How to Find & Land Law Firm Internships (From High School Through Law School)

Law firm internships provide early exposure to legal careers and build the skills needed to succeed in law school and beyond. Whether you’re a high school student, an undergraduate, or already in law school, there are structured ways to get legal internships that match your current level of experience. Internships can help students build legal research skills, develop oral communication skills, and gain hands-on experience in various practice areas like criminal law, family law, or corporate law.

This guide outlines internship opportunities across education levels, explains how to apply, and shares strategies for getting hired by law firms, legal aid groups, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.

Why Law Firm Internships Matter (and When to Start)

Legal internships help students build a foundation in legal services, improve oral communication skills, and understand how law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies operate. Internships also provide exposure to practice areas like criminal law, family law, corporate law, and more. Law firms look for candidates who can work closely with attorneys, complete research, and show leadership. The earlier students start building relevant experience, the stronger their law school or job applications will be. Additionally, internships contribute to professional development by offering training and skill-building sessions that prepare students for their future careers in law.

Law Firm Internships for High School Students

Are Internships Possible for High School Students?

Yes. While law firm internships for high school students are limited, some programs and organizations allow high school students to volunteer, shadow attorneys, or take on clerical tasks. These roles often involve answering phones, organizing files, or assisting with basic office responsibilities.

Internship Opportunities to Explore

How to Apply Without Prior Experience

Most law firm internships for high school students don’t expect you to have legal experience. Instead, they look for signs of genuine interest, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. You can still stand out by presenting yourself clearly and confidently. Here’s how:

1. Write a Clear and Professional Outreach Email

A well-written email is often the first impression you’ll make. Be polite, direct, and honest about your goals.

Key points to include:

• Who you are (grade level, school, location)
• Why you’re interested in law or the specific organization
• What kind of opportunity you’re looking for (shadowing, volunteering, clerical help)
• Your availability (e.g., “available for 5–10 hours per week over the summer”)
• A short thank-you and an offer to provide more information

Sample email:

Subject: High School Student Seeking Legal Internship or Volunteer Role

Dear [Attorney's Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [Grade Level] student at [School Name] with a strong interest in law. I’m reaching out to ask if your office or firm might have opportunities for a high school student to volunteer or observe legal work this summer.

I’m available [days/hours], and I’m eager to learn more about legal careers while helping with any administrative or support tasks needed.

I’ve attached my resume and would be happy to provide additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,[Your Name][Phone Number][Email Address]

2. Request Shadowing or Volunteer Opportunities

If an official internship isn’t available, ask to shadow a lawyer or volunteer informally. Many smaller law firms or legal aid offices are open to students who can commit a few hours per week to basic office help, such as:

• Filing paperwork
• Answering phones under supervision
• Organizing case files
• Observing court hearings (when allowed)

3. Create a Simple, Polished Resume

Even if you don’t have work experience, you can still create a resume that highlights your strengths. Focus on:

• Academic achievements (GPA, honors classes)
• Leadership roles (student council, clubs, sports teams)
• Volunteer work (tutoring, food drives, community service)
• Skills (communication, research, time management)

Formatting tips:

• Keep it to one page
• Use a clear font like Arial or Calibri
• Include a short summary or objective statement at the top (e.g., “Motivated high school junior interested in learning about legal careers through real-world experience.”)

Law Firm Internships for Undergraduates

Types of Internships Available

Law firm internships for undergraduates range from volunteer roles to paid positions at private firms, legal aid groups, or public interest organizations. Many law and undergraduate students help with legal research, organize documents, or assist attorneys with client communications. Programs may be full-time in the summer or part-time during the school year. Some require 10–20 hours per week.

Programs That Accept Undergraduates

• SEO Law Fellowship – Prepares underrepresented students for law school and legal careers.
• U.S. Attorney’s Office – Offers unpaid roles for students interested in criminal law, information technology, or human resources.
• Legal Aid DC – Offers internships in civil justice areas like public benefits and domestic violence.

Expert Tips for Standing Out

Undergraduate students should highlight transferable skills, such as:

• Leadership in student groups
• Written and oral communication skills
• Experience with research or administrative tasks

Note: Joining pre-law societies or participating in volunteer opportunities at nonprofit legal services organizations also helps build your resume.

Law School Internships

Internships during law school are a key part of legal career development. The type of internship you pursue and what you’re eligible for often depend on your year in law school. Most law students apply for summer law internships through a mix of structured programs, on-campus interviews (OCI), and direct outreach to law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations.

Types of Internships by Law School Year

Note: Each year offers different internship opportunities based on what firms and organizations are willing to offer, and what experience they expect you to have.

Typical Internship Responsibilities

• Drafting legal research memos for lawyers
• Preparing case summaries
• Assisting attorneys with litigation or transactional work
• Attending hearings or client meetings
• Performing legal research using platforms like LexisNexis or Westlaw

Note: Some internships, especially with smaller firms or public interest organizations, offer more direct exposure to case work under attorney supervision.

What Law Firms Look for in Law Students

Whether you’re applying to a small local firm or a top-tier corporate law office, law firms tend to evaluate candidates on a combination of academic performance, legal writing ability, and relevant experience.

Key Qualifications

• Grades: Your 1L GPA is often the first filter, especially for competitive programs.
• Writing Sample: A legal research memo or brief from your 1L writing class is often required.
• Resume: Law review, moot court, mock trial, student leadership, and part-time legal work are all positive indicators.
• Cover Letter: Tailor it to the firm's practice areas. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what they do.

Additional Qualities Firms Value

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Clear interest in the firm’s core practice areas (e.g., corporate law, criminal law, family law)
• Strong oral communication skills and professionalism
• Willingness to work closely with attorneys and staff on day-to-day responsibilities

Note: For 1L students applying to diversity programs or public interest internships, showing a connection to the organization’s mission can make a difference. For 2Ls aiming for BigLaw, attention to detail in applications and mock interviews is essential.

Where to Find Law Firm Internships

Best Platforms and Resources

• LinkedIn – Search using filters like “legal internships” or “summer law”
• Handshake – For college and university students
• PSJD.org – Focuses on public interest law opportunities
• Idealist.org – Includes nonprofit and social justice organizations
• American Bar Association Career Center – Internship postings and legal resources

Keywords to Use in Searches

Use specific terms like:

• “Law firm internships for undergraduates”
• “summer law internship”
• “legal assistant intern”
• “Paralegal Student Internship”
• “Law school internships”
• “Public interest legal internships”

Cold Outreach Email Template

Subject: Legal Internship Inquiry

Dear [Attorney’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [Year] student at [School] interested in gaining hands-on experience in law. I admire the work your firm does in [specific area]. I’d like to ask if there are any volunteer or internship opportunities I could participate in this [summer/fall].

I’m available [X hours per week], and I’m happy to help with research, filing, or administrative tasks. I’ve attached my resume for your reference.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,[Your Name]

How to Strengthen Your Internship Applications

Internship opportunities in law are competitive at every level, from high school to law school. The strongest applications show a clear interest in the legal profession, an understanding of the firm or organization, and relevant skills or experiences. Even if you don’t have legal experience, the way you frame your background matters.

Resume Tips

Your resume should be focused, easy to read, and tailored for each role. Whether you're a high school student or a law student, law firms and legal organizations want to see evidence of your professionalism, communication skills, and commitment to learning.

What to include:

• Relevant experience: Include any part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships that required you to communicate with others, manage time, or stay organized. These are transferable skills that apply in legal settings.
• Leadership roles: Highlight involvement in school clubs, community programs, or student government. Even peer tutoring or mentoring shows initiative and responsibility.
• Academic achievements: Include coursework related to law, writing, government, or public speaking. If you’ve completed a research project or capstone, mention it, especially if it involved writing or presenting.
• Technical skills: Add research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis for law students), Microsoft Office, or any database or CRM experience.

Formatting tips:

• Keep your resume to one page (unless you’re in law school with relevant experience)
• Use bullet points to make your accomplishments easy to scan
• Include hours per week and dates for all roles to show commitment

Writing the Cover Letter

Your cover letter gives context to your resume. It should be direct, professional, and tailored to the role and organization. Avoid generic letters.

How to make your cover letter stand out:

• Mention the organization by name. Be specific about why you’re applying to them, not just any law firm.
• Refer to relevant practice areas. For example, if the firm focuses on family law or corporate law, explain your interest in those areas.
• Describe what you hope to learn. Show that you’re curious and motivated, not just looking to fill a resume gap.
• Highlight soft skills. Point to past experiences that show your oral communication skills, attention to detail, or work ethic.
• Keep it brief. Aim for three short paragraphs on one page.

Expert tip: If a job posting asks for specific materials or includes a required subject line for emails, follow those instructions exactly.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-qualified applicants can miss out due to simple errors. Avoid the most common mistakes that law firms and legal organizations mention in interviews and hiring panels:

• Reusing the same cover letter for every firm. This shows a lack of interest and can be obvious to recruiters.
• Failing to explain why you're interested in the specific organization. Generic applications are rarely successful.
• Submitting incomplete or late applications. Many internships have firm deadlines. Set calendar reminders and give yourself time to request recommendations or gather documents.

Law Firm Recruiting Timeline

Law firm internships are offered throughout the year, but the majority of summer law programs have strict deadlines that fall between winter and early spring. The timeline can vary depending on the type of internship, the organization, and the applicant’s education level. Applying early is important. Some positions require references, writing samples, or background checks that take time to prepare.

Typical Deadlines by Internship Type

Additional Notes:

• Rolling deadlines mean that positions can fill before the posted date. Apply as soon as possible.
• 1L diversity programs often open in mid-November and close by early February.
• Law firm summer associate roles for 2Ls typically recruit a full year in advance through OCI or early interview programs.
• Government agencies and some public interest organizations may require additional paperwork, such as security clearance or transcripts.

Expert Tips:

• Set calendar reminders for early January and mid-February.
• Keep your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references ready by the start of each semester.
• Track applications in a spreadsheet with columns for deadlines, contacts, and submission status.

Career Paths After Internships

Law firm internships are more than short-term learning opportunities. For many students, they serve as a starting point for long-term careers in the legal field. Whether you’re in high school, college, or law school, these internships can help you build a network, develop practical skills, and clarify your career direction.

Where Internships Can Lead

Benefits Beyond the Job Title

Even if your internship doesn’t lead to an immediate offer, it still adds measurable value to your legal career path:

• Clarifies your interests: You might discover that you prefer litigation over transactional law, or that you’re more drawn to family law than criminal law.
• Strengthens your resume: Real legal experience, even at the support level, helps your application stand out in competitive law school or job applications.
• Builds soft skills: Working in a law office helps you develop oral communication skills, time management, and attention to detail traits valued across legal practice areas.
• Opens doors to mentorship: Interning with legal professionals gives you access to attorneys, paralegals, and office staff who can share career advice and write future recommendations.

Expert Tip: If you're unsure what type of law to pursue, whether it's public interest work, government, corporate law, or private practice, internships give you a chance to test your fit and gain insight into different practice areas.

The Bottom Line

Law firm internships offer students at every level high school to college and law school, a valuable opportunity to build relevant experience, develop practical skills, and explore different paths within the legal field. Whether you’re answering phones in a local firm, conducting legal research for a public interest organization, or preparing memos at a corporate law office, each role helps you grow professionally and clarify your long-term goals. Starting early and approaching each opportunity with professionalism can make a lasting impact on your future in law. If you want personalized guidance through the process, from writing applications to preparing for interviews, working with a coach can give you the support you need to stand out.

Want Help Landing a Law Firm Internship?

Work with a Leland coach who’s helped students land internships at top firms like Skadden, Latham, and Sidley. Whether you’re in high school or law school, an expert can guide you through every step, from building a strong resume to preparing for interviews.

Read Next:

• Top 25 Free Resources for Your College Application
• A Great Admissions Coach Can Be Life-Changing – Here’s How
• What Looks Good on College Applications? 6 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
• How to Write a College Application Resume
• How to Land a College Internship

FAQs

Do law firms do internships?

• Yes. Many law firms offer internships to high school students, undergraduate students, and law school students. These internships can be paid or unpaid and vary in responsibility from administrative support to legal research and client interaction. Some law firms also offer structured summer programs or diversity fellowships.

How do I ask a law firm for an internship?

• Start by writing a short, professional email expressing your interest. Introduce yourself, explain why you want to intern at that specific firm, and describe what kind of support you can offer (e.g., clerical tasks, legal research, document preparation). Attach a short resume and be clear about your availability (e.g., “available for 10 hours per week this summer”).

Is interning at a law firm good?

• Yes. Interning at a law firm helps students build legal research skills, improve oral communication, and gain hands-on experience in legal services. It also helps with future law school applications, resume building, and making informed career choices within law.

What’s the typical duration of a law firm internship?

• The duration depends on the program and education level. Most high school and college internships last 4 to 8 weeks, often during the summer. Law school internships can last a full semester or summer term, typically requiring 20 to 40 hours per week.