News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Attorney Bill Pfifer, left, poses with intern Nathan Kline at the Isackson, Wallace, and Pfeifer office on Thursday.

ALPENA — This summer, various law firms and legal offices have worked with the next generation of attorneys by hosting several interns.

The interns, hailing from various law schools, have worked with both criminal defense offices and prosecutors.

Nathan Kline, a law student at Michigan State University, is among those interns, working at Alpena’s Isackson, Wallace, and Pfeifer.

Born and raised in Alpena, Kline’s journey into law began after his service in military intelligence with the U.S. Army.

“I wanted to bring the analytical skills I honed in the military back home,” Kline remarked, reflecting on his decision to pursue law at MSU.

His interest in local law firms was piqued by the high-profile cases handled by Bill Pfeifer, making Isackson, Wallace, and Pfeifer a natural choice.

Since joining the firm in May, Kline has delved into a variety of cases spanning criminal law, municipal affairs, and estates.

“It’s been engaging and fulfilling,” Kline said, noting the satisfaction of contributing to his community through legal practice.

Pfeifer, a seasoned attorney at the firm, expressed appreciation for Kline’s contributions.

“Having Nathan here has been a tremendous asset,” Pfeifer said. “His background and dedication bring a fresh perspective to our team, particularly in researching intricate legal matters.”

Looking ahead, Kline envisions establishing himself in Northeast Michigan before possibly branching out on his own.

“I see myself staying here for a few years to get established,” he explained. “Eventually, I’d like to have a role where I can have autonomy over my work, possibly as a partner.”

Discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in Northeast Michigan’s legal landscape, Kline highlighted the region’s need for legal professionals.

“There’s a high demand here, especially with retiring attorneys,” he noted. “It’s an area where I can see myself making a long-term impact.”

Across town at the Northeast Michigan Regional Defender Office, which represents criminal defendants who can’t afford to hire their own attorney, Dayna Iwan, from Wayne State University, and Jack Beck, from the University of Michigan, are gaining what they called valuable experience in public defense.

Both entering their third year of law school, Iwan and Beck found their internships through school programs focused on public defense.

Iwan, originally from Southeast Michigan, was drawn to Alpena because she has family ties here and because of her interest in criminal law.

“I’ve always been intrigued by true crime,” she said. “Working here has solidified my passion for public defense and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.”

Beck, hailing from New Jersey, sought an opportunity to explore Michigan’s legal landscape while remaining connected to the state.

“Being in Alpena has shown me the importance of holistic defense approaches,” Beck said. “The collaboration here between lawyers, social workers, and the community is inspiring.”

Both interns praised the structured and supportive environment of their respective offices.

“Alpena surprises with its organized resources and community-focused legal practices,” Iwan said. “It’s been eye-opening to see how effective this approach can be in ensuring fair representation.”

Looking forward, Iwan sees herself potentially settling in Northeast Michigan long-term, drawn to the region’s quiet charm and professional opportunities. Beck echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Michigan’s diverse legal needs and his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the state.

Both interns expressed gratitude for the mentorship and learning opportunities provided by their offices.

“This internship has been invaluable in shaping my career goals,” Beck remarked. “I feel prepared to navigate the complexities of law with a deeper understanding of community-based legal practices.”

Ben Bergstrom, an intern from Toledo attending his third year of law school at the University of Toledo, is working with the Alpena County Prosecutor’s Office.

“I accepted this internship through the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan,” Bergstrom explained. “I do everything a prosecutor would do, under supervision — writing motions, handling preliminary exams, and I’ve even had the chance to work on a trial.”

His interest in law stemmed from an inspiring professor during his undergraduate studies.

“I have virtually no lawyers in my family, but my professor made trial work sound fascinating,” Bergstrom shared. “That initial fascination has driven me to pursue this path.”

Working in Alpena, Bergstrom found the experience both educational and eye-opening.

“Everyone in Alpena has been really good to me,” he said. “They’ve been supportive and helpful. It’s beautiful up here. I’ve never been this far north in Michigan before.”

Bergstrom noted a collaborative atmosphere in Alpena’s legal community, which he found distinct from his expectations.

“Even between defense counsel and prosecution, there’s a strong emphasis on finding resolutions that benefit the community and the clients,” he observed. “It’s not as adversarial as I initially imagined. It’s more collaborative.”

Looking ahead, Bergstrom plans to take the Ohio bar exam and hopes to settle in Northwest Ohio, though he remains open to opportunities in Michigan.

“I live close enough to both Indiana and Michigan, less than an hour from all of those,” he explained. “So, as of now, I do plan on taking the bar in Ohio and staying in that area.”

Reflecting on his time in Alpena, Bergstrom highlighted the valuable skills and experiences gained.

“They’ve kept me busy with a lot of interesting work that spans different areas of criminal law,” he said. “It’s been a very valuable experience, overall, and I’m really glad I accepted it.”

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.