Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant – Trusts and Estates Practice Group

Location: Southfield, MI 

Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C. is seeking a talented and experienced Legal Assistant to join our Trusts and Estates practice group in our Southfield office. Additional experience in Business & Tax is preferred. This is a full-time opportunity for a skilled legal support professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at meeting the demands of a busy practice group.

This position plays a critical role in providing administrative support to attorneys and paralegals, producing work that is polished, error-free, and timely. You will manage a variety of responsibilities, including client communication, document preparation, billing, and file maintenance, all while leveraging advanced legal technology. Trusts and Estates experience as a legal assistant is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Document Preparation: Draft, update, proofread, and format pleadings, agreements, and other legal documents for court filings, client delivery, or internal use
• Deadline Management: Track and communicate key dates to attorneys and stakeholders, ensuring timely task completion
• File Maintenance: Maintain organized and professional client files and case records, making information easily accessible
• Technology Utilization: Work effectively with firm systems, including the document management system, Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and time/billing software
• Client & Case Management: Open new client matters, coordinate conflict checks, and ensure proper closure of matters following firm protocols
• Administrative Duties: Manage attorney calendars, schedule appointments, draft routine correspondence, process incoming mail, and handle electronic filing
• Billing Assistance: Review, proofread, and edit pre-bills according to attorney instructions
• Team Collaboration: Provide support to other legal assistants and perform additional administrative tasks as needed
• Communication: Demonstrate effective and professional communication skills—both verbal and written—when interacting with clients, attorneys, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Why Join Foster Swift?

At Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, we prioritize our employees' well-being and professional growth. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan
• Additional Perks: Flexible voluntary benefit options to address your personal needs
• Professional Environment: Work with a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to delivering legal excellence and outstanding client service

With over 100 years of history, Foster Swift serves businesses, municipalities, families, and individuals across Michigan, the nation, and beyond. Our conveniently located offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Southfield, Holland, and St. Joseph allow us to provide unmatched legal expertise.

Commitment to Diversity

Foster Swift is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Apply Today

Join our team and become part of a legacy of excellence. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply now!

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience: Minimum of two years of trusts and estates experience in a law firm or in-house legal department is required
• Skills:
  • Solid understanding of legal terminology and grammar
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and a willingness to enhance technical skills
  • Strong proofreading and editing abilities
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective communication (oral and written) and time management skills
• Professionalism: Must maintain confidentiality, demonstrate reliability, and provide excellent client service
• Teamwork: Ability to interact effectively with attorneys, clients, and staff
• Prioritization: Effectively manage and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced legal environment to ensure timely and accurate completion of assignments