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Student Legal Intern Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for students who have a passion for and are committed to the practice of law. Successful candidates will acquire and develop specific skills for their qualifications and transversal ...

Internship- Compliance

Okemos, MI · Hybrid

$36K - $43K/yr

We are currently seeking an Intern for our Compliance department. Tasks may include: * Assisting in ... We are seeking a law school student. Must be detail oriented, analytical and strong organizational ...

Internship- Compliance

Okemos, MI · On-site

$36K - $43K/yr

We are currently seeking an Intern for our Compliance department. Tasks may include: * Assisting in ... We are seeking a law school student. Must be detail oriented, analytical and strong organizational ...

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Student Legal Intern information

What is a student legal intern?

Student legal interns are law students who work in legal settings, such as law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, to gain practical experience while still in school. They assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, attending court proceedings, and other tasks related to the legal process. This hands-on experience helps them apply their classroom knowledge to real-world legal issues and prepares them for their future careers as lawyers.

What is the difference between Student Legal Intern vs Law Clerk?

AspectStudent Legal InternLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsEnrolled in law school, often in 2nd or 3rd yearTypically law school graduate or current law student, sometimes with specific legal experience
Work EnvironmentInternships at law firms, government agencies, or legal departmentsLegal offices, courts, or law firms, often more formal
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits for trainingCommonly used in courts and law firms for research and case preparation

While both roles involve legal research and support, Student Legal Interns are typically law students gaining practical experience, whereas Law Clerks are often law graduates or advanced students performing more independent legal work. The roles overlap in work environment and employer usage, but Law Clerks may have more responsibilities and independence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student legal intern, and why are they important?

A Student Legal Intern should possess a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing abilities, and typically be enrolled in or have completed law school coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, citation formats, and document management software is vital. Attention to detail, professionalism, and strong communication skills help interns excel in supporting attorneys and engaging with clients. These competencies ensure accurate legal work, effective team contribution, and a strong foundation for future legal practice.

What types of projects or cases might a student legal intern typically work on during their internship?

As a Student Legal Intern, you can expect to assist with a wide range of tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, preparing case summaries, and supporting attorneys in client meetings or court proceedings. Projects often include reviewing case files, helping with discovery, and sometimes observing or participating in negotiations and hearings. The exact nature of your responsibilities will depend on the organization—whether it's a law firm, government agency, or nonprofit—but you'll typically gain practical exposure to real-world legal processes and issues, making it an excellent learning opportunity.
What are the most commonly searched types of Student Legal jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Student Legal jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Student Legal Intern jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Student Legal Intern jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Student Legal Intern jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Student Legal Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Student Legal Intern job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$15/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates - Internship Program
Please note: Interviews and applications for Summer 2026 Internships are now closed. Applicants to Fall 2026 internships will be contacted in mid-July.
Who we are:
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA) is a nonprofit on Michigan's Lakeshore that provides affordable immigration legal services. We believe Michigan's immigrant families strengthen our community and economy, and we work to ensure they have access to justice, respect and stability. Our interns play a key role in advancing this mission while gaining meaningful professional experience.
Why intern with LIA?
  • Make a real impact. Work alongside attorneys, case managers, educators and advocates to support immigrant families. Your contributions-whether drafting documents, conducting outreach or assisting at legal clinics-will help ensure our clients receive timely, compassionate services.
  • Develop marketable skills. Depending on your track, you'll gain hands‑on experience in client intake, legal research, case preparation, community outreach, event planning, fund development, marketing and communications. You'll also learn to navigate professional tools such as case‑management systems, donor CRMs and digital communication platforms.
  • Mentorship and learning. You'll be paired with experienced staff who provide guidance, feedback and opportunities for reflection. Interns are encouraged to bring their unique talents and interests to projects.
  • Inclusive, supportive culture. LIA values diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to create a welcoming environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Internship tracks
We offer three tracks and tailor projects to intern interests. You may work across multiple areas:
  1. New American Legal Clinic (Asylum & Afghan cases): assist with asylum applications, country‑conditions research, client interviews and document preparation.
  2. Immigration Legal Services (Family and Humanitarian Cases): support attorneys with intake, form preparation, legal research and case management.
  3. Fund Development, Marketing & Communications: contribute to donor stewardship, social‑media campaigns, grant research, event logistics and community outreach.
Program structure & schedule
  • Fall & Winter terms: 12 to 20 hours per week (part‑time), running January-April or September-December.
  • Summer term: up to 20 hours per week (part‑time), running May-August.
  • Deadlines for priority consideration:
    • Winter term - Apply by Nov 1; interviews in mid‑November; offers finalized by Dec 15.
    • Summer term - Apply by Mar 1; interviews in mid‑March; offers finalized by Apr 15.
    • Fall term - Apply by Jul 14; interviews in late‑July; offers finalized by Aug 15.

We ask interns to commit to the full term; specific days and times can be arranged around coursework and other commitments.
Qualifications
We welcome students (undergraduate, graduate, law), recent graduates and others who meet these criteria:
  • Passion for immigrant justice and alignment with LIA's mission. Tell us why this work matters to you.
  • Strong communication skills in English; fluency in Spanish, Arabic, Pashto/Dari, French or other languages is a plus.
  • Professionalism and discretion; many clients are sharing sensitive information.
  • Organizational ability and a willingness to learn; experience with office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office) is helpful but not required.
  • You must be at least 18 and able to commute to our Holland or Grand Rapids locations; some projects require travel to off‑site clinics.

LIA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
How to apply
Submit your application online at https://lia.easyapply.co. You will be asked to select your preferred track(s) and term, list your availability and education level, and upload the following:
  1. Resume
  2. Cover letter - Explain why you want to intern at LIA and your professional goals over the next 2-5 years.
  3. Writing sample (1-2 pages, academic or professional)
  4. References - Names and contact information for three professional or academic references.

You'll also have the option to indicate language proficiencies, whether the internship is required for academic credit and how you heard about LIA.
All materials should be addressed to Hiring Committee. If you require an accommodation to apply or interview, please contact careers@lia‑michigan.org. Applications received by the priority deadlines above will be reviewed first, but submissions are accepted until positions are filled.