Description:
Job Summary:The Associate Attorney is responsible for managing a caseload, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing strategic guidance to clients. The Associate Attorney works closely with the Managing Attorney and with clients. They will also be proactive, an exceptional communicator, highly organized, detail oriented, comfortable with new challenges, and can work independently and within a team. Additionally, the Associate Attorney will adhere to the strictest level of confidentiality.
Responsibilities:
- Drafts and prepares legal documents including briefs, pleadings, appeals, will, contracts, etc.
- Conducts legal research, gathers and analyzes research data, investigates facts and law of cases and searches pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Conducts case management and preparations for trails, hearings, and other proceedings.
- Evaluates findings and develops strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Represents clients in court and presents and summarizes cases to judges and juries.
- Acts as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
- Probates wills and represents and advises executors and administrators of estates.
- Communicates in person, by phone, and/or email with clients, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
- Tracks the status of outstanding matters and meets legal in firm deadlines.
- Updates case management system for content and time keeping/billing.
- Attends daily firm meetings.
- Confers with court staff or others involved in legal processes to provide and/or clarify information.
- Monitors, organizes, and keeps work area clean.
- Attends required meetings and training and participates in committees as appropriate.
- Works harmoniously and collaboratively with team members and clients.
- Works on strict deadlines which require prompt attention to detail and reliable attendance.
- Performs other duties, special projects, and administrative support duties as assigned.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.
- Admission to the Michigan Bar and in good standing.
- Exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills, including ability to create written content.
- Technologically savvy with intermediate/advanced computer skills, including proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), database programs, Internet, and various cloud-based systems.
- Proficiency in legal research tools and software (Westlaw, LexusNexus)
- Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Demonstrates fluent knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including excellent phone etiquette.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with a courteous and friendly demeanor.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
- Demonstrates a high level of accuracy; is detail oriented, thorough, inquisitive, confident, organized, and results driven.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
- Sufficient knowledge of legal terminology to perform responsibilities.
- Ability to travel to other offices/practice sites and meeting and training locations.
- Regular, in-office attendance required as scheduled.
- Must have valid driver license and reliable transportation to travel to locations throughout the region.
Attributes:
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of personality styles.
- Compassionately and ethically serves a diverse population.
- Comfortable working under pressure.
- Proficient at prioritizing and able to handle a variety of assignments simultaneously with superior problem-solving and time-management skills. Adaptable to changing conditions, including adjusting priorities on the fly.
- Demonstrates professional practices and ethics.
- Professional, polished, and punctual, manages time well, shows grace under pressure, and goes the extra mile to ensure the success of the organization.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
- Committed to one's own personal development and staying abreast of industry shifts.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos, and ability to educate and relay such information to a variety of audiences.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Involves working in an open-office environment infrequently exposed to extreme temperature, extreme noise, fumes, dust, etc.
- Sitting/standing at desk and on computer at least 90% of the time.
- Ability to travel to locations throughout the region regularly and beyond on occasion.
- Computer work required.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Ability to speak, hear, and see.
