Attorney Profiles

Steven E. Makulski

Steven E. Makulski was raised in Detroit, graduating from Holy Redeemer High School as the valedictorian. He received a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in public affairs. Mr. Makulski later graduated cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mr. Makulski concentrates in the areas of estate planning from basic wills to complex trust planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, business transactions, and business succession planning. Mr. Makulski also has experience in resolving complicated trust and estate issues such as trust modification, reformation, and termination. He represents both individual and corporate (bank) trustees and has assisted numerous clients with disputes through negotiation, mediation, nonjudicial settlement agreements, and litigation. Mr. Makulski has been appointed special trustee and has been able to assist or resolve issues relating to trust interpretation and clarification of ambiguities.

In addition to his experience in the estate planning area, he also has assisted clients with large and small business transactions including those involving Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) Licenses and permits. Mr. Makulski also represents and advises business clients with formation of business entities (C-Corps, S-Corps, LLCs), everyday ongoing business legal matters, succession planning, sale of business, and dissolution.

Mr. Makulski has vast experience in real estate matters such as real estate development, environmental matters, and he has assisted clients with forming condominium projects and has advised and represented condominium and homeowner association on a regular basis.

Mr. Makulski attends Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson. He is a member of the Jackson Area Estate Planning council (President 2019-2020), Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (Vice-Chair), South Central Credit Union Board Directors, Rotary Club of Jackson (past president), Rotary Foundation of Jackson County, and previously served on the Farmers State Bank (now State Bank) Board of Directors.

Patrick Batterson

Patrick Batterson is a local of Jackson County, graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree in public policy through Albion College’s Gerald R. Ford Institute of Public Policy and Leadership.

Joining Anderson and Makulski in early 2021, Mr. Batterson’s practice focuses on estate and trust planning, estate and probate administration, and real estate transactions. Additionally, he represents clients in specialized areas such as Michigan Liquor Control Commission applications and business succession planning. While these matters can be intimidating for clients, Mr. Batterson has a wealth of knowledge suited to helping his clients navigate these complicated situations.

Locally, Mr. Batterson is a board member for the Cascades Humane Society (Executive Board Member from 2022 to 2024, Vice President beginning in 2024), a member of the Jackson Area Estate Planning Council (Director at Large, three-year term beginning in 2022), and a committee member on the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Luncheon and Events Committee and Public Policy & Advocacy Committee.

In Memory of J. Jeffrey Anderson

J. Jeffrey Anderson was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster, graduating with honors in history. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

After law school graduation, Mr. Anderson became an associate in his father's law firm, where he gained a broad knowledge of the law by undertaking numerous types of cases and transactions. Mr. Anderson dedicated his entire legal career to the areas of real estate, land development, estate planning, probate estates, business entity formation and matters relating to all phases of the efficient operation of small to medium size businesses.

Mr. Anderson was active in both charitable and civic organizations, including as a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, Jackson Area Estate Planning Counsel, and President and board member of the Great Lakes Hospice Foundation. He has also served on numerous boards of both private and financial institutions. Mr. Anderson retired from the firm at the end of 2021 and sadly passed away in August of 2023.

Staff Profiles

Kelsee Bearinger

Ms. Bearinger is an experienced paralegal and has been with our firm since 2014. She received her Paralegal Degree from Lansing Community College in 2013, completed her internship with the Jackson County Probate Court, and received her Bachelor's Degree in History from Grand Valley State University in 2011 (and as a born and raised Spartan cheering on the Lakers is the only time you will hear her say "Go Blue"). An avid musician, she has been involved with the Jackson Community Concert Band since 2006. In addition to music, she enjoys spending time with her family in Northern Michigan.