Atty. Erika Salerno Shadowens

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Atty. Erika Salerno Shadowens: Attorney with Varnum LLP
Attorney Awards
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Biography

Dedicated Family Law Partner

Erika Salerno Shadowens holds a prominent position as a partner at Varnum LLP, channeling her legal prowess exclusively into the realm of family law. With a specialization in divorce, child custody, and family law litigation, including complex matters like change of domicile, interstate, and international child custody cases, Erika's expertise runs deep. She also boasts proficiency as a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer. Her resolute advocacy resonates across a wide geographical span, encompassing Kalamazoo, Kent, Allegan, Berrien, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, and neighboring counties.

A Quarter Century of Profound Experience

Drawing from an impressive 26-year journey, Erika stands poised to handle intricate high asset cases involving closely held family businesses and challenging child custody disputes. Her profound understanding of the law, unwavering diligence, and unyielding determination come together to help her clients achieve their objectives in their family law endeavors.

Navigating Legal Terrain

Erika's extensive legal journey has seen her navigate cases across all echelons of the court system, including the esteemed Michigan Supreme Court. Her expertise is so sought after that media outlets often tap into her insights. Erika's active involvement extends to the legal community, where she was a former Council Member of the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section. She also serves as a dedicated Board Member for Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo.

A Trail of Accolades

Erika's dedication has earned her a string of accolades and recognition within the legal arena:

Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law in 2021 and 2022

National Law Review Thought Leader Award (Family Law Practice Team) in 2020

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Women in the Law honoree in 2014

Kalamazoo County Bar Association Vlachos Award recipient in 2013

An Active Community Contributor

Beyond her legal pursuits, Erika remains ardently committed to her community:

She serves as a Board Member for Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo

Erika actively volunteers with the East Kentwood High School Marching Band and the Red Storm Robotics Team

She imparts her knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University

Erika's leadership was acknowledged through her participation in Leadership Kalamazoo in 2014

Professional Engagements

Erika remains intertwined with the legal fabric through her affiliations:

Kalamazoo County Bar Association

Kalamazoo County Family Law Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

Erika Salerno Shadowens' legacy is built upon her unwavering commitment to her clients, her expertise in family law, and her active role in both the legal and local communities.

Areas of Practice (5)

  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Business Law
  • Mediation

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
Michigan State University, B.A., cum laude, 1993
Law School Attended:
Drake University Law School, J.D., cum laude, Drake Law Review, Editor, 1996; Loyola University Chicago School of Law, LL.M., Health Care, cum laude, 2013
Year of First Admission:
1996
Admission:
1996, Wisconsin; 1999, Michigan; United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Birth Information:
Wyandotte, Michigan, April 9, 1971
ISLN:
918984676

Peer Reviews

4.2/5.0 (12 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished Rating Badge
  • Legal Knowledge

    4.3/5.0
  • Analytical Capability

    4.4/5.0
  • Judgment

    4.0/5.0
  • Communication

    4.3/5.0
  • Legal Experience

    4.3/5.0
  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Sole Practitioner on 11/01/12 in Family Law

    Erika Salerno has been opposing counsel in many cases, involving both contested divorce and family law and collaborative family law. I know that she has the superior knowledge, legal and technical abilities, analytical capacity, and unwavering ethic... Read more

    Read more
  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 10/24/12 in Family Law

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 10/16/12 in Family Law

    Erika shows the highest ethical standards, prudence, integrity and professionalism in her field. She is a strong advocate and creative problem solver and a professional, collegial, trustworthy colleague.

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Sole Practitioner on 10/16/12 in Family Law

  • 4.8/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 10/26/12 in Family Law

    She is a very good attorney

  • 4.6/5.0 Rated by a Judge on 10/18/12 in Family Law

  • 4.2/5.0 Rated by a Sole Practitioner on 10/25/12 in Family Law

  • 4.0/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 10/24/12 in Divorce

  • 3.8/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 11/02/12 in Family Law

  • 3.8/5.0 Rated by a Other Law Firm Position on 10/24/12 in Divorce

Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Other Legal Directories

Avvo Client Review
5.0/5.0 (29 reviews)
Client Choice Award Client Champion

Avvo Peer Endorsements

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

Contact Atty. Erika Salerno Shadowens

Contact Information:

269-238-4720  Phone

269-382-2009  Fax

www.varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens

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