Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship

The Opportunity

• The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program is an intensive program which places diverse NYC public high school students with legal employers for the summer, and provides them with additional programming before, during, and after the summer designed to help them prepare for a legal career.

• Students are selected to participate in the Program based upon personal interviews and demonstrated academic excellence. Job assignments in firms vary depending on the needs of the employer, but typically include assisting paralegals, filing, record keeping, assisting library and back-office personnel, data entry and document and exhibit organization.

• Prior to interviewing with employers, all applicants participate in a mandatory, three-part Pre Employment Training. The purpose of this training is to identify the students who are most prepared to take on the requirements of the Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program, and to provide valuable training for all students to help them strengthen their application materials for future opportunities.

The Ideal Student for this opportunity

• Must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2023

• Must attend a New York City public high school (including charter schools)

Program Dates and Location

• Location: The 2022 program was held primarily in a hybrid format. We anticipate that, depending on the circumstances- including the employer- there will continue to be opportunities for in-person internships for the 2023 program.

• Dates

  • March - May 2023: Pre employment workshops

  • May 29, 2023: Opening orientation

  • August 28, 2023: Closing ceremony

  • Each internship must last between 6 – 8 weeks. Legal employers may employ the students based on the needs of their office, which may begin before or end after our scheduled programs, as long as the internship does not interfere with the students’ academic calendars.

To apply

• Click here for the application

  • Due January 29, 2023

  • Components:

    • Completed Application

    • Copy of most recent transcripts

    • Copy of most recent working papers

    • Resume/CV

    • Letter of Recommendation from teacher, guidance counselor, or current employer

    • 300-500 word essay on the accomplishments of Justice Thurgood Marshall

    • 250 word statement of interest (Why are you applying? How will this program enhance your work/academic experience? What do you hope to gain from this experience?)