Associate Attorney

About the Firm Mitzel Law Group PLC is an established boutique law firm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The firm focuses on transactional legal work serving individuals, families, and businesses in the areas of estate planning, estate administration (probate and trust), tax, real estate, and business law. Our team of approximately 14 professionals, including six attorneys, operates in a collaborative, mentorship-oriented environment where culture, professionalism, and client service are paramount. Position Summary We are seeking a full‑time associate attorney to join our practice who are team players, self‑starters, and who bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their work. The associate will work closely with senior attorneys on a broad range of transactional matters while also managing their own client responsibilities. The associate should approach the practice of law not merely as a profession, but as a true vocation—one grounded in service, integrity, and a sincere commitment to clients. Our firm places a strong emphasis on a culture of ethics, professionalism, and personal accountability. We strive to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects both the highest standards of the legal profession and a broader sense of purpose rooted in moral conviction, principled character, and a genuine care for others. This cultural foundation is important to us, and we believe it provides clarity to those who are seeking not only a place to work, but a practice aligned with their deepest personal and professional values. Responsibilities The associate attorney will be expected to handle the following: Estate Planning: Drafting and reviewing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents; meeting with and advising clients on comprehensive estate plans. Estate Administration: Assisting with and managing probate matters and trust administration, including fiduciary responsibilities, beneficiary communications, and court filings. Probate Litigation: Assisting attorneys with probate and trust litigation, including motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation. Tax: Advising clients on income and fiduciary tax matters related to personal income tax, and estates and trusts. Real Estate and Business Law: Reviewing and drafting contracts; advising clients on real estate transactions, business formation, and related transactional matters. General: Assisting senior attorneys on client matters as directed, including document drafting, client counseling, research, and project management. The bulk of work (90%+) will be assigned directly by attorneys or generated through existing client demand and new client inquiries. Over time, the associate will be encouraged to build their own book of business, client base, and referral sources. Qualifications Required: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active Michigan bar license in good standing (or eligibility for prompt admission). Minimum of 3 years of practice experience (5+ years preferred), with substantive experience in at least one of the following: estate planning, estate administration (probate or trust), tax, real estate, or business law. At least approximately half of the candidate's current or recent practice should involve transactional legal work (e.g., drafting, document review, client counseling) in one or more of the above practice areas. Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage client matters with minimal supervision. The firm is seeking someone who can hit the ground running without requiring extensive training. Preferred: Litigation experience adjacent to the firm's core practice areas (e.g., probate litigation, business litigation) is a desirable complement to transactional experience and may present opportunities to grow the firm's litigation practice. Experience in transactional legal matters and consulting directly with clients and their professionals. Experience or comfort working with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the practice of law, including familiarity with AI prompting. A genuine interest in working within a smaller, boutique firm environment that prioritizes mentorship, collaboration, and long‑term professional development. Compensation and Benefits Salary and Bonus: Competitive and commensurate with experience, within a range of $85,000 to $105,000 (or higher depending on years of experience, level of expertise, and existing book of business). Tiered incentive bonus structure for billable hours exceeding the annual requirement. Billable Hours: 1,400 annual billable hour requirement — well below the industry average of 1,800+ hours — designed to support work‑life balance but with opportunity to work more hours for additional compensation. Benefits Include: Health, dental, vision, and disability insurance Professional malpractice insurance provided by the firm 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) funded by the firm Life insurance Flexible, family‑friendly work environment Up to four weeks of time off annually, subject to meeting billable hour requirements Pro bono and firm citizenship opportunities (recognized as billable time) Work Environment This is a full‑time, in‑office position based at our Ann Arbor location. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as circumstances require. The firm believes strongly in mentorship and in‑person apprenticeship, particularly for attorneys who are continuing to develop their practice. Remote work may be available on a limited, as‑needed basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr