The New York University High School Law Institute (“HSLI”) is a student-run organization that serves talented and motivated high school students throughout New York City. Alongside our sister program at Columbia Law School, we offer free, yearlong academic programming in constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Ideal HSLI students are those who recognize the impact of the legal system, wish to learn more about how it concretely impacts society, and are preparing themselves to serve and advocate for others. While there is no expectation that our students apply to law school or pursue a legal career, we do expect that they apply themselves diligently to their studies in high school and beyond.
Courses are taught by teams of current NYU Law students. Teachers receive thorough training prior to class and receive ongoing support throughout the year. They are also provided with detailed curricula created by veteran HSLI instructors and board members that are scaffolded to support high school student understanding. Each lesson contains discussion questions, background information, classroom activities, and homework assignments that can be tailored to fit each student’s interests. Our classes are discussion-driven aimed at fostering independent thought. At HSLI, students are encouraged to think well, advocate well, and work collaboratively; they are also taught to evaluate arguments based on analytical rigor and strength of evidence.
Location(s)
- NYU, New York, New York
Schedule
- Fall Semester 2025: September 20, September 27, October 18, and October 25
- Spring Semester 2026: January 31, February 7, February 21, and February 28
- Classes are held each Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants should live within commuting distance of NYU’s campus
- Applicants must be enrolled in high school
- Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or exemption for medical or religious reasons
Deadline
- August 15, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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New York University (NYU) is a private research university located in Greenwich Village in New York City. Founded in 1831, it has since grown to become the largest private university in the United States, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its nineteen schools and colleges.
NYU Law was established in 1835 as the first law school in New York City, and is the longest operating Law school in New York State. NYU is a perennial Top-10 Law school and offers a leading array of full-tuition scholarships to exceptional JD students from around the world. As an intellectual powerhouse, NYU Law has more than 95 full-time faculty, 375 courses, 16 areas of study, over 30 centers, and over 80 student groups. The Law School has long taken a leadership role in introducing changes that have redefined legal education and assures that graduates are practice-ready for today's world.
