Legal Jobs in Marne, MI

You'll Thrive Here If You Want to Do Exceptional Work With Exceptional People.

Who We Are

We're a woman-owned, mission-driven, fast-growing law firm (our caseload has doubled year-over-year two years in a row and we're looking to double it again) helping families plan and protect their legacies--without court, conflict, or confusion. We believe in doing work that matters, leading with heart and integrity, and building a team where accountability is expected and excellence is celebrated.

Who We're Looking For

You've got experience practicing estate planning and probate law and you want to do high-quality legal work with clients who appreciate your guidance while growing alongside professionals who actually care about the outcomes delivered to clients.

What You'll Get

In addition to joining a dynamic team of overachievers like yourself that values flexibility and exceptional work, you'll receive:

• Competitive compensation based on experience, with opportunity for performance-based bonuses.
• A supportive team culture where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a fast-growing firm.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Assist attorneys in preparing and reviewing legal documents related to estate planning and business planning, including wills, trusts, partnership agreements and corporate documents.
• Assist with estate and trust administration, including the preparation of pleadings, inventories and accountings.
• Maintain and organize client files, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Communicate with clients to gather necessary information, answer inquiries, and provide updates on case progress.
• Coordinate appointments, meetings and court appearances for attorneys.
• Contribute to improving workflows, systems, and processes as our firm grows.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in estate planning and probate administration strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with WealthCounsel (or similar estate planning drafting platforms) is a big plus.
• Excellent attention to detail, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance independence with collaboration - taking initiative while working well with others.
• Dependable, accountable, and proud of producing high-quality work.

About Coonen Law, PLLC

We're not your typical law firm. We're a woman-owned firm that is purpose-driven, performance-minded, and people-focused.

We've doubled our caseload in the past two years and plan to double again. Our founder is excited to surround herself with a team of professionals who are focused on career growth, understanding client needs, and delivering exceptional experiences to clients.

What we value:

• Accountability
• Continuous Growth
• Elevated Client Journey; Grounded Conversations
• Unified Strength

If you're sharp, steady, and serious about building something meaningful for yourself and clients, we invite you to apply.

Estate Planning / Litigation Attorney

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Office

Wheeler Upham, P.C., a long-established and respected law firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is seeking a full-time attorney with one or more years of experience to join our practice. This position is well-suited for a motivated attorney with an entrepreneurial mindset who is interested in building and growing a practice within a collaborative small-firm environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting clients with estate planning matters
• Handling probate and other litigation matters
• Supporting the firm across its additional practice areas

Qualifications:

• Experience in estate planning and probate or other litigation required
• Trial experience is a plus
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan, or eligibility for admission
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

As a general practice firm, Wheeler Upham offers attorneys the opportunity to develop skills and practice specialties across diverse areas of law. We provide a professional environment that encourages initiative, autonomy, and an excellent work-life balance.

Candidates must be willing to relocate to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and work in the office full time. Wheeler Upham is Grand Rapids' oldest law firm and has been a leader in the local legal community since 1883.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience, with bonus incentives
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Participation in a 401(k) plan
• Medical insurance

The firm also values employees' personal development and respects their family, community, religious, and other personal commitments outside the practice of law.

How to Apply: Resumes and inquiries may be mailed to Glenn L. Smith, Wheeler Upham, P.C., 250 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.

Wheeler Upham, P.C., is an equal opportunity employer.

Hearing Representative - Special Education Claims

Background on the Project:

A prestigious government agency is addressing the backlog of special education claims in New York City to ensure timely and fair resolution of disputes between parents and the city regarding educational plans for children with special needs. Recent rulings have emphasized the need for faster resolution of these claims and improvements in special education services and payment processes. This initiative requires dedicated attorneys to join the team and play a critical role in managing a high volume of cases and driving claims through the administrative process.

Role Overview:

Our client is seeking contract attorneys barred and in good standing in any state with 1+ years of litigation experience to Work Remotely on a 1 plus year assignment. As a Hearing Representative, you will represent our client throughout the entire special education claims process—from intake to resolution or settlement.

Pay Rates:

• 1 to 7 years of experience: $41.75/hour
• 7+ years of experience: $43.75/hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Manage a high-volume caseload of 100–200 special education claims, ensuring timely and effective handling.
• Representation: Prepare for and/or litigate complex cases involving significant legal precedents, policy implications, or financial impact. Represent the agency in administrative hearings, pre-hearing conferences, and settlement negotiations.
• Administrative Process: Navigate procedural requirements and ensure compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations.
• Documentation: Prepare and review all necessary filings, agreements, and reports with accuracy and thoroughness.
• Settlement Negotiation: Work with parents, public advocacy groups, and opposing counsel to reach fair resolutions while negotiating claims for attorney's fees.
• Training and Collaboration: Collaborate with special education specialists, technical experts, and attorneys; provide training to field staff and clinical staff on compliance with education laws.
• Research and Compliance: Analyze case law, gather evidence, and evaluate settlement demands. Provide guidance on compliance obligations to parents and students under hearing orders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bar Admission: Active bar license in good standing in any U.S. state.
• Litigation Experience: Minimum of 1+ years of recent litigation experience (more preferred).
• Tech Savvy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues.
• Caseload Management: Proven ability to manage 100–200 cases concurrently.
• Timekeeping: Ability to log activities in 15-minute increments throughout the workday.
• Remote Work Skills: Dedicated workspace, reliable Wi-Fi, and comfort with virtual tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate early morning hearings and work within Eastern Time Zone hours (7 AM–7 PM).
• Preferred Experience: Administrative Law, IEP/Special Education, Experience working for a government agency, Public Interest work, Settlement experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.