Free Pre-Law Programs for High Schoolers

Attending pre-law programs can be invaluable for high school students considering a future in the legal field. These programs offer a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of law and the judicial system, providing students with a foundational understanding of legal principles and practices. Engaging in pre-law education at an early stage not only enhances critical thinking and analytical skills but also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and ethical reasoning. Furthermore, these programs often provide exposure to real-world legal scenarios, mentorship from experienced professionals, and networking opportunities that can significantly benefit students as they pursue higher education and careers in law. By participating in pre-law programs, high schoolers can better prepare themselves for the challenges and demands of law school, ultimately positioning themselves for success in their future endeavors.

Impact of Programs on College Admissions

Participating in specialized programs can significantly enhance a student's college admissions prospects by providing unique experiences and skills that distinguish them from other applicants. These programs often offer opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and hands-on learning in specific fields, which can be highlighted in college applications and essays. Furthermore, students who engage in such programs may develop strong relationships with mentors and professionals, leading to valuable letters of recommendation. Additionally, the knowledge and skills gained through these programs can help students perform better on standardized tests and in advanced coursework, making them more competitive candidates for their desired colleges and universities. Overall, these experiences not only enrich a student's academic profile but also demonstrate a commitment to personal and intellectual development, which is highly valued in the college admissions process.

Here's the list!

1. Senate Youth Program

   Cost: Free

   Location: Washington, D.C.

   Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

   Program Dates: March 7-14, 2026

   
   

   Qualified high school junior or seniors must show demonstrated leadership by serving in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing or previously represented a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs and community service. They must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions, enrolled in high school and living in the state (and for these purposes the District of Columbia) that they will represent for the entire 2025 – 2026 academic year.  All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators. 

   
   

   The 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week will be in Washington, D.C. March 7 – 14, 2026. The national deadline for all states to submit their delegate selections is December 1, 2025. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Students must be actively serving in high-level elected or appointed leadership positions to qualify to apply (see How to Apply).

   Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as usually participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. To apply, please contact your state selection contact.

   
   

2. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation—Law Track

   Cost: The program is fully funded!

   Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

   Application Deadline: 4 annual cohorts run in fall, spring, summer, and winter

   Program Dates: Vary based on cohort

   Eligibility:

   • You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall 

   • Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: Accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

   • No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

   
   

   The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost. Students interested in law can choose the program’s law track. 

   
   

3.  UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)

   Location: Penn Carey School of Law, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

   Program Dates: 4 weeks in July

   Application Deadline: Spring (exact dates to be announced)

   Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th grade students attending a Philadelphia high school (or surrounding counties) 

   Cost: None

   
   

   The Provost Summer Mentorship Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a four-week summer opportunity for first-generation and underrepresented high school students from Philadelphia. You will select one of five professional schools at UPenn, including the Carey Law School. For those interested in law, this means learning about the journey to becoming a lawyer and understanding the impact of the legal system on society through hands-on activities and discussions.

   
   

   Beyond academics, the program offers practical resources to help you prepare for college and future careers. You will receive support in areas such as test preparation, financial literacy, essential life skills, and guidance for the college application process. Additionally, you will benefit from daily lunches, SEPTA TransPasses for easy transportation, and a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

   
   

4. Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) by the Atlanta Bar Association

   Location: Atlanta, GA

   Program Dates: TBA

   Application Deadline: Applications will be released in Spring

   Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools

   Cost: None; interns receive a stipend of $2,000

   
   

   Founded in 1993, the Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) provides high school students with a challenging experience aimed at achieving four main objectives: offering hands-on work experience, deepening legal knowledge, building mentor relationships within the legal community, and supporting diversity in law. In this selective internship, you will gain practical exposure to the legal field while engaging in thought-provoking discussions on legal topics. Weekly sessions with guest speakers add depth to the experience, offering insights into various areas of law and the justice system. 

   
   

   In addition to your internship responsibilities, SLIP includes an academic component with legal studies and weekly assignments. A central feature of the program is the Terrence Croft Essay Competition, where participants write a 750-word essay analyzing a U.S. Supreme Court case. This combination of professional practice and academic challenge will help you hone essential skills in critical thinking, legal research, and writing.

   
   

5. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

   Location: Manhattan, NY

   Program Dates: TBA

   Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January and are due in the Spring

   Eligibility: Students currently in their sophomore, junior, or senior years enrolled in a Manhattan high school 

   Cost: None; interns receive a minimum wage stipend

   
   

   The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program offers a five-week experience that provides students with a comprehensive look into the criminal justice system. Interns in this program participate in workshops and discussions on important topics, including criminal justice reform, police practices, civic involvement, and leadership. Additionally, you will gain valuable insights into the work of legal professionals and receive a stipend of $175 per week.

   
   

   A key feature of the program is the mock trial experience, where you will take on roles in simulated legal proceedings. This allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of courtroom processes and case preparation as well as develop public speaking skills as you present and argue cases.

   
   

6.  Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

   Location: Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, MA 

   Program Dates: 6 weeks, typically in July-August

   Application Deadline: Applications will open in Spring

   Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in 10, 11, and 12 grades in Boston, Worcester, or Springfield high schools

   Cost: None

   
   

   The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program, offered by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, provides a six-week summer internship for high school students. Running from July to August, this program combines hands-on experience in local courthouses with educational sessions hosted by judges, attorneys, clerks, and probation officers. You will participate in interactive activities such as mock trials, shadowing professionals, field trips, and group discussions, all aimed at enhancing your grasp of legal principles and the justice system.

   
   

   As part of JYC, you will participate in paid internships at courthouses in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, gaining practical insights into daily judicial operations. Weekly educational sessions allow you to engage with legal experts and reinforce the skills and knowledge gained on the job. 

   
   

7.  Law Links Internship by the Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW)

   Location: Baltimore, MD

   Program Dates: June 23 – August 8

   Application Deadline: April 5. Click here for the application form

   Eligibility: Students currently in their sophomore or junior years enrolled in a Baltimore City high school 

   Cost: None; interns are paid $15/hour

   
   

   The Maryland Youth and The Law (MYLAW) Law Links Internship is a seven-week summer program that gives Baltimore City public high school students an introduction to the legal field. During the program, you will work full-time from Monday to Friday at various law firms and legal agencies, taking on tasks such as assisting attorneys with case preparation, conducting research, and observing court proceedings.

   
   

   In addition, you will participate in the "Law & Leadership Institute," a 50-hour seminar that meets weekly to cover topics like workplace etiquette, leadership skills, and financial literacy. The program begins with a 2.5-day orientation at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and continues with weekly sessions focused on core legal concepts, professional behavior, and leadership skills essential for career success. To ensure all interns have professional attire, MYLAW provides clothing from Ann Taylor or Joseph A. Banks.

   
   

8. Summer Law Institute (SLI) Program 

   Location: Multiple law schools and institutes in New York City, NY

   Program Dates: First week of July – first week of August

   Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis 

   Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island 

   Cost: None; students receive a stipend (amount not specified) upon successful completion of the program

   
   

   The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is an intensive five-week program that introduces students to the field of law through an exploration of criminal justice topics and activities led by law students. You will engage with practicing attorneys, tour legal institutions, and build skills by acting as advocates in a mock trial. The program concludes with a capstone mock trial event, where you will present cases before actual judges, giving you the chance to apply your new skills in a real courtroom environment. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the College Bound program, a four-year initiative that supports students in their journey to higher education.

   
   

9. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

   Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and University of Maryland, College Park, MD

   Program Dates: June 22 – July 26

   Application Deadline: December 3

   Eligibility: Students in their sophomore and junior years of high school across the world are invited to apply; however, TASS does not provide any assistance with visas or international travel

   Cost: None

   
   

   The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is a highly competitive, fully-funded summer program with an acceptance rate of around 5%, offering an enriching intellectual experience focused on social justice and critical thinking. TASS is divided into two distinct tracks: Critical Black Studies (TASS-CBS) and Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS). 

   
   

   TASS-CBS delves into African history, politics, and cultural dynamics, while TASS-AOS addresses systems of oppression, including white supremacy and patriarchy. You will participate in college-level seminars, analyze films, and write thought-provoking essays that encourage critical thinking. With faculty-led discussions, collaborative projects, and lectures, TASS provides a stimulating academic environment.

   
   

   In addition to academic engagement, TASS emphasizes community-building and collaborative decision-making. You will contribute to group projects and service activities. Under the guidance of faculty and resident advisors, TASS fosters leadership skills and a dedication to social justice, which can be useful for students who want to pursue law. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.  

   
   

10. New York City Bar's Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)

    
    

    Location: Various law firms and legal organizations in New York City

    Program dates: Typically June - August (exact dates vary)

    Application deadline: Applications typically close in January.

    Eligibility: Students enrolled in NYC public high schools can apply.

    
    

    The New York City Bar’s Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) is designed to provide diverse high school students from NYC with exposure to the legal field. Upon selection, you will first undergo a rigorous three-part Pre-Employment Training designed to strengthen your professional skills and ensure you are prepared for your upcoming role. Next, you will be placed in a professional setting with legal employers, assisting with tasks such as filing, record keeping, data entry, and document organization. 

    
    

    Interns of this program also participate in several professional development workshops, including the Speed Networking program, which offers comprehensive networking training followed by a series of speed sessions where you get to connect with volunteer attorneys in a fast-paced, interactive setting. Another critical element is the Diverse Career Opportunities Panel, where attorneys from various legal fields share insights into their career paths and offer guidance to aspiring professionals in a small group setting. This internship is a paid opportunity, offering compensation between $15-$21 per hour.

    
    

11. Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association

    Location: Dallas, TX

    Program dates: 4 weeks full-time or 8 weeks part-time (determined by the employer)

    Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.

    Eligibility: High school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above and residing in Independent School Districts in Dallas can apply.

    
    

    The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) at the Dallas Bar Association is an invaluable opportunity for high school students in the Dallas area to gain some early legal experience. During the 4- to 8-week internship, you will be placed in law firms, non-profit organizations, or corporate legal departments where you can assist with tasks such as data entry, filing, customer service, and legal documentation. The program is moderately selective - to qualify, you must have a minimum academic average of a B and rank in the top 10-20% of your class. 

    
    

    In addition to academic excellence, you will also participate in extracurricular activities such as debates, mock trials, sports like wrestling and softball, JROTC, and volunteer work with civic organizations. This program emphasizes both practical work experience and educational development, featuring activities organized by the Dallas Bar Association. As an intern, you will not only gain exposure to the legal profession but also develop important professional skills such as bilingual communication, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and document management. 

    
    

    Depending on the employer’s needs, you may work full-time over 4 weeks or part-time across 8 weeks, earning $1,280 or $2,560, respectively. The program concludes with a reception that celebrates the students' achievements and offers networking opportunities within the legal community.

    
    
    
    

12. Student Internships at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York

    Location: Brooklyn and Central Islip offices, NY

    Program dates: Typically in the summer, varies depending on the employer.

    Application deadline: Rolling admissions until full

    Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled in accredited high schools can apply.

    
    

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York offers a volunteer internship program for students interested in various fields, such as pre-law and criminal justice. As an intern, you can apply for specialized positions in either the Brooklyn or Central Islip offices, where you will engage in meaningful projects that align with your career aspirations. Each role provides students with unique experiences, from assisting the Automated Litigation Support team with case preparation and courtroom setups to contributing to the Library Legal Information and Resource Center.

    
    

    Interns may work in specialized placements such as Automated Litigation Support, Library Legal Information and Resource Center, and Paralegal-Legal Studies. If you are a part of the legal studies or paralegal track, you will get to work closely with experienced attorneys and litigation professionals, gaining hands-on experience in trial preparation, legal research, and case management. This immersive experience helps enhance your understanding of federal legal processes and allows you to develop critical skills in legal writing, analysis, and teamwork. 

    
    

13. Justice Camp

    Eligibility: Grades 9 – 10

    Cost: Free

    Location: New Orleans, LA

    
    

    Justice Camp is one of the summer programs hosted by the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Students will learn about free speech, the court system, and bias in jury trials right inside of the federal courthouse! You’ll even participate in a mock trial and gain advocacy skills.