Harris County Attorney's Office Summer Legal Academy

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth

Year: 2023

The Summer Legal Academy (SLA) is a paid summer opportunity for high school students. Launched in 2022 by the Harris County Attorney’s Office, this program aims to create greater diversity in the legal profession while giving students, who may typically not have the resources, the tools to navigate the path to a legal career. Priority applicants of the program are first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and/or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession.  

In a span of two weeks, students learn about what it takes to succeed in college, on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and in law school; participate in mock lectures given by current professors at law schools; hear from multiple panels of attorneys in a variety of practice areas (including corporate law, criminal law, family law, etc.); and tour local law schools and courthouses. After completing the program, students receive a certificate and letter of recommendation from the Harris County Attorney. Additionally, students are connected to volunteer and leadership opportunities to encourage a lifelong practice of civic engagement and public service.