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.

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.

Tara Cochran

Tara holds a paralegal degree from Baker College. Tara interned with Anderson & Makulski, PC while attending Baker. She then worked as a paralegal for attorneys Frederick Girodat and Ronald Marienfeld. She rejoined Anderson & Makulski, PC as a paralegal in 2023. She provides excellent service to our clients and is a great calming presence for them as they face their legal and life challenges whatever they may be.

Jenna Hetzel

Mr. Makulski first met Jenna while she was a teller at County National Bank. He was impressed by her great attention to detail and superb customer care/service. After she left her position at County National Bank, Mr. Makulski approached her about coming to work at Anderson & Makulski, PC and she accepted. She has been with us since 2022. She is our director of first impressions and is likely the person you will first reach by phone or in person at our office. She has continued to provide excellent customer service to our clients and works hard to ensure client appointments are scheduled and client questions, calls, and emails are returned with answers as promptly as possible.