Experienced Probate Paralegal — The People's Firm PLLC
Lansing or Dearborn, MI | Hybrid (once trained) | Full-Time
About Us
The People's Firm PLLC is a growing Michigan law firm with offices in Lansing and Dearborn. We handle a broad range of matters with a heavy concentration in probate, trust administration, estate planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and related fiduciary work. We pride ourselves on serving clients with care, precision, and responsiveness — and we are looking for an experienced paralegal who shares that mindset to join our team.
The Role
We are hiring an experienced Probate Paralegal to support our attorneys on complex probate, trust, and estate matters from intake through closing. This is a hands-on role for someone who knows Michigan probate practice cold and is ready to take ownership of files, drive deadlines, and work directly with clients and the courts.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Drafting petitions, notices, orders, accountings, inventories, and other SCAO and court-required forms across Michigan probate matters (decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, trust supervision)
- Preparing trust administration documents, including notices to beneficiaries, certifications of trust, and distribution schedules
- E-filing and traditional filing with Michigan probate courts; tracking hearing dates, service deadlines, and statutory timelines
- Communicating with clients, beneficiaries, court personnel, and opposing counsel
- Preparing and serving proofs of service; managing notice requirements under MCR 5.125 and related rules
- Coordinating with personal representatives, trustees, guardians, and conservators on fiduciary reporting obligations
- Drafting estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives) under attorney supervision
- Managing case files, calendars, and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail
What We Are Looking For
- 5–10 years of probate paralegal experience in a Michigan law firm
- Working knowledge of EPIC (MCL 700.1101 et seq.), the Michigan Trust Code, and the Michigan Court Rules governing probate practice
- Fluency with SCAO forms and Michigan probate court procedures
- Experience with multiple Michigan probate courts (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Ingham, and others a plus)
- Strong drafting skills — able to produce a clean petition, accounting, or order with minimal revisions
- Excellent organization and the ability to manage a high volume of active matters with competing deadlines
- Comfort working directly with clients, including grieving family members and fiduciaries who may need patient guidance
- Discretion and judgment with confidential and sensitive information
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software
- Notary commission or willingness to obtain one
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Hybrid flexibility in scheduling once training is complete
- Choice of working from our Lansing office or our Dearborn office
- Performance-based bonuses and meaningful room for pay increases as you grow with the firm
- Genuine room for advancement — we are growing, and the right person will have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, lead matters, and build a long-term career here
- A collaborative, professional team that takes the work seriously without taking ourselves too seriously
- Continuing education support and reimbursement for relevant certifications
- Paid time off and standard firm benefits
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your probate experience, the types of matters you have handled, and what you are looking for in your next role. Writing samples (a petition, accounting, or other drafting work product with client information redacted) are welcomed but not required.
The People's Firm PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dearborn, MI 48126
