15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in Michigan
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 10 min read
If you’re an undergraduate student interested in exploring law, a summer internship can help you explore the legal field. These opportunities allow you to learn about how legal research, public policy, and courtroom advocacy work and develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis. These opportunities also provide valuable connections with attorneys, judges, and public policy experts, helping you build your network.
Why should you intern in Michigan?
Michigan offers a wide range of law-related internships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, hosted by institutions such as Wayne State and the ACLU of Michigan. You can work alongside prosecutors, public defenders, and civil rights advocates, contribute to legislative research in the state capitol, or assist attorneys handling active cases in local firms and clinics. Whether you’re a Michigan native or traveling to the state for the summer, these internships can help you strengthen your resume, gain insight into the profession, and build meaningful professional connections.
To help you get started, we have 15 law internships for undergraduates in Michigan.
If you are looking for online paid internships, check out our blog here.
15 Law Internships for Undergraduates in Michigan
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective remote internship for university students, including those on a gap year. The program runs in multiple cohorts throughout the year, each lasting about eight weeks with a commitment of five to ten hours a week. You are matched with a startup in fields like AI, health tech, finance, consulting, or media, many of which are led by founders from top accelerators or major tech firms. During the internship, you work on a real project for the company, guided by both a startup manager and a Ladder Coach who supports you through the process. At the end of the program, you present your deliverables and receive a letter of completion or reference.
Location: Hall Render Offices (Detroit, MI; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Milwaukee, WI; Raleigh, NC; Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Paid internship ($20–$25/hour); parking provided
Dates: June 2–July 25
Application Deadline: Application period closed for 2025; next cycle opens January 2026
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with 48+ credit hours, 2.5+ GPA, and interest in law or health care fields; U.S. work authorization required
If you’re interested in both law and healthcare, the Hall Render Killian Health & Lyman Summer Internship Program gives you the chance to gain real-world experience while earning a competitive hourly wage. As an intern, you’ll work about 25 hours per week on legal research and writing projects, attend client meetings, and learn about law firm operations. The program focuses on supporting historically underrepresented students in law and health care, helping you explore potential career paths while building professional skills. You’ll join one of several Hall Render offices across the country, including the Detroit location, and receive mentorship from practicing attorneys.
Location: Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, MI
Cost: Free; $500 stipend provided upon completion
Dates: Four weeks, June–July
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, recent graduates, or sophomores in a 3+3 program; must be Detroit residents or graduates of Detroit Public Schools
If you’re a rising junior, senior, or recent graduate from Detroit interested in law, the Damon J. Keith Pre-Law Summer Institute at Wayne State University Law School offers you a free, four-week opportunity to prepare for law school. You’ll receive a full LSAT test prep course through Kaplan, mentorship from legal professionals, and visits to law firms, courts, and public interest organizations. The program also includes workshops on legal writing, academic success, professionalism, and the law school admissions process led by Wayne Law faculty. You’ll also earn a $500 stipend upon completing the program to help cover LSAT registration costs. With networking opportunities, team-building activities, and a focus on civil rights education, this program gives you the tools and exposure to take the next step toward law school.
Location: Burr & Forman LLP, multiple office locations (in-person)
Cost: Paid internship
Dates: June 4–July 1
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, or recent graduates with an interest in law school
If you’re a college junior or senior interested in law school, Burr & Forman’s Pre-Law Program gives you a paid internship at an AmLaw 200 firm along with mentorship and hands-on experience. You’ll participate in panel discussions, network with practicing attorneys, and get a real-world look at how law firms operate before you even start law school. The program is designed to help you build confidence, gain professional skills, and make valuable connections in the legal field. By the end, you’ll have exposure to both the daily work of attorneys and the broader professional community through structured workshops and events.
Location: Hybrid – Detroit, MI (in-person and remote)
Cost: No cost; stipends available for students without external funding
Dates: 10–12 weeks, June–August (flexible scheduling)
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students with strong academic backgrounds, communication skills, and an interest in civil rights and liberties
The ACLU of Michigan offers you the opportunity to engage with civil rights and liberties advocacy through hands-on experience across legal, political, and communications departments. You will contribute to projects involving democracy initiatives, legal intake, legislative research, and public education campaigns. The program includes attending court hearings, participating in mentorship activities, and collaborating with staff on ongoing litigation and policy work. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning, you will gain exposure to civil liberties issues ranging from voting rights to criminal law reform. The ACLU provides stipends for students who cannot secure external funding, ensuring broader access to this public interest internship.
Location: Michigan House of Representatives, Lansing, MI
Cost: No cost; paid and volunteer positions available
Dates: Fall and Spring terms; specific start dates vary
Application Deadline: Open until filled for most positions
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with an interest in law, public policy, or political science; strong communication skills preferred
If you’re interested in state government and public policy, the Michigan House of Representatives offers internships that let you work directly with legislators and staff. As an intern, you’ll assist with legislative research, constituent correspondence, and communications work such as social media or content creation, depending on the office you join. Opportunities are available in both paid and volunteer roles across the Republican and Democratic caucuses, so you can tailor your experience to your interests. You’ll gain professional skills while learning how Michigan’s legislative process works behind the scenes. Some positions even offer specialized work in areas like photography, policy analysis, or constituent services.
Location: Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, Lansing, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: June 10–August 2
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in history, pre-law, or related fields
The Coleman Internship offers undergraduates in history or pre-law a chance to conduct original research on the Michigan Supreme Court. Established in 1998 to honor Judge Creighton Coleman and Justice Mary Stallings Coleman, the first woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court, the program has produced projects ranging from historical reference guides to civil rights research and digital archives. As an intern, you will work on publications, exhibits, or website content while developing skills in legal history research and writing. Past interns have contributed to major initiatives such as the Women and the Law Project and the Verdict of History case compilation. The internship emphasizes independent research, archival work, and collaboration with Society staff.
Location: Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship (course credit possible)
Dates: May 5–August 17 (Summer); September 8–December 22 (Fall); January 12–April 30 (Winter)
Application Deadline: April 18 (Summer); August 22 (Fall); December 19 (Winter)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or law students with strong academic records and interest in criminal law or public defense
The Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender offers undergraduates a chance to immerse themselves in criminal defense work while gaining real-world experience in a high-volume legal setting. You will become part of trial lawyer teams, conducting legal research, assisting with case preparation, and observing or even participating in courtroom proceedings under attorney supervision. The program includes orientations, structured reviews, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic requirements. Students may also earn course credit, provided they coordinate with their universities. With opportunities in legal, social work, investigation, and finance tracks, the internship offers you a broad exposure to public defense operations and client advocacy.
Location: Okemos Legal Group PLLC, Okemos, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship (course credit possible)
Dates: Rolling start dates; flexible terms year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, recent graduates, or law students with strong academic records and an interest in law
The Okemos Legal Group PLLC Pre-Law Internship Program provides undergraduates, recent graduates, and law students with extensive exposure to legal practice. You’ll assist attorneys with case files, participate in client meetings, observe court proceedings, and attend weekly legal lectures presented by a former law school professor. The program also offers you opportunities to work at the Angela Elain Baranski Free Legal Clinic, offering community-based legal services. You will gain experience in legal research, case briefing, and courtroom procedures while receiving mentorship from practicing attorneys. Academic credit may be available through your university, and alumni have gone on to top law schools across the country.
Location: Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Mount Clemens, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship (course credit possible)
Dates: 10–12 weeks, flexible based on academic calendars
Application Deadline: Rolling applications accepted
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with strong communication skills and an interest in public service law
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office offers you the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service and the prosecutorial process. You’ll support the prosecutor and staff in administrative tasks such as drafting correspondence, conducting legal research, monitoring local media, and preparing responses to constituent inquiries. The program provides exposure to courtroom procedures through occasional attendance at hearings and day-to-day office activities. You will also work on special projects as assigned, gaining insight into public-sector legal operations. The internship emphasizes professional conduct, communication skills, and a strong interest in public service law.
Location: Federal Community Defender Office, Eastern District of Michigan, Detroit, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: Year-round opportunities; summer session includes weekly training lectures
Application Deadline: Rolling applications accepted
Eligibility: Undergraduate or law students; coursework in evidence or criminal procedure preferred but not required
As an intern at the Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, you’ll work directly with attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists on real criminal defense cases. Your responsibilities may include researching legal issues, drafting pleadings, writing memoranda, and even meeting with clients. You’ll have the chance to attend court proceedings, join staff meetings, and participate in strategy sessions to understand how federal criminal defense operates from start to finish. During the summer, you’ll also benefit from weekly lectures by attorneys on different aspects of federal criminal proceedings. This internship offers you a comprehensive view of indigent defense and courtroom advocacy at the federal level.
Location: Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Marquette, Pontiac, or Traverse City, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: Fall term (specific start/end dates provided upon acceptance)
Application Deadline: July 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with strong communication skills and an interest in public service; Michigan ties preferred
If you want firsthand experience in public service, the Office of U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters offers you the chance to work in one of several Michigan state offices. As an intern, you’ll draft constituent correspondence, answer phones, handle data entry, and assist with general office duties that keep the office running smoothly. You’ll learn how a U.S. Senate office serves constituents and connects with communities across the state. Michigan ties are preferred but not required, and the office values diversity, equity, and inclusion in its internship program.
Location: Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship (course credit or external funding possible)
Dates: Winter and Summer terms; 10–20 hours/week during the school year
Application Deadline: October for Winter; December for Summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or law students with strong academic records and an interest in criminal law or public service
If you want to experience what it’s like to work in a prosecutor’s office, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office invites you to join its team dedicated to equity and justice. As an intern, you’ll assist with motions, trial preparation, legal research, reviewing police reports, and drafting memos. You can choose to work in specialized units such as Criminal, Special Victims, Domestic Violence, Appeals, Juvenile & Probate, Economic Justice, Conviction Integrity & Expungements, or Diversion. During the school year, you’ll commit 10–20 hours per week, gaining exposure to real casework and courtroom procedures. Law students in Michigan may even appear on the record under attorney supervision after their first year.
Location: Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, Holland, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship (limited funding available)
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms; at least 8 hours/week
Application Deadline: August 1 (Fall); December 1 (Spring); April 1 (Summer); rolling applications accepted
Eligibility: Undergraduate or law students; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred; interest in immigration law or nonprofit work
If you want to learn about immigration law, community outreach, and nonprofit advocacy, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates offers you the chance to gain real experience through its internship program. You can focus on legal services, communications, development, or nonprofit management while working closely with attorneys and staff supporting immigrant and refugee communities. You’ll assist with client-focused work, legal research, and community education projects while developing professional skills in a collaborative environment. While most positions are unpaid, limited funding may be available each semester, and you can apply for academic credit through your university. Priority is given to bilingual students and those with strong research and writing skills.
Location: 20th Judicial Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts, Grand Haven & West Olive, MI
Cost: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: Fall, Winter, and Summer terms; flexible scheduling based on academic requirements
Application Deadline: Rolling applications accepted
Eligibility: Must be 18+, a junior or senior in a bachelor’s or graduate program, able to pass a background check, and provide own transportation
If you’re majoring in criminal justice, law, psychology, social work, or a related field, the Ottawa County Courts offer you the chance to gain practical experience in the justice system through their internship program. You can work in areas such as juvenile casework, detention services, treatment programs, or the Legal Self-Help Center. During your internship, you’ll learn how the Circuit and Probate Courts function, interact with staff and court customers, and apply academic theory in real-world settings. Experienced professionals will supervise your work, ensuring you receive guidance and support as you develop your skills. Completing the program can also earn you a reference letter for future employment.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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