Searching for Law Internships for High School Students

Hey, I'm interested in law and planning on pursuing it in college. I'd love to get some hands-on experience before then. Anyone know of law internships that are open to high school students? Preferably near me, of course, but any lead will be appreciated!

Absolutely, getting hands-on experience with law internships can be a great way to build skills and gain insights into the profession. There are a few steps you could consider:

1) Local Law Firms: If you live in a city or have access to urban areas, there are likely several law firms nearby you could approach for internships or even job shadowing opportunities. Many lawyers are more than happy to mentor aspiring law professionals, and you might be surprised by how willing they are to offer opportunities to high school students. You can reach out by identifying firms via a Google search and then connect directly via phone call or email.

2) Non-Profit Organizations and Legal Clinics: Many non-profits, think tanks, and legal aid clinics could appreciate extra help. This is generally more administrative work but it could give you a taste of the realities of law practice. NGOs or nonprofits that focus on areas you’re specifically interested in, like human rights, the environment, or public policy, are good places to start.

3) Summer Law Programs: There are also pre-college summer programs that offer law coursework for high school students. Most of these programs include mock trial experiences, meeting with legal professionals, and studying constitutional law. Universities like Georgetown and Stanford offer such initiatives, usually on campus but some are also available online.

4) Local, State, and Federal Government: Local or state government offices, courthouses, and even your local congressman or woman’s office might have internship positions available. Submitting applications to these institutions could result in interesting opportunities.

5) Virtual Internships: Due to the pandemic, many internships have morphed into virtual opportunities. Search for those that even if not within your geographical vicinity, can give you invaluable experience. Remote internships also typically offer more flexible hours, which can be easier to balance with school work.

Remember to have your resume and a cover letter ready when you reach out. These documents should be specifically tailored for each situation, so do your research on the firm or organization before applying.

Good luck, this is a brave and ambitious initiative!