Top 15 Law Summer Programs for High School Students in 2025-2026

According to the American Bar Association, the average lawyer’s wage increased by nearly 20% from 2021 to 2023, making the field more competitive than ever. Law summer programs allow you to explore legal work early through case studies, mock trials, and argument practice, and these can help you decide if law is the right path before committing to it in college.

This blog breaks down the top 15 law summer programs for high school students. You’ll see what each program offers, who can apply, and what makes them worth your time. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which programs fit your interests and how to get started.

• What Are the Best Law Summer Programs for High School Students?
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Politics of Law & Economics (PLE)
• Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy
• Georgetown Summer Academy: Law Academy
• Just the Beginning (JTB): Summer Legal Institute (SLI)
• Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program
• National Bar Association (NBA) Crump Law Camp
• Stanford Intensive Law & Trial
• Rutgers Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy
• National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Law & Advocacy
• NYU SPS High School Academy (Career Edge): Criminal Justice
• New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (NOFBA) Justice Camp
• Wake Forest Summer Immersion Law Institute
• USC Summer Programs: Legal Reasoning and Argumentation
• UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute
• UConn Pre-College Summer: Pre-Law
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Law Summer Programs for High School Students?

Law summer programs give you early exposure to legal topics and different areas of law, helping you decide if a legal career fits your interests. Below, we’ll explore 15 of the best law summer programs for high school students, with key details on eligibility, location, and dates.

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Politics of Law & Economics (PLE)

• Dates: June 21–July 3, 2026 (Session I); July 5–17, 2026 (Session II); July 19–31, 2026 (Session III)
• Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
• Cost: $7,000 per two-week session (need-based financial aid available)

The Politics of Law & Economics (PLE) track at Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is one of Yale’s top summer programs for high school students. The program explores how laws, governments, and economic systems work together. You’ll study topics such as public policy, human rights, and international relations while learning how to analyze real-world issues.

Classes are small, discussion-based, and taught by Yale faculty and visiting instructors. Sample seminar topics include:

• The Good Life After the Age of Growth – Daniel Markovits
• Silver Democracy: Youth Representation in an Aging Japan – Charles McClean
• An Introduction to Originalism as a Framework for Constitutional Interpretation
• Arbitration as an Alternative to Court
• Satire and Politics: Using Satirical Techniques to Make a Political Argument

Because of its reputation, admission is competitive. In 2024, more than 10,000 students applied, and only about 1,800 were accepted, for an acceptance rate of roughly 18%. To stand out, you’ll need to put together the strongest application you can.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, read our complete guide to Yale Young Global Scholars.

2. Penn Carey Law Pre‑College Academy

• Dates: July 12–31, 2026 (Residential); July 13–31, 2026 (Commuter)
• Location: UPenn Carey Law School, Philadelphia, PA
• Cost: $9,899 (residential) and $6,299 (commuter), with limited need- and merit-based scholarships available

The Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy allows high school students to study in a law school environment at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Over three weeks, you take classes taught by law professors and legal professionals while also visiting courtrooms and law firms to see how legal work happens in practice.

During the first two weeks, students participate in an accelerated version of a first-year law school curriculum covering core subjects of the U.S. legal system. In the third week, the program shifts to specialized areas of law. Topics may include corporate law, environmental law, human rights and immigration law, and technology, privacy, and intellectual property law.

Admission to the Pre-College Academy is selective and based on academic performance, interest in law, and leadership experience. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and space is limited, so we strongly recommend applying early.

3. Georgetown Summer Academy: Law Academy

• Dates: June 21–27, 2026 (Law Academy I); July 12–18, 2026 (Law Academy II); July 26–August 1, 2026 (Law Academy III)
• Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
• Cost: $3,725 (residential) and $3,095 (commuter), with limited need-based scholarships available

Georgetown’s Law Academy introduces high school students to how the legal system works through college-level classes taught by university faculty and legal professionals. Each day, students take part in lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities exploring topics like punishment for minors and adults, victim and prisoner rights, arrests and sentencing, constitutional law, the jury system, criminal justice debates, legal careers, and Supreme Court cases.

This Georgetown summer program is open to students in grades 8–12 with a GPA of at least 2.0. After completing the program, students receive a Certificate of Participation and a noncredit academic transcript with a grade of Pass, Fail, or Withdrawn.

An important thing to remember is that admission alone doesn’t guarantee a seat in the program. Registration is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’ll need to complete registration and submit tuition payment to secure your spot.

4. Just the Beginning (JTB): Summer Legal Institute (SLI)

• Dates: June 22–26, 2026 (San Diego); July 13–17, 2026 (Washington, DC); Dates TBA (Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle)
• Location: San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA
• Cost: Free

The Summer Legal Institute (SLI) is a short, multi-day program that introduces high school students to legal careers through hands-on activities with attorneys and judges. The program is offered in several cities, including San Diego, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. Each location runs its own activities based on local partners and available resources.

In San Diego, students focus on negotiation skills. Throughout the week, they practice various negotiation strategies and participate in a final negotiation exercise. In Washington, D.C., students attend a mock law school class and compete in an oral argument exercise, where they’re assigned a client based on a fact pattern and present their argument at the end of the week.

Details for the Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle sessions haven’t been released yet, but registration is expected to open soon. If you’re interested in these locations, make sure to check the program’s official website for updates.

5. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program

• Dates: July–August 2026 (6-week session)
• Location: Massachusetts courts in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester
• Cost: Paid courthouse internship and paid Friday educational sessions

The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program is a six-week paid law internship that teaches high school students how the Massachusetts court system works and how the rule of law is applied in cases. Students are mentored by judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and other court staff while working directly inside local courthouses.

Throughout the program, students participate in a mock trial, court-related field trips, and small-group discussions. They also attend paid educational sessions every Friday that focus on legal topics, careers in law, and professional skills.

The program is offered in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, and applicants must attend a high school located in one of these cities to be eligible.

If you’re looking for more law internships, check out our list of the best law internships.

6. National Bar Association (NBA) Crump Law Camp

• Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
• Location: Howard University School of Law, Washington, D.C.
• Cost: Varies based on family income; free for students from the most economically disadvantaged households

The National Bar Association (NBA) is one of the largest professional organizations for African-American judges and attorneys in the U.S. It runs several programs for students interested in law, including the Crump Law Camp held at Howard University School of Law.

Open to students in grades 9–11 (ages 14–17), the program is taught by law professors, and each student is paired with a faculty mentor who provides one-on-one support to build trial and courtroom skills.

During the program, students learn the basics of civil and criminal law through classes, lectures, and panel discussions led by practicing attorneys and legal professionals from major organizations, including companies like Ford Motor Company.

At the end of the program, students take part in the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition, where they apply what they’ve learned in a simulated courtroom setting.

7. Stanford Intensive Law & Trial

• Dates: June 24–July 3, 2026; July 6–15, 2026; July 17–26, 2026
• Location: Stanford Law School, Stanford, CA
• Cost: $5,699 (includes housing, on-site meals, program materials, and local transportation)

Intensive Law & Trial is a 10-day program created by Stanford Law School and Envision. For students who want early exposure to legal studies, this is one of the more immersive law summer programs for high school students. At the center of the program is a full mock trial officially endorsed by the American Mock Trial Association.

This Stanford summer program places students on prosecution and defense teams, where they prepare arguments, question witnesses, and address ethical issues while working toward a final courtroom trial simulation. Through this process, you experience what it’s like to build and argue a case from start to finish.

Qualified students can earn up to two college credits through George Mason University, which are included in the program tuition.

To attend Intensive Law & Trial, you must be in grades 9–12. Most students are nominated by teachers or selected through academic partnerships, but you may still apply by contacting the program’s admissions office.

8. Rutgers Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy

• Dates: July 12–18, 2026 (Week I – Civil Case); July 19–25, 2026 (Week II – Criminal Case)
• Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
• Cost: $2,899 (in-state and out-of-state)

The Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy is taught by a member of the Rutgers law faculty. It’s designed for students interested in legal careers, mock trial competitions, or improving public speaking and debate skills.

Throughout the program, students learn the basics of civil and criminal law, including how they’re created, interpreted, and applied. Lessons are taught through interactive classes, courtroom visits, guest lectures, and mock trials. They’ll also be introduced to career paths in the legal field.

Students may attend one week or both weeks, with each week focused on a different case:

• Week I: Civil Case. Students learn the basics of trial practice by working through a civil case, including case analysis, witness examination, and persuasive arguments.
• Week II: Criminal Case. Students apply their skills in a criminal trial setting and, for those attending both weeks, learn advanced courtroom strategies through breakout sessions.

To be eligible, you must be a current high school sophomore or junior between the ages of 16 and 18 and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

9. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Law & Advocacy

• Dates: June 12–20, 2026; June 24–July 2, 2026; July 8–16, 2026; July 20–28, 2026 (Georgetown); July 8–16, 2026; July 21–29, 2026 (Michigan)
• Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Cost: $4,395 (Residential – Georgetown); $4,195 (Residential – Michigan)

In the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Law & Advocacy, students learn how to build and argue a legal case through a simulated trial, including analyzing evidence and questioning witnesses. The program is offered at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Throughout the program, you’ll take part in workshops and simulations, including mock trial, jury selection, opening and closing statements, evidentiary procedure, and direct and cross examination.

The program also includes field trips to major legal institutions and landmarks near each campus. At Georgetown, students visit the U.S. Supreme Court and Capitol Hill, while at the University of Michigan, trips may include the Michigan Supreme Court and Greenfield Village.

The program is open to students ages 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school. Most students are invited through nominations from teachers, counselors, or program alumni, while others are selected based on test scores or participation in national academic programs.

10. NYU SPS High School Academy (Career Edge): Criminal Justice

• Dates: June 29–July 2, 2026 (Session 1); July 6–10, 2026 (Session 2); July 13–17, 2026 (Session 3); July 20–24, 2026 (Session 4); July 27–31, 2026 (Session 5); August 3–7, 2026 (Session 6)
• Location: New York University, New York, NY
• Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee; tuition billed after registration (no financial aid or scholarships available)

NYU’s Career Edge Summer Program offers one-week, noncredit courses including Criminal Justice: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom… and Beyond. This course is part of NYU’s summer programs for high school students and is intended for those interested in how the criminal justice system works in practice.

If you’re considering a career in criminal justice or want to learn more about the field, this course provides an overview of how police, courts, and corrections work together in real cases. Topics include criminology, forensic investigations, civil and criminal trials, rules of evidence, and current issues in criminal justice and society.

This program is best suited for high school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11 and are interested in exploring careers in criminal justice.

Applications for Summer 2026 are expected to open soon. We encourage you to check the official website between late January and early February 2026 for updates.

11. New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (NOFBA) Justice Camp

• Dates: June 23–June 27, 2025
• Location: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
• Cost: Free (lunch and snacks provided; transportation assistance available if needed)

Justice Camp is a five-day summer program for incoming 9th- and 10th-grade students who live in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Students participate in interactive sessions with lawyers, federal judges, and federal law enforcement officers to learn how these roles operate within the court system.

Sessions cover how the federal court system works, online safety, and how implicit bias can affect jury decisions, as well as constitutional rights such as privacy, the right to an attorney, and freedom of speech. The program also includes guided tours of major Louisiana courts and the opportunity to observe federal court proceedings.

The week ends with a full mock trial, where students apply what they’ve learned in a courtroom setting. Because the program is funded through a grant from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association, there’s no cost to attend. This ensures all students have an equal opportunity to participate.

12. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Law Institute

• Dates: June 14–19, 2026; July 19–24, 2026
• Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
• Cost: $60 non-refundable application fee + $3,500 tuition (limited need-based scholarship available)

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Law Institute stands out among law summer programs for high school students because it introduces students to, in their own words, “what it’s really like to be a lawyer.”

Students take part in hands-on activities that mirror law school learning. These include sitting in on a first-year (1L) law class, working in teams to read and discuss case studies, completing negotiation exercises, receiving mentoring from law students and young lawyers, and learning from guest speakers working in the legal field.

Topics covered include civil and criminal litigation, family law, government law and lobbying, the judicial system, and transactional law.

The program is open to current students in grades 9–12 with a clean disciplinary record. To apply, you’ll need to submit two essays, one recommendation letter, and a self-reported GPA.

13. USC Summer Programs: Legal Reasoning and Argumentation

• Dates: June 22–July 17, 2026
• Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
• Cost: $11,570 residential; $8,130 commuter (no financial aid available)

The Legal Reasoning and Argumentation summer program at USC teaches students how lawyers analyze cases and build legal arguments. Students work with court cases, practice oral advocacy, and examine how judges resolve conflicts.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop core legal skills, including analyzing court opinions, predicting case outcomes, and presenting arguments both in writing and aloud. The program also explains how court systems are structured and how legal decisions shape future cases.

Key topics include case analysis, legal reasoning, legal writing, oral advocacy, court systems and the development of law, and law school admissions.

Applicants must have completed at least ninth grade by the start of the program and should be pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum. Once admitted, you’ll be required to bring your own laptop and follow a dress code on court visit days.

14. UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute

• Dates: July 6–12, 2025; July 13–19, 2025 (Residential & Commuter); August 3–9, 2025 (Virtual)
• Location: ​​​​University of California, Los Angeles, CA & Online
• Cost: $350 non-refundable registration fee; tuition and fees subject to final approval by UCLA

The UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute is one of the top political science programs for high school students. It provides an introduction to the U.S. legal system, ending with a public mock trial. Students learn how court cases are prepared and argued through structured training in trial advocacy and courtroom procedure.

The one-week program is offered either in person on UCLA’s campus or online. Students who attend on campus receive housing and take part in workshops, small-group coaching, and trial simulations focused on building public speaking, teamwork, and case-building skills.

Applicants must be current students in grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and submit a short written statement explaining their interest in the program.

If you want to learn more about UCLA’s pre-college summer options, check out our detailed blog on UCLA Summer Sessions.

15. UConn Pre-College Summer: Pre-Law

• Dates: July 19–25, 2026
• Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
• Cost: $1,100–$7,900 depending on the number of courses and housing option; $300 non-refundable deposit required (early-bird discounts available)

UConn Pre-Law is a one-week, residential, noncredit program held at the UConn Storrs campus. It introduces high school students to how law is studied and applied in both criminal and civil cases and is designed for students considering pre-law in college or looking for a practical introduction to the legal system.

Students explore foundational legal concepts and the U.S. Constitution, spend a day at the UConn School of Law to see what law school classes are like, visit a local courthouse to observe proceedings, and participate in a moot court simulation.

Like other law summer programs for high school students, UConn’s Pre-Law program is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Most participants are between 15 and 17 years old and come from the New England area, with many students from Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are considered the most prestigious law summer programs for high school students?

Programs hosted by top universities are usually considered the most prestigious. These include Yale Young Global Scholars (PLE track), Stanford Intensive Law & Trial, and Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy, are often considered the most prestigious for their academic rigor, faculty, and selectivity.

2. Do these programs require previous legal knowledge?

No. Most programs are intended for students with no prior legal background and begin with foundational concepts.

3. Are there virtual law program options available in 2025?

Yes. Some programs, such as the UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute, offer virtual options. This allows students to participate without relocating or commuting.

4. How competitive are law summer programs for high school students?

It varies. University-based programs can be selective, while others are open to most students who meet GPA and location requirements.

5. Can law summer programs improve my college application?

Yes. They can show academic interest, initiative, and strong communication skills, especially for students interested in pursuing law, political science, or related majors.

Takeways

• Law summer programs for high school students range from university courses and mock trials to courthouse internships.
• Some programs, like Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), are highly selective and academic, while others, like the Summer Legal Institute (SLI), focus more on practical skills such as public speaking, legal writing, and courtroom procedure.
• Choosing programs that fit your interests, such as criminal justice, trial advocacy, or public policy, helps you get more value from the experience and build useful skills for college applications.
• If you want help selecting the right programs or strengthening your college applications, working with an admissions expert can help you plan your next steps with confidence.