Join one of Michigan's most respected boutique law firms, Michael J. Smith and Associates, PLLC, in an urgent and exciting opportunity. We specialize in various legal areas, including Criminal Law, Family Law, and more. We are urgently seeking a dynamic, quick-learning attorney who can seamlessly integrate into our team and immediately take on a substantial client load due to a sudden vacancy. This role is pivotal for someone who can "pick up the ball and run with it," providing continuity and excellent legal service to our existing clients while also contributing to new cases.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Rapidly acclimate to ongoing cases and client needs, ensuring a seamless transition and minimal disruption to client services.
Display a high level of adaptability and problem-solving skills to handle the dynamic nature of the current caseload.
Interview new clients and meet with existing clients to render legal advice.
Perform legal research to determine how the facts of a case interact with current law.
Perform case research by taking depositions, attending site inspections, and engaging in discovery, the exchange of information pertinent to a case from both parties to the action.
Argue motions and attend other pretrial court appearances before a judge.
Argue trials at State and local levels.
Draft legal documents including pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, contracts, and wills.
Follow up after a court decision has been handed down or a settlement has been reached, ensuring that all parties to the action do what they've been committed or ordered to do.
Required Skills & Competencies:
Quick adaptability: Ability to quickly understand and manage existing cases.
Proactive approach: Taking initiative in managing and progressing cases effectively.
Capacity for rapid learning and integration into the team.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills: Many cases are won or lost based on written submissions to the court before a lawyer ever appears in front of a judge. Strong oral skills are required for court appearances.
Analytical skills: It's crucial to determine if a case is winnable from the start and advise clients accordingly.
Empathy and compassion: Clients are coming to you because they have a problem they need you to sort out. Rarely are you meeting them at the best times of their lives.
Honesty and trustworthiness: Lawyers must also follow strict ethical guidelines and client confidentiality rules.
Nerves of steel: An attorney must remain unflappable when things go wrong in court in front of a critical audience-and they sometimes will.
Critical thinking skills: An attorney must have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills in order to identify problems and come up with solutions, then choose and implement the best one.
Research skills: Much about this profession requires being able to isolate and identify pertinent information.
Excellent public speaking skills
Adaptability and attention to detail
Ability to work on a case independently
Ability to work with a team of attorneys to develop strategies for a case
Ability to communicate in writing and verbally effectively
Job Type : Full-time
Pay : $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience and ability to meet the urgent requirements of the role.
Benefits : After 90 days of employment, the employer will cover 100% of the cost for Major Medical, Dental, and Vision.
Additional Note : Due to the urgent nature of this role, we are looking for someone who can start immediately and make a significant impact from day one.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
10 hour shift
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
On call
Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
What area(s) of law do you have the most experience in?
Do you have a valid Michigan BAR license?
If hired, how quickly can you start?
What area(s) of law are you most comfortable and confident practicing in?
Experience:
Criminal defense law: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
