Estate Planning and Probate Administration Associate

10.29.2026

LOCATION: South Haven

GENERAL PURPOSE: Advise individuals, families, personal representatives, and trustees on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Prepare estate planning and business succession documents, assist clients with estate planning, and guide fiduciaries through estate and trust settlement. Work closely with partners and other attorneys to provide practical advice and manage matters from planning through administration.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet with clients to understand their estate planning goals and prepare wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and business succession planning documents.
• Represent personal representatives and trustees in probate, estate settlement, and trust administration matters, advising them on fiduciary duties, court requirements, deadlines, and distributions.
• Prepare and file petitions, notices, inventories, accountings, and other documents required to open, administer, and close estates, and prepare for and attend probate court hearings.
• Assist with contested estate and trust matters, including will contests, fiduciary disputes, and objections to accountings.
• Assist with identifying, valuing, collecting, and transferring estate and trust assets, including real estate and business interests, and advise on creditor claims and administration expenses.
• Prepare or review estate, fiduciary income, and gift tax returns, and coordinate with accountants, financial advisors, and appraisers on tax filings, asset valuations, and estate and trust settlement.
• Keep clients, beneficiaries, and other counsel informed of matter status, information needed, and next steps.
• Work closely with partners, other attorneys, and legal assistants to manage files, meet deadlines, and bring estate planning and administration matters to completion.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Working knowledge of estate planning, probate and trust administration, estate and gift tax requirements, and business succession planning.
• Experience with real estate transactions and also general civil litigation is preferred.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion in handling sensitive matters, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and work effectively with their advisors.
• Strong legal drafting and oral communication skills, with consistent attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to explain complex legal matters in clear, practical terms, recommend appropriate solutions, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• 5–7 years of relevant legal experience required.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the State Bar of Michigan, or eligibility for prompt admission.

To submit your resume or for more information regarding this career opportunity, please contact recruiting@butzel.com.