.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to high school students.
- Application Deadline: Rolling.
- Duration: N/A.
Interning under government officials, such as Congresswoman Lucy McBath, offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into public policy. Interns can witness the inner workings of a congressional office and receive stipends for their work.
National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI
Responsibilities: Offers a program with a focus on either legal or criminal science investigation careers. Allows high schoolers to observe proceedings and participate in a mock trial.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to high school students.
- Application Deadline: N/A.
- Duration: Six days.
The National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) provides an introductory program for high school students interested in law and criminal science investigation careers. While it has a cost, the program is valuable for those passionate about a legal career.
NYU High School Law Institute
Responsibilities: Offers Saturday classes taught by NYU Law and undergraduate students, covering topics like constitutional law, criminal law, and moot court.
- Internship Eligibility: Open to high school students.
- Application Deadline: N/A.
- Duration:
Fall Semester: September through November
Spring: January through February
The NYU High School Law Institute provides high school students with the opportunity to attend free classes, exploring various aspects of the law. The institute includes a College Day and Graduation, which introduce students to the college process and engage them in mock trials and moot court competitions.
- State Bar Association of North Dakota High School Mock Trial Program
Responsibilities: Introduces high schoolers to the American legal system, emphasizing mock trials and critical thinking skills.
Internship Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Application Deadline: January 9.
Duration: N/A.
The State Bar Association of North Dakota offers the High School Mock Trial Program, which provides high school students with a hands-on experience in the American legal system. It prepares students to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Championship, offering a competitive edge.
- Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Responsibilities: Offers internships for Atlanta-area high school students interested in learning more about the legal profession.
Internship Eligibility: Open to Atlanta-area high school students.
Application Deadline: May 5.
Duration: Eight weeks (June through July).
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program has been providing internships for high school students for over three decades. This eight-week paid internship offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession and allows participants to build essential mentor relationships.
- Constitutional Rights Foundation’s Expanding Horizons Institute
Responsibilities: Provides civic engagement and exposure to professional career paths, focusing on students from Title I schools with parents who haven’t attended college.
Internship Eligibility: Open to students from Title I schools.
Application Deadline: N/A.
Duration: April through August.
The Constitutional Rights Foundation’s Expanding Horizons Institute is dedicated to preparing students for college and offering exposure to professional career paths. It’s a valuable opportunity for networking and guidance towards a career in law.
- Senate Page Program
Responsibilities: Pages are responsible for delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex, gaining unparalleled insights into the legislative branch of government.
Internship Eligibility: Must be at least a high school junior, 16 years old, and enrolled in school.
Application Deadline: Varies.
Duration:
Fall: September through January
Spring: January through June
Summer: Two summer sessions ranging from three to four weeks depending on the legislative calendar.
The Senate Page Program is one of the most prestigious internships available to high school students. It offers a unique perspective on the legislative branch of government and provides insights into the daily operations of the Senate.
- Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Responsibilities: Prepares diverse New York City high schoolers for a career in law, offering career training, panels, and networking events.
Internship Eligibility: Open to diverse high school students in New York City.
Application Deadline: Varies.
Duration: April through August.
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program is dedicated to helping diverse high school students in New York City pursue a legal career. It provides valuable exposure and networking opportunities, along with essential training.
- The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York Student Internship
Responsibilities: Offers a variety of unpaid internships at Brooklyn and Central Islip offices, available to students from high school to graduate levels.
Internship Eligibility: Open to students from high school to graduate levels.
Application Deadline: Rolling.
Duration: N/A.
The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York provides numerous unpaid internships for students interested in various aspects of the legal field. This experience is crucial for those considering pre-law, criminal justice, or related fields.
- San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Undergrad/High School Internship
Responsibilities: Allows high schoolers and undergraduates to explore various opportunities within the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.
Internship Eligibility: Open to high schoolers and undergraduates interested in criminal justice.
Application Deadline: N/A.
Duration: N/A.
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office provides an unpaid internship that enables high school students and undergraduates to gain insights into the criminal justice system. It’s a valuable opportunity for those interested in this field.
- Law Office of the Public Defender, Broward County, Summer Justice Internship Program
Responsibilities: Offers a two-week internship for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, providing exposure to various aspects of the criminal justice system.
Internship Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Broward County.
Application Deadline: May 1.
Duration: Two weeks.
The Law Office of the Public Defender in Broward County offers a unique two-week internship for high school students. Participants are exposed to various aspects of the criminal justice system, including court proceedings, law enforcement, and the medical examiner’s office. The program concludes with a mock trial.
These are just the first 15 of the best 20 law internships available for high school students in 2023. Let’s continue exploring the remaining five opportunities in the next section.
FAQ
To provide additional insights into the best law internships for high school students in 2023, let’s address some frequently asked questions that aspiring young lawyers might have.
- What are the advantages of participating in a law internship during high school?
Participating in a law internship during high school offers several advantages. It provides a firsthand look into the legal profession, helping you confirm your interest in law. Additionally, it enhances your college applications by demonstrating your commitment to pursuing a legal career.
- Are these internships paid or unpaid?
The nature of these internships varies. Some are paid, while others are unpaid. It’s essential to check the specific internship program for information on compensation.
- Do I need prior legal knowledge to apply for these internships?
Most of these internships are designed for high school students with an interest in law. While prior legal knowledge can be beneficial, it’s not always a requirement.
- Are these internships available nationwide, or are they limited to specific regions?
These internships are offered in various regions and may be specific to certain areas or organizations. It’s important to review the eligibility criteria and application information for each program to determine if it’s available in your area.
- Can these internships help me build connections in the legal field?
Yes, participating in these internships provides an excellent opportunity to build valuable connections in the legal field. Networking with professionals and mentors can open doors to future educational and career opportunities.
- How can I find scholarships to cover the costs of certain programs that require tuition?
To find scholarships to cover the costs of programs that require tuition, you can explore various scholarship databases, consult your high school’s counseling office, and search for scholarships offered by organizations related to the legal profession. Many scholarships are available for aspiring lawyers.
Final Thoughts
Participating in a law internship during high school is an exceptional way to explore your passion for the legal field, gain hands-on experience, and build essential skills. The best 20 law internships for high school students in 2023 offer diverse opportunities, from introductory programs to immersive experiences within government offices and law firms.
Whether you’re interested in criminal law, legislative operations, or civil rights advocacy, there’s an internship program tailored to your aspirations. These experiences not only provide a glimpse into the legal world but also pave the way for a successful future in law. So, if you’re considering a career in the legal profession, take advantage of these invaluable opportunities to shape your path towards becoming a lawyer.
As you explore these internship programs, be sure to check their specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and compensation details. And remember, each of these experiences offers more than just a resume boost; they provide the knowledge and connections that can set you on the path to a successful legal career.