Summer during high school is a good time to explore new interests, whether related to your hobbies or your academics. For students curious about law and legal professions, law summer camps for high school students offer a meaningful way to explore that interest at a more advanced level.

Imagine yourself debating in a real courthouse in front of a jury, putting across strong arguments, and discussing the complexities of the justice system. You can take part in these learning experiences by joining a law-focused summer programme. These camps help sharpen critical thinking and public speaking skills while supporting early college preparation.

Law-focused summer experiences give you the chance to witness legal work and professional life from up close. You can participate in mock trials, dissect criminal investigations, and learn to negotiate contracts while gaining exposure to advocacy, ethics, and courtroom practice.

What kinds of law summer camps for high school students are there?  

Finding a good law summer camp can be difficult. You would not want to join a camp that only focuses on lectures and does not help you develop practical skills in advocacy. This is where the right guidance can be quite helpful.

Many reputed Universities and Institutes offer law summer camps for high school students focusing on criminal justice, constitutional law, legal reasoning, and more. They allow you to learn from practicing attorneys and law professors, engage in hands-on simulations, go on court visits, and connect with other students with mutual interests.

We understand that having so many options to choose from can feel overwhelming. So, to ease the process and help you with your search, we have a list of 15 Law Summer Camps for high school students. These summer camps are selected for their academic value, hands-on practice, and reputation in legal training. 

15 Law Summer Camps for High School Students

1. USF Summer Camps: JGHC: Mock Trial Intensive

Location: USF St. Petersburg, Tampa, FL
Cost: To Be Determined
Dates: To Be Determined
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering grades 10th-12th

The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive offers you a hands-on, immersive experience in St.Petersburg. You’ll develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, public speaking, and legal advocacy. The camp is led by Maria Gerber, an experienced attorney and USF alumnus.

You’ll understand courtroom fundamentals such as cross-examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments, giving you a close exposure to the legal profession. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll participate in a mock trial at the Stetson Law School. If you’re a high school student interested in learning about law and courtroom procedures, then this camp can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It teaches courtroom procedures and argumentation, helping you build confidence in public speaking and legal reasoning.

2. Immerse Education’s Law Summer School

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Location: Toronto, Cambridge, Sydney, London, Boston, Singapore, Tokyo, and Oxford
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Law Summer School introduces you to the fundamentals of law and legal professions through structured academic study. As one of the most academically focused law summer camps for high school students, it covers key topics such as criminal justice, contract law, and constitutional law while offering seminars, critical legal analysis, and moot court exercises.

You’ll not only gain in-depth knowledge about your chosen subject, but also develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, problem solving, and advocacy. On the successful completion of the program, you’ll earn a recognized certificate. If you’re a high school student interested in law, this program can be a good choice to learn and receive guidance from practicing lawyers.

Why it stands out: It introduces you to legal concepts through case studies and simulations, helping you understand how law is practiced and interpreted.

3. Stetson University’s Young Scholars Pre-Law Camp

Location: Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Cost: $1,000+ $500 non-refundable registration fee; Need-based scholarships available
Dates: Mock Trial (Civil): June 8-12; Mock Trial (Criminal): July 6-10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students all over the world

Stetson University’s Young Scholars Pre-Law Camp will introduce you to civil procedures and criminal procedures through mock trials. You’ll develop the skills required to make good opening statements, strong closing arguments, understand pre-trial discovery and pre-trial motions, along with the effects of party pre-trial stipulations.

You’ll have the option to choose your level of participation. The camps are hosted by the faculty advisor of the Pre-Law program and members of the Stetson Undergraduate Mock Trial Team. You’ll gain intensive knowledge through a hands-on learning experience. The camp will provide a supportive environment to interact with other students and professionals through work and dining.

Why it stands out: It offers hands-on law activities and mentorship, helping you explore legal careers and foundational legal skills.

4. NYU High School Academy: Criminal Justice: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom and Beyond

Location: NYU Campus, NYC
Cost: $2,579/course + $50 non-refundable fee
Dates: Multiple sessions. More information here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students from all nationalities who have completed grade 9, 10, or 11

NYU High School Academy’s Criminal Justice course offers insights into the criminal justice system. You’ll be introduced to the practices of police, courts, and corrections. You’ll gain knowledge about different topics, including forensic investigations, civil and criminal trials, current issues, criminology, criminal behaviour, evidence admissibility, and more.

You’ll not only gain theoretical knowledge but also engage in group discussions based on different case studies. You’ll understand the process of criminal investigation and gain knowledge about legal concepts, the impact of current events on criminal justice policies and social movements, and different criminal behaviour theories.

Why it stands out: It introduces you to professional skills and workplace readiness through practical coursework, helping you build confidence for your future career and academic pathways. 

5. Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Law Camp

Location: University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford, CT
Cost: Free
Dates: June 7th – July 11th
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Connecticut high school students

The Connecticut Bar Association Law Camp will allow you to explore the legal profession and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. You’ll participate in panel discussions, advocacy training, mentorship, and also prepare for a mock trial competition.

The camp program aims to provide opportunities to join the legal profession, preferring students who have overcome adversities or are the first members of their family to pursue a career in law.  You’ll observe court proceedings and interact with lawyers, attorneys, and fellow law students. The program is different from traditional private camps and is free for all selected participants.

Why it stands out: It provides early exposure to legal thinking and courtroom skills, helping you see how legal professionals prepare and present cases.

6. Law Summer Camp – University of the Pacific

Location: California, University of the Pacific, Stockton
Cost: $3800; $500 discount available based on this criterion
Dates: Session 1: June 1-11; Session 2: June 16-26
Application Deadline: May 11 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students around the globe entering grades 9 to 12

University of Pacific’s Law Summer Camp offers a two-week immersive experience where you’ll gain knowledge about law and legal careers. You’ll receive guidance and support from experienced faculty, JDs, and fellow students from McGeorge School of Law. You’ll understand the role of the judiciary in the system of checks and balances, along with the role of lawyers in administrative and legislative bodies, and criminal and civil justice systems.

You’ll explore careers in law, engage in hands-on activities such as mediating disputes, presenting arguments, and drafting contracts. If you’re a high school student interested in learning from experienced law faculty and guest speakers and engaging in interactive exercises and field trips, then this program can be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: It blends legal problem-solving with academic study, helping you build critical thinking applicable to law or policy majors.

7. University of Arizona Law Camp

Location: University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, Tucson, AZ
Cost: Free
Dates: May 27-29
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 9th,10th, 11th grade high school students from all around the world

University of Arizona Law Camp offers you a three-day exploration of the theory and practice of law. You’ll learn from law professors and attorneys. You’ll learn the impact of law and justice, participate in mock trials, and will also have the option to visit the Pima County Superior Court to interact with judges and observe mock trials.

The optional Superior Court Tour will cover sensitive topics, including violence, criminal activity, sex, domestic disputes, and others, and it is advised that parents prepare accordingly. 

Why it stands out: It immerses you in legal workshops and advocacy training, helping you understand key concepts in justice and legal systems.

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Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $530
Dates: June 8-12
Application Deadline: Registration open
Eligibility: Domestic and international students ages 14-17

Legal Camp at the University of Georgia offers you a close look at the different roles played by lawyers. The camp is hosted by the University of Georgia School of Law, where you’ll learn from practicing attorneys, mock trial competitors, and law professors. You’ll develop valuable legal skills and gain knowledge about a career in law.

Some of the skills you’ll develop through the program include legal reasoning, argumentation, and participation in courtroom procedures. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring a career in law and looking for a camp that does not require prior experience, then this can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It gives you insight into legal careers through practical exercises, helping you explore different areas of law.

9. Lawyer UP: Summer Law Camp

Location: Columbus Government Centre, Columbus, GA
Cost: $50 registration fee
Dates: June 1-5
Application Deadline: May 19th
Eligibility: High school students ages 13-21; international students are welcome to apply

Lawyer UP: Summer Law Camp is a five-day intensive camp that offers you a real-world perspective of how the legal and judicial systems work. You’ll gain knowledge about criminal and civil procedures, court structure, attend workshops, and participate in a mock trial simulation.

The camp will include one panel discussion every day, and allow you to learn about ethics, government, and interact with judges and lawyers. At the conclusion of the camp, you’ll participate in a mock trial presentation. You’ll be given a mock-trial problem and will play the role of an attorney or witness based on that. You’ll be guided to perform the mock trial for a jury of volunteers, parents, and guests.

Why it stands out: It provides flexible online legal education, helping you build foundational knowledge in law and justice from home.

10. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

Location: Cornell University and the University of Maryland
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: June 21st – July 25th
Application Deadline: December 3rd
Eligibility: Rising U.S. and international high school juniors and seniors. More information here

Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) explores the role of power and privilege in shaping social structures. You’ll participate in college-level classes, discussions, and group activities, and write essays. You’ll also engage in reading books, articles, and viewing films and art.

You’ll not only gain classroom knowledge but also participate in community activities like planning community service projects, spending from a program budget, and practicing transformative justice. You’ll learn in-depth about a range of topics, including history, politics, literature, art, and other disciplines.

Why it stands out: It offers rigorous intellectual seminars and community living, helping you develop advanced critical thinking and collaborative discussion skills well before college.

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Residential: $11,570; Commuter: $8,130; $85 application fee
Dates: June 22nd – July 17th
Application Deadline: International Student Deadline: March 13th, Domestic Student Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: High school students from all nationalities; must have completed 9th grade

USC Legal Reasoning and Argumentation will allow you to explore how legal issues are investigated and resolved in court. You’ll dissect complex case law, attend federal appellate court proceedings, and engage in oral advocacy.

You’ll learn about a range of topics, including case analysis, legal reasoning, legal writing, and more. The program will help you learn the hierarchy of the U.S. law and the difference between questions of law and questions of fact. You’ll gain experience with legal analysis and writing, along with writing a predictive legal memorandum.

Why it stands out: It strengthens your analytical and writing skills through structured legal reasoning, helping prepare you for law-oriented academic paths.

12. CJ Summer Camp

Location: College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Cost: $725
Dates: Session 1: June 14-18; Session 2: July 5-9
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide ages 15-17

Criminal Justice (CJ) Summer Camp by Sam Houston State University offers a four-day immersive experience in the real-world aspects of criminal justice. You’ll investigate a mock crime scene and interact with criminal justice professionals, university professors, and students. You’ll gain experience and learn about law enforcement, public safety, and forensic science.

The camp is selective and offers limited space. Some of the guest speakers in previous CJ camps include representatives from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Army CID, Harris County Medical Examiner’s office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and more.

Why it stands out: It explores criminal justice systems and investigative thinking, helping you understand how law enforcement and courts interact.

13. FAU’s Criminal Justice Summer Camp

Location: FAU Campus, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: $900
Dates: Session 1: June 8-13; Session 2: July 20-25
Application Deadline: Typically in the Spring
Eligibility: Grade 9-12 high school students from all around the world

FAU’s Criminal Justice Summer Camp offers a week-long, one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll understand crime scene investigation techniques, learn about Death Row, watch demonstrations of K-9 Units, SWAT teams, and Bomb Squads. You’ll receive expert instructions from real criminal justice professionals and go on exciting field trips to local agencies.

On the successful completion of the camp, you’ll earn an official certificate that might be helpful in college admissions. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing a career in criminology or criminal justice, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It offers immersive criminal justice coursework and activities, helping you see how theory and practice intersect in public safety careers.

14. Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program: Law Institute

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Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus
Cost: $3,500 + $60 non-refundable application fee
Dates: June 14-19; July 19-24
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th-grade students from around the globe

Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Law Institute offers a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience in law practices. You’ll learn about argumentation, confidentiality, conflicts, and the ethical duties of law professionals. You’ll gain knowledge about a range of topics, including family law, civil and criminal litigation, the judicial system, transactional law, and government law and lobbying.

Along with the legal concepts, you’ll also hear valuable life lessons on balancing family and work life, resilience, pursuing your passion, and the importance of developing relationships. You’ll form teams and discuss case studies, engage in negotiation exercises, and receive mentorship from law students and lawyers.

Why it stands out: It gives an inside look at law school teaching and legal practice, helping you build early competence in legal analysis.

15. NSLC’s Law & Advocacy Program

Location: Multiple. More information here
Cost: Georgetown University: $4395; University of Michigan: $4195
Dates: 9 days in the Summer; Varies with sessions.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 high school students from around the world

NSLC’s Law and Advocacy Program offers you to engage in hands-on learning activities related to law. You’ll participate in experimental simulations and learn to analyze evidence, make strong arguments, and question witnesses.

You’ll engage in interactive workshops, debates, and mock trials, and learn from experts and professionals in the field of law. You’ll not only gain legal knowledge through interacting with guest speakers but also participate in field trips and tours to understand the role of a trial attorney from up close.

Why it stands out: It combines leadership training with legal simulations, helping you understand advocacy and policy processes.

From Courtroom Simulations to Casebooks

Spending your summer exploring law gives you the chance to move beyond theory and test your thinking through debate, ethical reasoning, and real legal scenarios.

As you take part in mock trials, court visits, and guided discussions, you begin to connect abstract principles with how the justice system actually works in practice.

Through these law summer camps for high school students, you gain early exposure to legal analysis, persuasive writing, and structured argument, helping you decide whether law is the right academic path.

To build on these experiences and strengthen your understanding, explore our Law Top Books Guide for essential readings that introduce key legal ideas and case-based thinking.