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Get Ready for the 2024 Summer Legal Academy!

Get ready for an inspiring time at the Summer Legal Academy (SLA)—a two-week readiness program that fuels the minds of ambitious high school students destined for the world of law! 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 and community leaders. The program will provide students who are interested 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.

Stay tuned! Applications for the 2024 SLA will open in January 2024. Elevate your summer, amplify your ambition, and make your mark at the Summer Legal Academy!

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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 2024.


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.
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.
Where will the 2024 Summer Legal Academy take place?

The Harris County Attorney’s Office

1019 Congress St.

Houston, Texas 77002

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 2024. 

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 in January.

Who do I contact if I have questions that are not addressed in these FAQs?
For more details on the 2024 Summer Legal Academy and the application process, please email Communications@harriscountytx.gov. 
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.
What can Participating Students expect for the 2024 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 2024 Summer Legal Academy?
July 12-26