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2023 Summer Legal Academy

The Summer Legal Academy (SLA) is a 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 program is a paid summer opportunity for high school students. Students can expect a classroom style program, including lectures and guest speakers. The SLA takes place at the Office of the Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, located at 1019 Congress, Houston, Texas 77002.

Applications for the 2023 SLA program will open on January 30, 2023 and close on April 7, 2023.

Eligibility

The SLA is open to students in high schools in Harris County 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.

Application Process

Students will be expected to submit a recommendation letter; a writing sample, which may be a class assignment in which a grade B or better was received; a personal statement; and a short essay response of at least 250 words. Prompts to upload the personal statement and short essays will be posted with the live application on January 30.

SLA Curriculum

Students can expect to participate in mock law-school lectures taught by law professors, read case studies, practice LSAT logic games, and sit in on panel discussions. Students will gain firsthand accounts about the rigorous nature of law school, best practices to succeeding in law school, and the various pathways to law school.

Before you begin the application, remember:

  • The program is highly competitive, so be as honest, thorough, and genuine in your application as possible.
  • It can be helpful to have someone proofread your writing before you submit your application essays.
  • Be intentional when asking for a letter of recommendation and give your recommender enough time to write something thoughtful.
  • Submitting a strong application takes time. Don’t wait until the deadline to begin drafting your responses!

Updated timeline and dates coming in January 2023.

Questions? Email us at communications@harriscountytx.gov

  • Application Period

    Jan 25
    -
    Mar 24

  • Notification Period

    Apr 10
    -
    Apr 14

  • Orientation

    Jul 07
    -

  • Week One

    Jul 10
    -
    Jul 14

  • Week Two

    Jul 17
    -
    Jul 21

What is the Harris County Attorney’s Office Summer Legal Academy?

The Summer Legal Academy is a two-week training and educational program for high school students hosted by the Office of Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. It is designed to expose students to:

● the path to getting accepted to a law school,

● what to expect in law school classes,

● the different careers one can pursue with a law degree, and

● the various types of practices in which a lawyer can focus.

What is the Harris County Attorney’s Office?

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is the civil legal office for Harris County, Texas, its 60+ elected officials, its numerous appointed department heads, and its more than 18,000 employees.

Who is eligible to apply for the Summer Legal Academy?

The SLA is open to students in high schools in Harris County 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

.

How can eligible students apply?

Eligible students who would like to apply to become a Participating Student must complete the application which will launch January 25, 2023. 

Students will be expected to submit:
  • a recommendation letter; 
  • a writing sample, which may be a class assignment in which a grade B or better was received; 
  • a personal statement; and 
  • a short essay response of at least 250 words. 

Prompts to upload the personal statement and short essays will be posted with the live application on January 25.

What can Participating Students expect for the 2023 Summer Legal Academy?

A typical day in the SLA program may look like:

  • A morning presentation about a specific topic or area of law
  • 15 to 30 minutes of ice breakers or logic games
  • Lunch break (lunch is provided) with networking 
  • A lecture or review of specific law cases
  • A panel discussion with subject matter experts


While every day will be a little different, most days follow a similar format with a mix of presentations, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on activities. 

What is the expected timeline of the 2023 Summer Legal Academy?

July 7 -21, 2023.

Where will the 2023 Summer Legal Academy take place?

The Harris County Attorney’s Office

1019 Congress St.

Houston, Texas 77002

Are Participating Students compensated?

Yes. Participating students will be paid a stipend equivalent to $15.00 per hour in association with their participation in the program.

Who do I contact if I have questions that are not addressed in these FAQs?

For more details on the 2023 Summer Legal Academy and the application process, please email Communications@harriscountytx.gov.