The Summer Legal Academy (SLA) is a paid two-week educational readiness program for high school students aspiring to become attorneys. Students will learn the process of applying to law school, what to expect as a law student, the different areas of law, and hear directly from various attorneys. This program will provide students who are interested in a future career in the legal field with pivotal resources and tools for their journey.
The SLA is open to Harris County students in high school who are entering grades 10 through 12. Priority will be given to first-generation college students, students from a low-income background, and/or members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession.
Students will be expected to submit:
- A recommendation letter
- High school transcript- the transcript is used primarily to determine eligibility. There is no minimum GPA requirement.
- A writing sample, which may be a class assignment in which a grade of B or better was received
- A personal statement on their most meaningful achievement and how it relates to future goals
- A short essay response on one of the following (1) What is your favorite Supreme Court case and why (2) If the legal field was not an option, what career would you pursue instead (3) Which is your favorite legal/law related show, movie, or podcast and why?
The priority deadline is March 1 and the deadline to apply is March 23. The Summer Legal Academy runs from July 14 to July 25.
Hear directly from our students in this video or check out our 2024 SLA photo album.
More information and the application to apply for the Summer Legal Academy are available at cao.harriscountytx.gov/students.
If you have additional questions about the programs, would like more information, or would like to request that the County Attorney or staff member speak at your school, please email Communications@harriscountytx.gov.