Description:

Build a practice that matters—where clients truly feel the impact.

Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Northville is hiring an Associate Attorney to take a leading role in a thriving estate planning and elder law practice. This position is ideal for an experienced, client-facing attorney who enjoys moving matters forward decisively, communicating with clarity, and delivering high-quality work in a high-volume environment.

The practice includes a strong pipeline of estate planning matters (the firm averages approximately 25 + estate plan signings per month) and a significant trust and probate administration docket. Experience with long-term care and nursing home Medicaid planning is welcomed and can become a meaningful part of this role.

Key Responsibilities – This is not a “back-office” associate position. You will handle:
Estate Planning (Draft → Counsel → Execute)

Conduct consultations and provide clear, practical planning recommendations aligned with Michigan law.
Draft and finalize comprehensive estate plans, including revocable living trusts, wills, durable financial powers of attorney, and patient advocate designations/advance directives using Wealth Counsel software.
Lead signing meetings and ensure execution formalities are completed accurately and efficiently.
Guide clients on implementation steps (including trust funding strategy and alignment of beneficiary designations as appropriate).

Elder Law / Long-Term Care Planning (Experience is a Plus, but not required)
Counsel clients and families on planning for long-term care events with an emphasis on risk reduction, compliance, and realistic timelines.
(Preferred) Support or lead nursing home Medicaid strategy and application workflow, including eligibility screening and coordination of documentation.

Trust & Probate Administration (High-Ownership Docket)

Independently manage a docket ofactive trust and probate administration matters, including Michigan probate court filings and deadlines.
Advise fiduciaries and beneficiaries on duties, timelines, notices, accountings, and distributions.
Maintain consistent file movement, proactive client communication, and strong documentation.

Teamwork + Practice Operations

Delegate effectively to paralegals and legal assistants, provide clear instructions, and review work products for quality.
Maintain disciplined file management and strong workflow execution using firm systems.
Operate comfortably in a mixed flat-fee and hourly practice, including accurate scoping and documentation.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Clients experience consistent responsiveness, clear guidance, and a smooth process from consult through completion.
Estate plan files move from intake to signing with minimal bottlenecks and minimal avoidable revisions.
Trust/probate administration matters progress steadily with no deadline surprises.
The attorney is viewed internally as an owner of outcomes—organized, dependable, and proactive.

Qualifications (What the Firm Is Looking For)

Active Michigan law license in good standing.
Minimum 5 years' experience in a fast-paced law firm setting with meaningful client-facing responsibility.
Demonstrated experience in estate planning, drafting and execution; experience with trust and/or probate administration.
Strong judgment, organization, and communication skills—particularly with grieving families and high-stress dynamics.
Elder law and/or Medicaid planning experience is a significant plus (but not required if the core fit is strong).

Why You'll Love Working with Us

Compensation that rewards performance: “Base salary of $80,000 per year (based on experience). This position is also eligible for monthly performance-based bonuses, with total annual compensation typically ranging from $90,000 to $120,000.”
Benefits that support real life: health insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), and PTO. We also offer incentives to earn additional PTO and/or flex time.
A practice with consistent momentum: a steady flow of estate planning work and meaningful administration matters.
High-trust, high-support culture: strong systems, templates, and staff support designed to help attorneys deliver excellent work efficiently.
Career growth with substance: opportunities to deepen expertise in elder law/Medicaid planning, take ownership of a docket, and expand leadership responsibilities over time.

How to Apply:
Please email the following to shelly@formyplan.com with the subject line: “Associate Attorney – Northville”

Resume
Cover letter (brief is fine—focus on fit and what you want to build)
A redacted writing sample (estate plan excerpt, client letter, or probate pleading preferred)

**No Recruiters***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year