Meijer internship sparks interest in data privacy area

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 within the household 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.

He first earned a BBA with a major in finance, and a minor in legal studies, from Grand Valley State University. Finding finance particularly engaging, he immersed himself in the analysis of companies, financial statements, and interrelations within the broader economic landscape. He also had coursework that bridged law with finance and business.

“A particularly impactful discussion with an attorney emphasized the advantages of holding a business degree, not only facilitating interactions with business clients but enhancing understanding of the intricate dynamics of the business world,” he says.

After college graduation, Grewe took part in a summer internship with the chief of the Domestic Violence Unit at the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.  

“While I’m truly grateful for my time there, I quickly realized criminal law is likely not the right path for me,” he says.

Now a 2L student at Detroit Mercy Law, Grewe appreciates the tight-knit yet expansive community and its location in the heart of Detroit with proximity to federal and state courts, and a plethora of law firms.

He notes this past summer’s legal internship at Meijer was a fascinating and transformative experience, 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.

“Engaging with senior members across multiple departments allowed me to gather valuable insights and witness firsthand how in-house counsel operates within the company,” he says.
Grewe also embraced a quasi-summer associate role. 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.

“This experience was nothing short of incredible. Not only did I interact with a remarkable group of attorneys, but I also gained exposure to a unique aspect of the law that few
law students or attorneys encounter,” he says. “My internship was a remarkable exploration into the world of in-house counsel and provided me with deep insight into the ever-expansive world of work an attorney may engage in.”

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, presented by the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction.

“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 says. “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.”

He is drawn to the idea that every case, every law, and every legal precedent is intertwined, and contributing to this dynamic landscape is not just a career for him, but a powerful opportunity to leave a positive impact on society.

“Ultimately, my passion for the law is driven by a commitment to making the world a better place—one interaction, one case, and one legal reform at a time,” he says.

Currently, Grewe finds himself leaning towards commercial or corporate practice, in litigation or contract-based work. 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.

“Additionally, I have interests in labor and employment law, compliance, and many other areas. While I haven’t made a final decision, I am genuinely excited to embark on my journey in the legal profession.”

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