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Varnum LLPPartner
Erika Salerno Shadowens
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Erika Salerno Shadowens

4.8
41 reviews

333 Bridge Street Northwest, Suite 1700, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Family Law

About Erika Salerno Shadowens

Family Law Attorney

Erika Salerno Shadowens is a partner at Varnum LLP. Erika’s practice is entirely devoted to family law matters specializing in divorce, child custody and family law litigation including change of domicile, interstate and international child custody matters. Erika is also a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer. She adamantly advocates for her clients in Kalamazoo, Kent, Allegan, Berrien, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, and surrounding counties. Her 26 years of experience lends itself well to complex high asset cases involving closely held family businesses, and challenging child custody matters. Her knowledge of the law, diligence and tenacity help her accomplish her client’s goals in their family law matters.

Erika has litigated cases in all levels of the court system, including the Michigan Supreme Court. Media outlets call on her to share her expertise. Erika is a former Council Member of the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section and currently serves as a Board Member for the Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo.

Honors and Recognitions

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

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

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2014

Kalamazoo County Bar Association, Vlachos Award, 2013

Community Involvement

Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo, Board Member

East Kentwood High School Marching Band, Volunteer

Red Storm Robotics Team, Volunteer

Western Michigan University, Adjunct Professor

Leadership Kalamazoo, 2014

Professional Affiliations

Kalamazoo County Bar Association

Kalamazoo County Family Law Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

 

Erika Salerno Shadowens (Grand Rapids, Michigan) View website

Awards

Distinguished Peer Rated
This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer BV
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Erika Salerno Shadowens got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Erika Salerno Shadowens got this award in 2021

Reviews for Erika Salerno

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Overall Rating
4.8
See All Reviews
41
Lawyers.com
Not yet reviewed
4.2
Martindale
12
5.0
Avvo
29

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1996, Wisconsin
    1999, Michigan
    United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Drake University Law School
    Class of 1996
    J.D.
    cum laude, Drake Law Review, Editor

    Loyola University Chicago School of Law
    Class of 2014
    LL.M.
    Health Care, cum laude
    Other Education
    Michigan State University
    Class of 1993
    B.A.
    cum laude
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1971
    Wyandotte, Michigan, April 9, 1971

Contact Erika Salerno Shadowens

Partner at Varnum LLP
4.8
41 reviews

333 Bridge Street Northwest, Suite 1700Grand Rapids, MI 49504U.S.A.

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Fax: 269/382-2009

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, Erika Salerno Shadowens is admitted to practice in Michigan and Wisconsin.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Erika Salerno Shadowens is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Erika Salerno Shadowens has a 4.2 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Varnum LLP has 164 attorneys at this location.
  • Does this attorney maintain a practice in more than one location?
    Yes, Erika Salerno Shadowens has a presence in Kalamazoo, MI.

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• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

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