First Year Associate Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Relocation opportunity to Goshen, Indiana for attorneys seeking long-term career growth in a collaborative full-service law firm.

Yoder Ainlay Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP is a full‐service law firm with multiple specialized practice groups. We are seeking JD candidates of Indiana-licensed or intending to become an Indiana‐licensed attorneys to join our Goshen, Indiana office.

Associates at our firm take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. This includes direct client contact, managing discrete matters, and developing practical judgment with guidance from experienced attorneys. Our model prioritizes hands‐on learning, strong mentorship, and long‐term professional growth.

Our positions offer exposure to a variety of legal matters, with the opportunity to focus on one or more practice areas based on interest and firm needs.

The Positions

Practice Focus: Corporate and Business Law

• Business planning and entity formation
• Business sales and acquisitions, including asset and equity transactions
• Coordinating closings and working with clients, lenders, accountants, and other advisors
• Drafting and reviewing operating agreements, articles, bylaws, and other governance documents
• Advising clients on day‐to‐day business matters and strategy
• Assisting with financing transactions and related matters

Associates work directly with business clients and assist attorneys with research, drafting, and transaction management. Early client contact and practical problem‐solving are core aspects of this role.

Practice Focus: Trusts and Estates

• Estate planning for individuals and families
• Tax planning, elder law, asset protection and Medicare planning
• Drafting wills, trusts, and related planning documents
• Probate and trust administration
• Advising clients on long‐term planning and wealth transfer

Associates work closely with individuals and families on important life planning decisions, with meaningful client interaction and responsibility early in their practice.

Practice Focus: Litigation

• Civil litigation in federal, state and local courts
• Drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
• Assisting with depositions, hearings, and trial preparation
• Legal research and strategic analysis of claims and defenses
• Working directly with clients to develop case strategy and manage disputes

Associates in this role will gain hands‐on litigation experience early, including court appearances and direct client interaction. The position offers meaningful responsibility from the outset, with mentoring from experienced trial attorneys and opportunities to develop strong advocacy and case management skills.

Practice Focus: Government and Municipal Law

• Advising municipalities, boards, and public entities on governance and compliance
• Assisting with public meetings, ordinances, and resolutions
• Researching and applying Indiana statutes related to local government and public administration
• Supporting public finance, procurement, and land use matters
• Providing day‐to‐day legal guidance to elected officials and administrators

Associates in this role will work closely with public clients on practical legal issues that impact their communities. The position offers early responsibility, direct interaction with decision‐makers, and the opportunity to develop judgment in a highly relationship‐driven practice.

Practice Focus: Real Estate

• Commercial and residential real estate transactions
• Drafting and reviewing purchase agreements, leases, and financing documents
• Title review and resolving title issues
• Assisting with closings and coordinating with lenders and other parties
• Supporting development projects, zoning, and land use matters

Associates handle matters from contract through closing, with early client interaction and practical responsibility.

Practice Focus: Employment Law

• Advising employers on day‐to‐day employment issues and risk management
• Drafting and reviewing employment agreements, policies, and handbooks
• Counseling clients on hiring, discipline, termination, and compliance matters
• Assisting with wage and hour, leave, and accommodation issues
• Supporting responses to agency charges and employment‐related disputes
• Assisting with employment aspects of business transactions

Associates work closely with business clients to provide practical, real‐time advice on personnel issues. The role includes meaningful client interaction and the opportunity to develop judgment in both proactive counseling and dispute‐related matters, with mentoring from experienced attorneys.

Applicants may indicate interest in one or more practice areas

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation during the first year is competitive with firms in similar markets. The firm offers a bonus structure tied to productivity and performance, and compensation can increase quickly for attorneys who are motivated, efficient, and capable.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus pay
• 401(k) and retirement contributions
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account and flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Qualifications

• JD licensed in Indiana or with intent to pass the Indiana Bar and become licensed in Indiana
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem‐solving abilities
• A strong work ethic and professional judgment
• Interest in working closely with individual clients on important life and business matters
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

This is a primarily on‐site position at our Goshen, Indiana office. Limited remote work may be possible, but regular in‐office presence is expected.

About Our Firm & Culture

Goshen is a small city in North Central Indiana, with a vibrant culture- close to South Bend and Notre Dame and 100 miles from Chicago. For 70 years, Yoder Ainlay has provided legal expertise grounded in Midwestern pragmatism. Our attorneys serve clients across a wide range of industries and practice areas, adapting to changing legal and economic conditions while maintaining a client‐focused philosophy and a tradition of excellence.

Civic engagement and community involvement have been hallmarks of the firm since its formation. Our attorneys and staff actively support local organizations and charitable initiatives, approaching pro bono and community work with the same dedication and integrity that define our compensated legal services.

We do not hire merely to meet short‐term needs. We seek attorneys interested in building a long‐term professional home, developing strong client relationships, and growing with the firm.

Job Type: Full‐time
Schedule: Monday–Friday +
Experience Level: New attorney / entry‐level
Location: Goshen, Indiana

Yoder Ainlay Ulmer & Buckingham, LLP is a full service law firm with multiple specialized
practice groups. We are are seeking JD candidates that are Indiana licensed or intending to become Indiana licensed attorney to join our growing practice in Goshen, Indiana.