15 Law Internships for High School Students
Are you a high school student passionate about law and interested in gaining real-world experience in the legal field? Internships can be an excellent way to explore your interests, build valuable skills, and get a taste of what a legal career entails. While most internships are typically reserved for college students, there are some programs specifically designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to intern in the legal sector. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to ten law internships tailored for high school students, offering a stepping stone towards a successful future in law.
15 Law Internships for High School Students
1. AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (ABA) JUDICIAL INTERN OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (JIOP)
The ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to intern with federal or state judges across the United States. This program aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession by encouraging talented students from all backgrounds to explore careers in law. Participants get hands-on experience in a court environment, observe trials, and engage in legal research.
2. AI+LAW AND POLITICS INSPIRITAI PROJECT
In the sphere of law, politics, and democracy, AI technology can parse through legal minutia and decipher the tone of speeches and news articles. In these projects, students learn the ethical implications of using AI algorithms to assist in compiling legal evidence to support a case and predict a defendant’s likelihood of reoffending among other tasks.
The AI Scholars Program at InspiritAI is a unique offering that empowers high school students around the world to apply artificial intelligence and computer science to their work across disciplines. The program emphasizes project-based learning and encourages high schoolers to seize on their interests and conduct socially-impactful research in their field of choice.
3. LEGAL OUTREACH SUMMER LAW INSTITUTE
The Legal Outreach Summer Law Institute is a transformative program for high school students from underprivileged backgrounds who aspire to pursue a legal career. This intensive six-week internship, hosted in various cities, introduces students to various legal concepts, research methodologies, and courtroom simulations. It provides them with an in-depth understanding of the legal profession while instilling confidence and a sense of empowerment.
4. ACLU SUMMER ADVOCACY PROGRAM
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) hosts a Summer Advocacy Program for high school students passionate about civil rights and social justice. This program equips participants with skills in advocacy, community organizing, and policy analysis. Students learn from experienced attorneys, attend workshops, and engage in campaigns to defend civil liberties.
5. US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The DOJ's Pathways Internship Program is designed for students from high school through graduate school, providing them with valuable work experience in various departments of the federal government. High school students can explore the legal world through internships in the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Legal Policy, and other components of the DOJ.
6. JUSTICE ENTREPRENEURS PROJECT - CHICAGO BAR FOUNDATION
The TeenLaw Program, offered by the Chicago Bar Foundation, targets high school students with a strong interest in law and aims to develop their legal skills and understanding. Participants attend workshops, interact with legal professionals, and even participate in a mock trial, gaining a comprehensive insight into the legal system.
7. CALIFORNIA STATE BAR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SECTION INTERNSHIP
If you are a high school student with a passion for environmental law, the California State Bar Environmental Law Section offers a unique internship opportunity. Interns work closely with experienced environmental attorneys, participating in research, policy analysis, and potential advocacy projects focused on environmental issues.
8. NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS (NCSC) STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The NCSC offers high school students the chance to intern at their headquarters in Williamsburg, Virginia. Through this program, interns learn about the judicial system, court administration, and gain exposure to legal research. The experience at NCSC is not only educational but also an excellent networking opportunity.
9. EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS (EJW) SUMMER CORPS PROGRAM
The EJW Summer Corps Program offers high school students the chance to work with nonprofit organizations that focus on public interest law. Interns get hands-on experience in various legal areas, such as immigration, juvenile justice, and civil rights.
10. THE CARTER CENTER - HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM
The Carter Center, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, offers a Human Rights Program for high school students aiming to make a difference in the field of human rights and international law. This program focuses on advocating for global human rights issues and gaining a broader perspective on international law and diplomacy.
11. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (HRC) YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Summary: The HRC Youth Ambassador Program provides high school students with a platform to learn about LGBTQ+ rights and legal advocacy. Selected students serve as ambassadors in their schools and communities, raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocating for inclusive policies. Through virtual training sessions, interns develop public speaking skills, engage in community organizing, and learn how to effectively communicate with lawmakers and policymakers. This program fosters a generation of LGBTQ+ activists and allies who understand the importance of the law in advancing equality and human rights.
12. CALIFORNIA INNOCENCE PROJECT (CIP) LEGAL INTERNSHIP
The CIPLegal Internship offers a transformative experience for high school students interested in criminal justice and wrongful convictions. As a highly regarded legal clinic, the CIP is dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and advocating for criminal justice reform. During this internship, students work closely with CIP attorneys and legal experts, assisting in case research, analyzing evidence, and conducting interviews with incarcerated individuals who claim innocence. Through their involvement in real-life cases, interns gain hands-on experience in criminal defense strategies, forensic analysis, and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Moreover, they develop a deep understanding of the social and ethical implications of wrongful convictions, inspiring a commitment to justice and fairness.
13. NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE’S LAW & ADVOCACY PROGRAM
This program is designed to equip young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the legal system, develop critical thinking abilities, and explore the various facets of a legal career. Through interactive workshops, seminars, and simulations, participants delve into diverse legal topics, such as constitutional law, civil rights, criminal justice, and mock trial activities. Moreover, they engage in thought-provoking discussions with legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, and policymakers, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the legal field.
14. NYU HIGH SCHOOL LAW INSTITUTE
Hosted by New York University School of Law, this institute provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in rigorous coursework, interactive workshops, and mock trial simulations, all under the guidance of experienced law professors and legal professionals. Through this program, participants gain a deep understanding of legal principles, critical thinking skills, and the practical applications of law in various fields.
During the institute, students work on case studies, participate in debates, and engage in discussions with legal practitioners, honing their advocacy skills and fostering a passion for justice. Furthermore, the institute also offers guidance on the law school admissions process, preparing students for future legal education and potential careers in law. This intensive and intellectually stimulating program equips high school students with a solid foundation in legal studies and inspires them to pursue a path in the legal profession with confidence and enthusiasm.
15. SENATE PAGE PROGRAM
The Senate Page Program provides an exceptional opportunity for high school students to experience the inner workings of the United States Senate and gain a firsthand understanding of the legislative process. As part of the program, students work as pages, assisting senators and Senate staff in various duties. Pages participate in a wide range of tasks, such as delivering important documents on the Senate floor, providing assistance during committee meetings, and supporting senators in their daily activities. This immersive experience allows students to witness the democratic process in action and witness historical events as they unfold.
Conclusion
Participating in a law internship during high school can be a life-changing experience, setting the stage for a successful legal career. These ten internship programs for high school students provide unique opportunities to explore the legal field, understand the intricacies of the justice system, and make a positive impact on society. If you have a passion for law, don't wait for college to get started on your journey—apply for one of these exceptional law internships for high school students and take the first step towards a fulfilling legal career. Remember, your dedication and determination today can shape a better and more just tomorrow.
Internships can be an excellent way to explore your interests, build valuable skills, and get a taste of what a legal career entails. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to ten law internships tailored for high school students, offering a stepping stone towards a successful future in law.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
