Summer Programs

Preparing for law school involves learning and gaining practical experience wherever possible. While courses help you gain book knowledge, summer programs and internships help you gain invaluable experience. They also help you prepare for the future and determine if the legal field is right for you. Explore the programs below.

Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Programs at Various Colleges and Universities

Each year, a number of law schools participate with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) to sponsor summer PLUS programs that offer a unique immersive learning experience which provides both a window into what law school is really like as well as insights about the law school enrollment process. The program is aimed at undergraduate students and prospective law school applicants who are one year away from applying to law school. There is no cost to apply or to attend the program for selected participants, and students who successfully complete the PLUS Program receive a $1,000 stipend and a fee waiver from the LSAC. The participating schools, with links to additional information for each of the programs can be found at the LSAC website. 

For 2023, the participating schools include Boston University School of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Seattle University School of Law, Tulane University School of Law, the University of Oregon School of Law, and more. Applications for all of these programs open now and close in March and April 2023.

Duke University School of Law - Summer Institute on Law and Policy

Course offerings in the 2023 Duke Law Summer Institute on Law and Policy focus on topics important to future law students and future lawyers, as well as to individuals in other fields who are seeking an accessible introduction to U.S. law and legal institutions.  The courses include an introduction to thinking like a lawyer, an introduction to the law school experience and how to succeed as a law student, and an introduction to U.S. constitutional law.

The Institute is offered in two sessions this summer, July 3-13 and July 17-27.  Each course is designed to provide an accessible introduction to the pertinent legal and policy subject matter. Those who are potentially interested in attending law school, or who are about to begin law school, are especially encouraged to enroll. Registration is now open!

Fordham Law Pre-Law Institute

Apply for the program here.

MSU Law Pathway Scholars Program

Michigan State University College of Law invites students interested in Fall 2026 law school matriculation to apply for the Pathway Scholars Program, a program to prepare prelaw students to successfully enroll in law school. Students spend four-weeks living on the beautiful Michigan State University campus and receive instruction on key legal skills: logical and analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and legal writing, oral advocacy, and leadership development as well as the skills and knowledge to overcome systemic barriers to success in law school and the legal profession. As a program Scholar, you will receive tuition, free room and board for the program's duration, and a $1,000 stipend for successful completion. Apply now!

University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program

The University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program is a preparatory program specifically designed to provide resources to undergraduate students who are first-generation, low income or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession who are interested in pursuing a career in law. Two programs are available. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Find more information online at their website. The 2023 application period is now closed. 

W&L Law APEX Summer Program

The purpose of APEX is to increase underrepresented college students' access to legal education and law school by providing instruction surrounding the law school admissions process, LSAT preparation, law school classes, and legal career opportunities for JD.s. Undergraduate students regardless of undergraduate school, major, or state of residence may apply. College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are members of groups underrepresented in the practice of law are encouraged to apply.

The APEX program includes:

• Information about the application and admissions process
• How to write a personal statement
• Information on how to pay for law school
• Mock Law classes
• Student panels
• Professional panels, such as how to navigate the professional world as a person of color and understanding JD advantage careers
• FREE LSAT prep class that includes materials, and more.

Participants of APEX who successfully complete the program and are admitted to W&L Law within 4 years of participating in the program will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Application Requirements

• Transcripts (An unofficial or advising transcript is accepted)
• A Resume
• 1 page statement of interest (Why do you want to go to law school and how will this program help you achieve your goals?)

Apply to the program here. 

Florida State University College of Law Summer for Undergraduates Program / Donald J. Weidner Summer Undergraduates Program

FSU offers an intensive, four-week virtual program that provides interested students (particularly those from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession) with an inside look at law school and the legal profession. The 2024 program will be held from May 21th to June 14th and is open to college students enrolled at two-year and four-year institutions, in all majors and from all backgrounds. For more details, go to FSU's Summer for Undergraduates information. Application deadline: March 29, 2024. Enrollment will be limited to 60 participants. There is no cost to attend the program.

TRIALS

New York University School of Law, Harvard Law School and the Advantage Testing Foundation have partnered to create TRIALS, a scholarship program that helps talented and motivated undergraduates of modest means earn acceptance to the nation's leading law schools. Normally the five-week summer program has participants reside at Harvard or NYU to receive intensive LSAT instruction and attend a series of lectures by prominent lawyers and scholars to introduce them to the legal profession. Students with strong academic credentials, well-articulated ambitions and documented financial need compete for 20 spots. Students have no expenses directly associated with the program and will receive a $3,000 stipend to supplement their summer income. The 2023 program will be from June 15 through July 21. Apply online at their website. Application deadline: February 28, 2023.

Wayne State Law LSAT Prep Program [for Detroit residents]

Wayne State University Law School annually sponsors the Damon J. Keith Pre-Law Summer Institute. This free program includes full LSAT preparation provided by Kaplan (through live online courses) and a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program to cover LSAT registration expenses.
 
The four-week Institute is open to rising juniors and seniors who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at any institution. Applicants must have graduated from a Detroit Public Schools Community District Public High School or be residents of the city of Detroit. The majority of instruction and programming take place online.

Click here for more information.