Community Highlights: Meet Ernscie Augustin of Augustin Law Offices, PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernscie Augustin

Hi Ernscie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I earned my undergraduate, graduate, and law degree at Michigan State University. After spending most of my educational career at Michigan State, I started as a law clerk and practiced law at an estate planning and probate law firm.

I started Augustin Law Offices, PLLC in 2022. We are based in East Lansing and serve clients statewide in the following practice areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Probate Litigation, and Family Law.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but overcoming challenges has made it worth it. Struggles don’t last forever. For example, you may not get the grade you want in a course, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue pushing forward to earn your degree. Law school challenges you to think like a lawyer. Eventually that door will close and another door will open into the next season of your life.

When you get into practice, you are helping people to problem solve. You have to do many things at once it seems like: billable hours, getting experience whether it’s transactional areas of law and/or litigation, supporting your clients through their challenges, managing and training, networking, etc.

The practice of law has its own challenges and running a business has its own set of challenges. The challenges will ultimately make you stronger and for me doing both is the greatest decision I’ve ever made in my career. In the end, it’s rewarding and if you love what you do it makes it easier along the way when challenges arise. It’s a privilege to do what you love and love what you do.

As you know, we’re big fans of Augustin Law Offices, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Augustin Law Offices is based in East Lansing and serve clients statewide in the following practice areas:

Elder Law: Long Term Care Medicaid planning, elder exploitation, etc.

Estate Planning: Will, Trust, Powers of Attorneys, HIPAA Releases, Deeds, Funeral Representative Designation, etc.

Estate Administration: Administration of estates (open and close estates), representing trustee and personal representatives to fulfill their duties, inventories, accountings, etc.

In addition to estate administration, I currently serve as Ingham County Public Administrator. I’m appointed to administer estates of deceased persons without wills and no known heirs.

Probate Litigation: Adult Conservatorships and Guardianships – this includes contested and uncontested matters (cases where parties agree and where parties are in dispute). We also represent fiduciaries and beneficiaries in contested matters (challenging or defending the validity of an estate plan, cases where fiduciaries have allegedly breached their duties, etc.).

Family Law: Divorce, child custody, child support, name changes, adoption, minor guardianships and conservatorships, etc.

I’m most proud of the quality service we offer clients and our transparency when it comes to options available to clients regarding their legal issues. One of our goals is to problem solve and offer great client service.

At Augustin Law Offices we approach each case and client matter with an open mind and empathy because all cases are not the same and our clients have unique experiences.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned the option for Court’s and Law Firm’s to offer virtual options to the public. Although there are benefits to attending hearings and client meetings in person, the virtual option has its benefits as well such as feasibility and convenience. The covid=19 crisis demonstrated some businesses such as law firms can operate virtually or offer hybrid option for team members.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.augustinlawoffices.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083863726039