Honigman is a premier business law firm, based in Michigan with an international practice. Honigman is consistently recognized as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Places to Work, we earned this recognition by recruiting attorneys and staff members with outstanding credentials. Currently, we are looking for a Practice Assistant – Tax Appeals in our Lansing Office. In addition to our Lansing Office, we have offices in Detroit MI, Grand Rapids, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Chicago, IL and Washington D.C. With more than 350 attorneys working in 60 different areas of concentration, Honigman provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries.
The Practice Assistant – Tax Appeals provides high quality administrative and organizational support to attorneys and clients within a fast-paced legal environment, with a primary focus on Property Tax Appeals matters. This role requires a professional, highly motivated, and intellectually curious self-starter with strong attention to detail, the ability to anticipate needs, and a solid understanding of ongoing matters and transactions.
Although typically assigned to specific attorneys, the Practice Assistant – Tax Appeals collaborates closely with other support professionals and may be assigned to work in a team to ensure efficient, accurate, and responsive service to the Firm and its clients. A significant component of this role includes maintaining and updating property-related data, supporting appeal filings, and tracking deadlines critical to the tax appeal process.
Mastery of Firm software—including the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the Firm’s Tax Appeals database system, Adobe, Nuance, and the document management system—is essential. Familiarity with file sharing platforms (e.g., LiquidFiles) and virtual data rooms is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Document Preparation: Prepares, revise, formats, and finalizes a broad range of legal documents—including correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, petitions, motions, and other time-sensitive materials—using Firm approved software and tools. In the Property Tax Appeals practice, this includes preparing and processing tax appeal petitions, motions, and supporting documentation in accordance with jurisdictional requirements. Organizes, assembles, and maintains hard copy and electronic files, binders, and indexes to support ongoing matters. Proofreads and formats documents with a high degree of accuracy while ensuring compliance with Firm standards and court requirements.
- Property Tax Appeals Support: Maintains and updates the Firm’s property tax database, ensuring accuracy of property information, valuation data, deadlines, and appeal statuses. Tracks and updates Michigan Tax Tribunal docket information and other relevant jurisdictional filings. Monitors key dates and filing deadlines to support timely submissions and compliance. Assists attorneys with gathering and organizing property records, assessments, and related documentation for appeals.
- Administrative Support: Provides comprehensive administrative assistance by coordinating with internal Firm departments to ensure seamless delivery of legal services. Responsibilities may include conflict checks, client/matter intake, engagement letters, expense and invoice processing, and billing support. Manages meeting scheduling, including coordination with clients and taxing authorities where applicable, as well as conference room reservations and travel arrangements in accordance with Firm policies. Maintains accurate Outlook calendars and deadline tracking.
- File Maintenance: Establishes and maintains organized electronic and paper files in compliance with Firm policies, with particular attention to maintaining accurate and accessible records for property tax matters and appeals.
- Client Service and Teamwork: Upholds the Firm’s client service standards by effectively organizing and prioritizing workflow and balancing individual and team responsibilities. Builds and maintains professional, cooperative working relationships with attorneys, staff, administrators, clients, and external stakeholders such as assessors’ offices or tribunals. Anticipates the needs of colleagues and clients, communicates information responsibly, and contributes ideas and solutions in a collaborative team environment.
- Professional Demeanor: Exhibits the highest level of professionalism in adhering to Firm policies and client service standards. Exercises discretion and sound judgment to uphold strict confidentiality requirements while performing complex administrative and billable tasks.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate’s degree with at least three years of relevant administrative/legal experience, or a minimum of five years of applicable administrative/clerical experience.
- Experience in a legal environment, real estate, or property tax/assessment work is helpful but not required. Familiarity with court or tribunal filing systems (particularly Michigan Tax Tribunal) is a plus.
- Demonstrates strong digital proficiency and a commitment to ongoing technological development, including the ability to manage and maintain databases with a high level of accuracy. Strong Microsoft Excel and Access skills preferred.
- Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast paced, detail-oriented environment, including tracking critical appeal and filing deadlines. Willingness to work overtime, as needed (particularly in May due to state property tax deadlines).
- Communicates clearly and responsibly, sharing and obtaining information in a concise and timely manner. Exhibits discretion with confidential information.
- Exhibits personal accountability, strong attention to detail, and a disciplined, conscientious approach to work, particularly when handling data accuracy and legal filings.
- Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to identify issues and develop solutions.
- Conducts oneself with professionalism, reliability, integrity, composure, and a polished presence while upholding the Firm’s client service standards.
- Works cooperatively and effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals
Pay Range and Compensation Package
Honigman provides a generous total compensation package, which includes comprehensive health and well-being benefits, as well as 401k and profit sharing. The anticipated annual pay range for this role is $58,000 to $70,000 (non-exempt). The actual offered pay rate will be determined based on various factors, including qualifications, experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity considerations.
Benefits & Additional Information
Successful candidates will enjoy an exceptional career opportunity within a welcoming environment. Eligible employees can also take advantage of Honigman’s comprehensive benefits program, highlights of which are below:
- Healthcare, life and disability insurance
- 401K and profit sharing
- Bonus program
- Generous All Purpose Leave (APL) program that increases with tenure
- Well-being programs (e.g., mental health services, medical resources, and more)
- Learning and development programs
- Employee discounts
For more information, click on “Our Benefits” when you visit: https://www.honigman.com/careers-business-professionals
Honigman is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other category prohibited by applicable local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.
Pay: $58,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
