Meijer internship sparks law student’s interest in data privacy area

Detroit Mercy Law 2L student Nathan Grewe enjoyed his internship at Meijer this past summer, and will be a summer associate at Warner next summer.

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

With a father who is a police chief and a mother who is a federal probation officer, Detroit Mercy Law student Nathan Grewe witnessed contrasting interactions with the law  when he was growing up. Then law classes in high school transformed his initial fascination into a deep appreciation for the specialized knowledge the legal field offers.

Grewe first earned a BBA with a major in finance, and a minor in legal studies, from Grand Valley State University; and after graduation, had a summer internship with the  Domestic Violence Unit at the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Now a 2L student at Detroit Mercy Law, he enjoyed this past summer’s legal internship at Meijer, immersing him in the company culture, collaborating closely with senior counsel, senior executives, and interns. Working directly under the associate general counsel, he was tasked with a data privacy law capstone project, developing recommendations for a privacy champion program aimed to empower employees to proactively identify and safeguard against current and future privacy challenges.

He also embraced a quasi-summer associate role, collaborating with numerous attorneys. He attended depositions, addressed civil rights complaints, and drafted Meijer’s position statements in response. He also worked alongside undergraduate interns and their mentors to evaluate projects for relevant legal implications.

His next step is a summer associate position next year at Warner Norcross + Judd.

“I’m truly ecstatic to join Warner, as the firm distinguished itself to me in several compelling ways throughout the interview process,” he says. “My sense of alignment with the firm’s values and culture solidified my choice, and I look forward to contributing to and growing within the Warner community.”

Grewe has been honored with two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards, given to the law student with the highest grade in a class. The award is presented by the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), a non-profit organization that provides educational resources to law students

“It has been an incredible reality check—something I still find hard to fully process,” Grewe says. “Everyone enters law school grappling with a touch of imposter syndrome, and as someone with a finance degree and limited legal experience, I often felt somewhat out of place. However, to put in such hard work and see those efforts come to fruition is an extraordinary feeling. This experience has only motivated me further, reinforcing my belief that I truly belong in this field and that I am capable of succeeding.

“I have a deep passion for the law, as I believe it serves as a vital bridge between everyday individuals and the complex legal landscape that can often feel overwhelming,” he adds. “Being the person who guides others—whether individuals facing personal legal challenges or companies navigating intricate regulations—fills me with excitement and a driven desire to help. It's about more than just providing information—it's about translating complex legal concepts into understandable terms so people can make
informed decisions. It allows me to play a part in not only resolving immediate legal issues but also fostering a sense of confidence in my clients as they engage with the legal system. The law evolves continuously, adapting to changes in society, technology, and morality. This ever-evolving narrative presents an exciting challenge, as it requires constant learning and adaptation.”

Currently, Grewe finds himself leaning towards commercial or corporate practice, in litigation or contract-based work; yet he remains open to exploring various fields. One area that particularly captivates his interest is data privacy.

“As this area of law begins to expand significantly across the United States, it's clear that data privacy will become increasingly relevant,” he says. “My exposure to it at Meijer sparked a deep interest in the subject, and I’m thrilled about the opportunity to join Warner Norcross and Judd, which also practices data privacy.”

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