Some may think that their pursuit of a law career only begins in college and graduate school, and rightfully so.

Aspiring law school students typically don't set foot in a law firm for an internship or shadowing until college, and oftentimes even beyond.

However, don't worry—there's actually many law internships out there that help high schoolers gain practical experience in law and poke their head inside the legal field.

In this post, we cover top law internships and law-centric opportunities for high school students in 2024, including overviews, key dates, eligibility, and more.

1. Senate Page Program About: One of the most prestigious law internships, this program selects 30 students each year for a residential stay at Capitol Hill.

These students, appointed "Pages," work closely with a U.

S.

Senator, and engage in daily activities from delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol to preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions.

Eligibility: Juniors in high school ages 16-17 on or before day of appointment, citizens/permanent residents of the U.

S, minimum cumulative GPA of

3. 0, covered by health insurance Application Components: Varies between senators' offices, but usually includes letter of interest from applicant, official transcript, letters of recommendation.

Students write directly to senators to request to be considered for a Page position.

Deadline varies across offices.

Dates: 2024 program dates are split across 4 sessions, listed below.

Spring: January 28

- June 07 Summer Session I: June 09

- June 21 Summer Session II: July 21

- August 02 Fall: Early September

- Late January Cost: $780/month for room and board, plus two meals a day in the program

2. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internships Program  Description: Next, this law internship is specific to high school students residing in the greater Atlanta area.

Students are selected to participate in a 6-week internship in local law firms, government agencies, and corporations to foster their passion for the practice of law.

Participants are paid a $2,000 stipend.

Eligibility: Current seniors or juniors in high school Application Components: Online application including listing work/extracurricular activities, 600-word essay (What accomplishment in your life are you the most proud of and why?), resume, in-person interview.

Deadline lies in around late March.

Dates: May to July of each year Cost: Free.

3. Law Links Internship Description: Similar to the above opportunity, this internship is specific to Baltimore City high school students.

Students are matched with law firms and related agencies and work full-time for 5 days a week.

Participants are paid $15/hour.

The program includes a 50-hour educational seminar held at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

Eligibility: Sophomore/Junior year of high school, attend a Baltimore City public high school and reside in Baltimore City Application Components: 1-page letter of interest, transcript, school attendance record, 3 letters of recommendation, application form, YouthWorks application verification form.

Deadline falls on April each year.

Dates: June 24

- August 9 2024 Cost: Free.

4. Summer Justice Internship Program About: Based in Florida, this program caters to students who have an interest in law and have displayed a high aptitude for law-centric careers.

Students participate in a 2-week internship program and shadow attorneys throughout the day, observe court proceedings, and watch trials and hearings.

Additionally, community service hours will be awarded to participants.

Eligibility: Completed 9th grade at a High school located in Broward County, Florida, between 15-18 years old.

Additionally, must have cumulative GPA of

2. 0 or higher.

Application Components: 2 letters of recommendation, online application.

Due May 1st of 202

4. Dates: Candidates will be notified the 4th Week of May.

Cost: Free.

5. CIS Summer Law Internships About: Sponsored by the Houston Bar Association, this program offers a 8-week learning experience for Houston-area high school juniors and seniors.

Students intern at Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies.

Eligibility: Juniors/Seniors attending high schools supported by CIS of Houston Dates: Program runs from June 10 to August

2. Cost: Free

6. Dallas Bar Summer Law Intern Program About: Sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association, this law internship provides 4-8 week internships during the summer that can be full or part-time.

This program pairs high school students with law firms and corporate legal departments throughout the Dallas-area.

Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors during the current school year with academic average of 85 or above, no more than 10 absences, interested in studying law preferred Application Components: 100+ word essay, cover letter and resume outlining your experience and accomplishments, one reference form from a teacher, counselor, school administrator, or employer.

Includes interview round.

Due around April each year.

Dates: Vary, but all occur over the summer Cost: Free.

7. Stanford Envision Law Program About: Hosted by Stanford Law School, this law opportunity invites students to the Stanford campus in Bay Area for an immersive 10-day program to learn from legal personnel, develop essential legal skills, and prepare for a mock trial case.

Eligibility: High school student based in the U.

S.

Application Components: Online enrollment form Dates: Three cohorts are offered over the summer.

June 24

- July 3 July 6

- 15 July 17

- 26 Cost: $5,145 (financial assistance available).

Includes room & board, transportation during the program, and other materials.

8. Judicial Youth Corps Program About: This 6-week program aims to teach students about the Massachusetts court system and rule of law.

High schoolers are mentored by judges, lawyers, and other personnel, and participate in mock trials, field trips, and group discussions.

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 based in Boston, Springfield and Worcester.

Additionally, students must be in good academic standing.

Application Components: Online application form, four short essay questions, and 1 letter of recommendation.

Deadline falls on late March.

Dates: Monday July 8 – Friday August 16, 2024 Cost: Free Law Internships for High Schoolers—Concluding Remarks In this post, we provided the top 8 law internships and law-adjacent opportunities for high schoolers in 202

4. Gaining practical work experience as a high schooler within the field of law opens up numerous opportunities.

Additionally, students get a head start in their pre-law journey and leave with indelible memories and experiences.

However, if your intellectual curiosity isn't specific to only law, check out these 50+ opportunities in STEM in this curated, comprehensive guide.

Remember, high school internships can not only be beneficial to place on college applications, but can also provide students with valuable experiences and opportunities for growth.

Best of luck in your journey!.