Written by Christopher Parsons, M.A. in English, Founder of The College Planning Center. With over 25 years in education, Christopher has guided thousands of families through the admissions journey.
How to Get Started
Getting an internship in law while you’re still in high school is a great way to learn about the field, get better at your job, and make your college applications stronger. The College Planning Center helps high school students find law internships for high school students at law firms, government offices, and other legal opportunities.
This guide will show you how to find, apply for, and succeed in summer law internships for high school students, FBI internships for high school students, or even international programs such as United Nations high school internships.
The Benefits of Law Internships
High school legal internships give students hands-on experience working in law offices, courts, government agencies, or international organizations. Interns gain:
- Exposure to legal jobs and responsibilities
- Opportunities to network with professionals
- Enhancement of college applications
- Improvement of research, writing, and communication skills
The College Planning Center has seen how law internships for high school students help students clarify career goals and build confidence in professional settings.
Different Types of Law Internships for High School Students
Law Office Internships for Teens
Some law firms have shadowing or internship programs where students assist with research, attend court sessions, and learn about legal procedures. Paid and unpaid opportunities are often available in metropolitan areas.
Government Internships for High Schoolers
Sometimes, high school students can work as interns in government offices, district attorneys’ offices, and public defenders’ offices. These programs teach students about making laws, public policy, and how courtrooms work.
Summer Law Internships
High school students can engage in summer law internships for high school students lasting 6–10 weeks. Most programs have mentoring, workshops, and chances to do legal research and casework.
Internships with the FBI for High School Students
The FBI has programs that teach students about law enforcement, criminal investigations, cybersecurity, and how federal law enforcement works.
White House Internships for High School Students
Some White House programs take high school interns who are interested in law, government, and public policy. Interns do policy briefs, research projects, and administrative work.
International Law Internships
Students can learn about human rights and global law through programs like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees internship or United Nations high school internships.
When to Send In Your Application
The timing is very important. Most programs let you apply months in advance:
- Programs for the summer: Apply from December to March
- Internships that roll over: Start 2 to 3 months before your desired start date
- Internships with the government or other countries have different deadlines, so check official sites often
Knowing the deadlines for high school law internships helps make applications strong and competitive.
How to Help High School Students Get Law Internships
Resources for Schools and Communities
Students can get internships at local law firms, courts, and government offices through their high school counselors, law clubs, and community groups. The College Planning Center works with other organizations to connect students with real opportunities.
Websites That Can Help You Find Internships
Websites like Idealist, InternshipPrograms.com, and GoAbroad list internships in the US and internationally. Use these along with The College Planning Center’s internship finder to locate legal internships for high school students.
Getting Help and Meeting New People
Parents, mentors, and community members can help uncover opportunities. Attending workshops, law camps, and pre-college programs increases your chances of securing a law internship.
How to Apply
- Read application deadlines carefully
- Customize each resume and cover letter for each internship
- Request letters of recommendation early
- Research the organization thoroughly and prepare for interviews
- Demonstrate interest in law, public service, or policy
What Not to Do
- Submit generic applications
- Wait until the last minute
- Display unprofessional behavior on social media
- Fail to follow application instructions
🧠 FAQs - How to Find, Apply for, and Get a Law Internship
Law firm internships, government offices, FBI internships, White House internships, and UN internships.
Some programs provide stipends, but many focus on mentoring, skill-building, and college readiness.
Most applications open December–March. Check federal and international program deadlines individually.
Yes. Some high school students can apply for programs like UNHCR internships or United Nations high school internships.
It helps high school students find real law internships for high school students, supports them with applications, and prepares them for interviews.
Most summer programs last 6–10 weeks and include mentoring, workshops, and hands-on legal work.
Not always. Many programs welcome students who show curiosity, dedication, and willingness to learn.
Yes. Some programs, especially federal or international internships, offer remote or virtual options.
Tailor resumes and cover letters to each program, submit applications early, request strong recommendation letters, and show genuine interest in law, governance, or public service.
Yes. Some programs focus on criminal law, corporate law, human rights, government policy, or international law through organizations like the FBI, White House, or UN.
Conclusion
High school students who participate in law internships for high school students gain hands-on legal experience, develop transferable skills, and strengthen their academic and professional profiles. Programs offered through the College Planning Center make it easier to locate legitimate opportunities, refine applications, and connect with mentors.
The first step toward a future career in law is securing your first internship. Start early, stay organized, and leverage resources like the College Planning Center to make it happen.
Special thanks to Christopher Parsons for writing this blog post.
Christopher has a strong educational background, including Doctoral studies in English Literature and Creative Writing, a Master’s Degree in English, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History. He also has a background in Mass Communications and Public Relations/Marketing.
He has successfully won scholarship offers from prestigious schools and over $250,000 in grants and scholarships. His real-world personal experience resonates well with today’s students.
