A Day in the Life at Elise Buie Family Law: Meet Client Hospitality Coordinator Mackenzie Corbin

I came to EBFLG in 2021, and it’s hard to believe it’s already been three years. When I first started, I was a client care coordinator, mostly answering the phones. I did that for about a year before being promoted to the lead client care coordinator. The road that brought me here wasn’t exactly straight, but it’s been quite fulfilling —? and interesting!

Before beginning my career, I earned my associate’s degree in human services and worked in community mental health as a case manager. Then, I landed what I thought was my dream job as a probation officer, working primarily with high-level felons.?

While the position gave me valuable experience in the legal arena, working alongside law enforcement, judges, and attorneys, I quickly realized the job wasn’t what I had imagined it would be. It was a tough, sometimes unsettling environment, and I started questioning if it was the right fit for me.

That introspection led to a complete career change. I left probation and went to work at a local funeral home during the height of COVID. It was a major shift, but in so many ways, it was a deeply meaningful experience. I got to bring my certified therapy dog with me, and together, we provided comfort to grieving families. My role involved assisting with planning funerals, managing pet services, and helping prepare the deceased for viewing.

Doing their makeup and hair was a small but personal way I could honor the grieving families during this time. I treated each person with the same care I would want for my own grandparents. I even considered going to mortuary school for a while.

After some time, the pull for adventure became stronger. I knew I needed to find a work environment that allowed me to thrive in a career I am passionate about while also making new memories traveling.

On a visit to see my grandparents in Maui, I applied for the job at EBFLG —? and got it! The flexibility offered by this small, remote law firm has been a blessing. It’s allowed me to spend extended periods of time traveling from the East to the West Coast.

In addition to traveling, I’ve been able to comfortably grow my family while working for EBFLG. Honestly, I can’t express how grateful I was to have the opportunity to work from home during my first trimester when the nausea was rampant.?

Since our daughter was born, we’ve continued to travel and experience new things as a family of three, all thanks to the flexibility of remote work. My husband and I are passionate about living a life full of experiences, and this job makes that all possible. Being a mom, the flexibility this role provides has become even more of a godsend. I can work from home and still be present for my daughter.?

A funny story I always like to share is how, when I first got this position, my parents thought it was fake. My mom kept saying, “That can’t be a real job,” and I had to tell her, “I’m literally talking to people, Mom! It’s legit.” At the time, I was chatting with Reyna, our COO — who is, of course, very real!

Returning to work at 30 hours a week gave me the perfect balance, which has been so important for my mental health. As the firm prepares to move across all teams from a 40-hour workweek to a 30-hour one, everyone at EBFLG gets to come along with me and enjoy the work-life balance I have and love.?

This past April, I transitioned into a more hospitality-focused role at the firm. Reyna says I have a talent for making things grow, which is true, given that my main focus these days is on building new relationships — helping clients feel as welcome as I was made to feel when I first came to EBFLG.

If you're interested in learning more about Elise Buie Family Law Group and the possibility of joining our team, please check out our current job openings.

Elise Buie is a Seattle divorce and family lawyer and founder of Elise Buie Family Law Group, a law firm devoted to divorce and family law and estate planning. A champion for maintaining civility throughout the divorce process, Elise advocates for her clients and the best interests of their children, helping them move forward with dignity and from a position of strength.