Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Internship Program
2025 Martin Luther King, Jr Summer Interns
The starting point for law students committed to advocacy and service is our Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Internship Program. Through a curriculum that encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and building a professional network, our internships provide law students with individualized guidance and valuable legal work experience that allows them to learn about the unique challenges faced by low-income and marginalized communities in Pennsylvania and prepares them to be thoughtful, compassionate advocates for justice.
About our Program
Each summer, ten first- and second-year law students are offered placements at the legal aid organizations in our Network. Selected candidates will be awarded placements with legal aid organizations throughout our Network and paid a program stipend. The internship program kicks off with a two-day poverty law orientation training at our office in Harrisburg in May. The orientation serves as a crucial foundation for interns, equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of various legal areas they will encounter throughout the next ten weeks. It also provides practical insights into networking, professionalism, and building essential attorney skillsets.
Following the orientation, participants will join their respective legal aid organizations, where they will have an opportunity to interact conduct initial client interviews, attend client meetings, and accompany mentors at hearings, trials, and administrative proceedings. Participants may also be asked to conduct factual investigation, legal research, and draft legal documents and memoranda. At the conclusion of the program, participants are required to complete an essay about their experiences, which is compiled into a volume called the Drum Major Essay Collection. Each summer, these essays are presented at our Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Internship Reception. Held annually in July, the event is a time for celebration and inspiration as we reflect upon the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the impact of our interns' work.
Our Legacy
For over three decades, PLAN, Inc.’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Summer Internship Program has stood as a beacon for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Born out of the collaborative efforts of the Pennsylvania Legal Services Black Caucus and members across our Network, we've proudly supported and shaped over 410 budding legal minds to better mirror and serve our client communities.
How to Apply
Applications for the next Martin Luther King Jr. Summer Internship Program class are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and three (3) professional references to: PLAN, Inc.'s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging & HR Operations at MLKPrograms@palegalaid.net.
Meet our 2025 MLK Cohort:
Sumitra Dhakal (she/her)
Program: Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
Education: Penn State Dickinson Law School (1L)
Biography:
Sumitra Dhakal was born in Nepal and resettled by UNHCR in Clarkston, GA which she was 8 years old. She earned her bachelor's in International Affairs from Skidmore College and is currently a 1L at Dickinson Law. At the law school, Sumitra is part of the Middle Eastern and South Asian Law Students Association as well as the Moving Party (a dance club). Prior to joining Dickinson Law, she worked as Resettlement Case Aide at Church World Service - Lancaster. In and after law school, Sumitra hope to continue working with the community and pursue a career in Public Interest work. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking South Asian food and doing Bollywood dance.
GeGe George (she/her)
Program: MidPenn Legal Services
Education: Penn State Dickinson Law School (1L)
Biography:
GeGe George is a 1L at Penn State Dickinson Law. She is interested in legal advocacy especially within marginalized communities. With her extensive engagement in the Baltimore area, GeGe has advocated for the end of child marriage, social issues pertaining the LGBTQIA community, and has worked with the NAACP to shine a light on issues that plague Baltimore and her community. Interning at MidPenn will grant her the opportunity to serve her community in ways many take for granted.
Lindsay Henry (she/her)
Program: Summit Legal Aid
Education: Thomas R. Kline School of Law - Duquesne School of Law (2L)
Biography:
Lindsay grew up in a military family that moved frequently between bases in the US and overseas. In between completing her bachelor's degree at the University of Montana and coming to law school in Pittsburgh, she spent time working in agriculture and as a baker. She looks forward to a legal career focused on public service and helping people solve important problems in their lives. In her free time, she loves to garden, spend time with her dog, and get out into the mountains.
Dan Joyce (he/him)
Program: Neighborhood Legal Services
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law (2L)
Biography:
Dan Joyce is a second-year Juris Doctor student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is from Moon Township, PA, and is a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania; he received an undergraduate degree in Political Science/Political Theory (with concentrations in Philosophy, and Political Sociology) from the University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. He has previous legal experience working at the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania under Hon. Dist. Judge Christy C. Wiegand, and has extensive experience in policy-related, teaching, and hands-on customer service fields. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, spending time with his girlfriend and family, and viewing arthouse films. His career interests lie in addressing indigent legal issues from a holistic, multi-disciplinary perspective, and he is excited to work with PLAN as an MLK, Jr., Intern.
Regina Macias (she/her)
Program: Community Legal Services
Education: St. Mary’s School of Law (1L)
Biography:
Regina grew up in the vibrant border town of El Paso, Texas, where she was raised by her mother. Her upbringing in this unique community fostered a deep understanding of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, shaping her commitment to ensuring civil legal assistance is accessible to everyone, regardless of economic class. Regina is especially passionate about researching labor law and advocating for workers’ rights. When she's not at school or work, she enjoys immersing herself in Sally Rooney novels and spending time with her two cats, fully embracing her self-proclaimed future as a "cat lady."
Abbey-Gail Morris (she/her)
Program: Community Justice Project
Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (1L)
Biography:
Abbey-Gail is a passionate aspiring immigration attorney hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As the child of two Jamaican immigrants, she is deeply committed to advocating for immigrant rights and fostering diversity and inclusion. An avid reader and beach enthusiast, Abbey finds inspiration in the natural beauty of Florida’s coastline, often accompanied by their two beloved cats. Demonstrating a strong commitment to community empowerment, Abbey also co-founded a nonprofit organization with her mentor that focuses on mental health support and bridging the gap between high schoolers and their pursuit of secondary education, trade school, or college opportunities.
Rishi Nayee (he/him)
Program: Community Justice Project
Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (2L)
Biography:
Rishi Nayee is a second-year law student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. He graduated from Rutgers Business School with a Supply Chain Management degree. Throughout his upbringing, he has had a deep-rooted passion for understanding the complex nuisances that is involved with the law and applying that adept knowledge to help those that need it. In his free time, he manages his DJ business and takes care of his various events. Rishi also loves anything to do with cars and loves to tinker in the garage. He is excited to expand his legal knowledge and hopes to make a difference in the field!
Nathalie Polo (she/her)
Program: Justice at Work
Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (2L)
Biography:
Nathalie was raised in Miami, FL. After moving from Colombia at the age of 5 with her family, she earned her citizenship when she was 18. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse environment, Nathalie came to appreciate the importance of community. It was through this exposure that she became drawn to public interest work. While in law school, Nathalie has had the opportunity to work directly with underserved communities in PA through pro bono projects. In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and trying new things, either by traveling or finding new spots to eat.
Devon Spiva (he/him)
Program: North Penn Legal Services
Education: Penn State Dickinson Law School (1L)
Biography:
Devon Spiva is a current 1L at Penn State Dickinson Law. He is a native of Georgia and worked as a paralegal a year before moving to Pennsylvania to attend law school. Before making the decision to apply to law school, Devon worked in a variety of fields to cover living expenses while in undergrad and served on a variety of different nonprofit boards dedicated to serving the communities in which he lived. In his free time, Devon enjoys spending time with his friends, hiking and tubing, and watching musicals and plays. He hopes to use his law degree to not only practice law but also to bridge the gap between access to legal aid and income.
Previous Cohorts: