Probate and Estate Planning Operations Manager

Miller Johnson; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)-retirement plan

Job summary

Miller Johnson, a prominent law firm in Grand Rapids, is seeking a Practice Group Operations Manager to provide high-level operational and strategic support within the Probate and Estate Planning Practice Group. This position will manage practice group meetings, oversee reporting processes, and lead budgeting efforts.

The ideal candidate has at least seven years of experience in legal administration, strong analytical skills, and is proficient in Microsoft Office. Competitive wages, benefits such as health insurance, and a flexible work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in legal administration or similar professional services role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate practice group meetings and events.
• Develop and maintain practice group processes, systems, and data.
• Oversee monthly reporting processes and budget planning.
• Serve as the Practice Group Recruiting Facilitator.

Skills

Communication skills

Client service skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD or advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Miller Johnson, a rapidly growing Midwest law firm known for its entrepreneurial spirit, down‑to‑earth culture, and deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve is looking for a Practice Group Operations Manager within the Probate and Estate Planning Practice Group. In this role you will provide high‑level operational, analytical, and strategic support to practice group leadership.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Manage and coordinate practice group meetings and events, including quarterly practice group meetings, bi-weekly leadership meetings, and practice group social and engagement events, while exercising discretion in agenda development, material preparation, and issue prioritization for leadership review.
• Partner with Legal Support Manger to lead monthly Legal Administrative Assistant meetings, including agenda preparation and guiding discussion on operational priorities.
• Develop and maintain practice group processes, systems, and data, including management of the case management software.
• Review, audit, and monitor key practice group metrics using independent analysis to identify irregularities, highlight variances, and escalate issues requiring leadership attention.
• Oversee monthly reporting processes, including billable hours, accounts receivable, realization, collections, delegation metrics, and related operational reporting.
• Manage weekly and month end time entry compliance and BIM processing deadlines.
• Compile and distribute monthly A/R reporting for each attorney by client.
• Facilitate practice group budget planning and ongoing accountability, exercising discretion to maintain confidentiality of compensation related components.
• Review and approve practice group expense reimbursements using independent judgment and adherence to firm guidelines.
• Coordinate monthly associate trainings, including scheduling, agenda development, material preparation, and attendance tracking.
• Manage training and engagement events with external referral partners, serving as the primary liaison and ensuring presenters receive appropriate guidance, expectations, and logistical support.
• Develop external engagement programs supporting the practice group’s lines of business and referral relationships
• Lead annual associate review processes by soliciting member feedback, identifying performance issues requiring attention, coordinating review meetings, and managing professional improvement plans, including recommendations for advancement
• Serve as the Practice Group Recruiting Facilitator by evaluating applicant materials, determining interview selections, and participating in candidate interviews with members of recruiting committee and practice group leadership while exercising discretion in hiring recommendations.
• Oversee onboarding and integration for new practice group hires, ensuring smooth transition into workflows, training structures, and practice group culture

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD or advanced degree highly preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in legal administration, practice group support, or a similar professional services role required
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required

Skills, Knowledge, and other Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and relationship-management skills
• Exceptional client service skills with the ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential information
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt in a fast‑paced, service‑oriented environment.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities, advance projects, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and proactively identify and address operational needs.

Culture and Benefits

At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:

Who We Are

Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth

Down to Earth – We stay humble and real

Grit – We push through and get it done

Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar

Committed to Impact – We lift others up

How We Work

Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners

Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical

Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and annual performance reviews. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long‑term disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)