Summer Legal Internship at Waseyabek Development Company – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mission
Waséyabek Development Company, LLC (Waséyabek) is a legal entity, created and wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP or Band), a federally recognized Indian Tribe to serve as the holding company through which the Band acquires, develops and manages a diversified portfolio of non-gaming business assets. Waséyabek’s portfolio currently includes commercial real estate, industrial and manufacturing operations, professional services companies, trucking, logistics and warehousing, and federal contracting entities. Waseyabek plays a key role in advancing the NHBP’s economic development and long-term sustainability.

Position Summary
The Legal Intern will support the in-house legal team across a broad range of corporate, commercial, regulatory and transactional matters. This internship offers hands-on experience to the legal operations of a complex, multi-entity organization and the opportunity to work on real-world issues affecting tribally owned and affiliated businesses.

The position is well-suited for a law student interested in tribal sovereignty and economic diversification, corporate law, commercial transactions, real estate, federal contracting and/or regulatory compliance.

About Our Internship Program
The program is designed to provide meaningful, real-world experience while fostering collaboration and connection. Opportunities to help students grow professionally while developing a deeper understanding of the mission and cultural foundation that guide our work include:

Essential Job Functions include, but not limited to, the following:
Under the supervision of the in-house counsel, the Legal Intern may assist with:

Conducting legal research and writing on a variety of issues, including corporate governance, contracts, real estate, employment, regulatory compliance, and federal contracting

Updating and organizing legal forms and templates

Reviewing and summarizing commercial contracts (e.g., NDAs, vendor agreements, services agreements, terms and conditions, leases)

Supporting mergers, acquisitions, and investment activities, including due diligence and document organization

Assisting with commercial real estate matters, including lease reviews and property-related agreements

Supporting regulatory and compliance efforts related to federal contracting, including FAR/DFARS, small business programs, and government customer requirements

Assisting with employment and labor law matters, policies, and internal investigations

Preparing internal legal memoranda, summaries, and presentations for business stakeholders

Supporting subsidiary governance matters, including board/Advisory Group materials and entity maintenance

Performing other legal and administrative tasks as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have successfully completed at least one year of coursework

Strong research, writing, and analytical skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint); familiarity with contract management or legal research tools is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.