Paralegal Probate and Estate Planning

Miller Johnson, a rapidly growing Midwest law firm known for its entrepreneurial spirit, down‑to‑earth culture, and deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve is looking for a Paralegal to support our Probate and Estate Planning Practice Group (PEP). In this role you will support attorneys in all phases of estate and trust administration, probate proceedings, fiduciary support, and related matters.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Support estate and trust administration matters, including drafting probate court pleadings, notices, inventories, accountings, fiduciary documents, and proposed distribution schedules.
• Track and manage deadlines related to probate proceedings, court filings, tax filings, hearings, and procedural requirements to ensure compliance with applicable rules and timelines, including oversight of docketing for assigned matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys on administration matters including tax filings, non-judicial settlement agreements, certificates of trust, and trustee succession documentation.
• Prepare and coordinate real estate-related documents, including Fiduciary Deeds, Property Transfer Affidavits (PTAs), and PRE rescissions.
• Assist attorneys with contested probate and trust matters, including litigation-related pleadings, discovery coordination, court filings, and hearing preparation.
• Assist with gathering financial, tax, and asset information necessary for administration and settlement activities.
• Communicate directly with clients, beneficiaries, financial advisors, court staff, taxing authorities, and opposing counsel regarding estate and trust administration matters.
• Coordinate document exchange and communication between attorneys, LAAs, clients, and external parties while maintaining organized and accurate client and matter documentation.
• Record time for assigned billable tasks in accordance with the Firm’s billing practices
• Participate in team-based coverage planning as well as in practice group and client meetings.
• Share knowledge, promotes consistency, and supports process improvements across the PEP team.
• Delegate appropriate administrative and workflow-related tasks to assigned LAAs.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting probate and trust administration required; prior experience in general litigation and/or probate litigation preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites (including Excel, Outlook, and Word) required
• Advanced working knowledge of case management systems, document management platforms, and electronic filing systems required
• Knowledge of general accounting and bookkeeping principles preferred

Skills, Knowledge, and other Competencies

• Strong understanding of probate court rules and procedures, laws, and regulations relating to trust administration.
• Exceptional client service skills with the ability to exercise professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive matters
• Self-motivated professional with the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates consistent accuracy, responsiveness, and attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
• Independently drafts complex probate, trust administration, and litigation-related documentation with minimal revision required.
• Manages assigned cases proactively, monitors deadlines, and identifies next steps without needing direction on each task.
• Communicates effectively and concisely in writing and verbally.
• Ability to delegate work effectively and provide guidance to more junior team members.

Culture and Benefits
At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:

Who We Are
Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
Grit – We push through and get it done
Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
Committed to Impact – We lift others up

How We Work
Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work-life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and annual performance reviews. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Salary : $30