Best Law Internships for High School Students in 2025: Start Your Legal Journey

The journey to a legal career often begins long before students set foot in law school. For aspiring legal professionals, law internships for high school students can serve as a crucial stepping stone, providing early exposure to the complexities of the legal field and helping to shape their understanding of various career paths within law. These internships offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to develop essential skills, such as legal research, analytical thinking, and advocacy.

In 2025, the availability of law internships for high school students is expanding, with numerous organizations, firms, and government agencies opening their doors to young legal minds. Whether students are passionate about civil rights, corporate law, or government service, these internships offer an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the legal system. This guide will explore the best law internships for high school students in 2025, highlighting their significance, requirements, and how they can shape future legal careers.

The Value of Law Internships for High School Students

Why High School Students Should Consider Law Internships

The legal field is highly competitive, and gaining early experience can give students a significant advantage when applying for college, law school, or future internships. Law internships for high school students allow participants to work in real legal settings, interact with attorneys, and contribute to meaningful projects.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Exposure to Different Legal Fields: Students can explore various branches of law, such as criminal, environmental, corporate, and civil rights law.
• Skill Development: Legal internships help students enhance critical skills like research, writing, public speaking, and logical reasoning.
• Networking Opportunities: Building relationships with legal professionals can lead to mentorship and future career opportunities.
• College Applications: Law-related experience makes students stand out in college applications and scholarships.

How Law Internships for High School Students Enhance Career Readiness

By participating in law internships for high school students, young individuals gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession and what it entails. Internships allow them to witness courtroom proceedings, assist in legal research, and engage in policy discussions. This exposure helps students determine whether a legal career aligns with their interests and aspirations.

Furthermore, law internships instil professional discipline and work ethics, giving students a head start when they eventually enter higher education or the workforce. Whether the internship is at a local law firm, government office, or nonprofit organization, the experience gained is invaluable for shaping a future in law.

Top Law Internships for High School Students in 2025

The legal field offers various internship opportunities, from prestigious national programs to local initiatives. Below are some of the best law internships for high school students in 2025.

1. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Summer Law Intern Program

One of the most prestigious law internships for high school students is the U.S. Department of Justice’s Summer Law Intern Program. This competitive program allows students to work alongside attorneys and legal professionals within the federal government.

Key Features:

• Provides experience in federal law enforcement and legal proceedings.
• Allows interns to assist in research, document preparation, and case analysis.
• Offers exposure to different DOJ divisions, such as Civil Rights, Criminal Law, and Environmental Law.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to U.S. high school students interested in law and government.
• Requires a strong academic background and an interest in public service.

This program enhances students’ legal knowledge and offers invaluable networking opportunities within the federal legal system.

2. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Summer Advocacy Program

The ACLU Summer Advocacy Program is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about civil rights and social justice. This one-week intensive Washington, D.C. internship introduces students to advocacy strategies, legal research, and policy development.

Program Highlights:

• Focuses on constitutional rights, criminal justice reform, and social activism.
• Provides access to legal experts, civil rights attorneys, and policymakers.
• Offers hands-on experience in community organizing and legislative advocacy.

By participating in this program, students gain a deeper understanding of the legal battles surrounding civil liberties and human rights.

3. State and Local Bar Association Internships

Many state and local bar associations offer excellent law internships for high school students. These internships allow students to work closely with practising attorneys in law firms, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments.

Examples of Bar Association Programs:

• Nashville Bar Association: A seven-week internship that places students in law firms, government offices, and corporate legal teams.
• New York State Bar Association: Provides mentorship and hands-on experience in legal proceedings and case management.
• California Bar Association High School Internship Program: Focuses on civil law, legal research, and courtroom observations.

These programs provide students with valuable exposure to the legal industry while fostering professional relationships.

4. Law Firm Internship Opportunities

Several prestigious law firms offer law internships for high school students to introduce them to legal procedures, research methods, and case preparation.

Top Law Firms Offering Internships:

• Baker McKenzie High School Legal Internship: Provides students with a glimpse into international law and corporate litigation.
• Sidley Austin LLP Summer Internship: Focuses on legal research, case analysis, and professional development.
• Latham & Watkins High School Legal Internship: Offers experience in litigation, regulatory law, and pro bono work.

These internships are highly competitive but provide students with exceptional hands-on legal experience.

5. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Law & Advocacy Program

The NSLC Law & Advocacy Program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to develop legal skills through immersive experiences such as mock trials, debate sessions, and case analysis.

Why Choose NSLC?

• Simulates real courtroom experiences with trial preparation and jury deliberation.
• Provides mentorship from experienced attorneys and law professors.
• Helps students improve public speaking and argumentation skills.

This program is ideal for students who enjoy debate and want to refine their legal reasoning abilities.

6. Envision Law Program at Stanford University

Another prestigious program, the Envision Law Program at Stanford University, offers a ten-day intensive course that exposes students to law school-style learning and trial simulations.

Key Benefits:

• Provides hands-on experience with mock trials and legal case studies.
• Enhances students’ understanding of the legal process and court procedures.
• Prepares students for a future in law through expert-led workshops.

This program is perfect for students who want to experience a real-world legal education before college.

How to Secure a Law Internship in High School

Since law internships for high school students are highly competitive, students should take proactive steps to increase their chances of acceptance.

1. Build a Strong Application

• Maintain a high GPA and take challenging coursework, especially in government, history, and debate.
• Showcase leadership experience in extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations, debate club, or student government.
• Write a compelling personal statement expressing enthusiasm for law.

2. Network with Legal Professionals

• Attend legal seminars, court hearings, and career fairs.
• Reach out to local law firms and attorneys for shadowing opportunities.
• Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with legal professionals.

3. Gain Experience Through Volunteering

• Volunteer at legal aid organizations or courthouses.
• Participate in youth legal programs and mock trials.
• Engage in community service related to social justice and advocacy.

By following these steps, students can significantly improve their chances of securing a valuable law internship.

Conclusion

Internships offer an unparalleled opportunity for high school students aspiring to enter the legal profession to gain firsthand experience, build professional connections, and develop essential legal skills. From prestigious programs at the Department of Justice and ACLU to immersive experiences at bar associations, law firms, and leadership conferences, there are numerous law internships for high school students to explore in 2025.

These internships enhance students’ understanding of the legal system and help them determine whether a legal career aligns with their passions. By taking advantage of these opportunities, high school students can lay a strong foundation for their future in law.

If you’re a high school student considering a career in law, start researching and applying for these incredible internships today. The experiences gained will shape your educational journey and open doors to a successful legal career!