Internship sparks student’s interest in data privacy

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.

“I was often exposed to humorous remarks about lawyers and the varying perceptions of their professions, which sparked an ironic admiration for the profession of a lawyer,” he said.

“Although I didn’t fully understand the role of lawyers during my childhood, I was steady in my desire to become one.”

Law classes in high school transformed his initial fascination into a deep appreciation for the specialized knowledge the legal field offers.

“I came to view legal knowledge as a valuable asset, enabling me to interpret and comprehend important texts that govern our lives,” Grewe said. “I was often the friend who could simplify pieces of legislation or court cases for my peers, a role that revealed the potential to use my knowledge in a meaningful way — to assist others.”

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Grewe had that same legal discussion with his girlfriend, who was seeking clarity about its implications.

“Drawing on the knowledge I’d gained from my legal studies classes, I was able to provide her with a clearer understanding of the legal landscape,” he said.. “This experience marked a significant moment, illustrating how I could leverage my knowledge to aid others, deepening my desire to pursue law school.”

Grewe 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 said.

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, which provided valuable insights into the realm of criminal law.

He observed numerous trials and engaged in many discussions with the attorney he assisted, learning a great deal about the operations of a prosecutor's office and about what to expect in law school.

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

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.

“The smaller classroom sizes and the open-door policy of the faculty make what can be a daunting educational experience feel much more accessible and inviting,” he said.

He noted 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, Grewe 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 said.

Grewe 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.

“This experience was nothing short of incredible,” Grewe said. “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.”

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 said.

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.

“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,” he said. “However, to put in such hard work and see those efforts come to fruition is an extraordinary feeling.”

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 said. “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.

Away from law school, he enjoys spending time with close friends and family, that includes two younger sisters. The family lives in Macomb, although Grewe spent his early years in Warren.

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