PRO
Erika Salerno Shadowens
also known as Varnum, LLP
Virtual Consultation Available
About Erika
Biography
Erika is a higly respected litigator whose practice focuses on divorce and family law matters. She is known for her zealous advocacy and fomidable litigation skills. With over 28 years of experience, she is a relentless advocate for her clients in divorce and child custody matters. Her trial experience spans multiple Michigan counties throughout the state of Michigan, where she has successfully represented clients in high-asset divorces including complex business assets, hidden assets, contentious child custody battles in families coping with substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues. Erika's unwavering dedication to her clients has led her to litigate cases at all levels of Michigan's court system, including the Michigan Supreme Court. Her deep legal knowledge, strategic approach and fearless courtroom presence make her a pwerful force in family law.
In addition to her extensive litgation experience, Erika is trained in various aspects of alternative dispute resolution including mediation, parenting coordination and collaborative law.
Family Law matters are the most personal legal issues an attorney can handle. Trust experience.
When your primary concern is your children, turn to Erika.
A divorce is one of the most personal legal issues an attorney can handle. Trust experience.
Divorce, Change of Custody, Move Away/Change of Domicile, Parenting Time, High Net Worth.
A creative problem solver who can help you transition your family.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
29 years
29 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 26 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Wisconsin for 29 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Varnum LLP
Fax
211 East Water Street, Suite 400, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007
varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/Varnum, LLP
333 Bridge St., NW, Suite 1700, Grand Rapids, MI, 49501
varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/Varnum LLP
Mobile
480 Pierce St., Unit 400, Birmingham, MI, 48009
varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/Varnum LLP
Mobile
101 N. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/Varnum LLP
Mobile
39500 High Pointe Blvd, #350, Novi, MI, 48375
varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Erika online.
Erika Salerno Shadowens's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 29 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Doug | March 25, 2015
Best in Kalamazoo area for child custody
Erika took my out of state case with limited time before trial, and minimal prep. She researched, prepped, litigated, and was a god send. Very intelligent, informative, professional, and highly knowledgeable about child custody laws. Will definitely refer Erika to everybody I can.
Posted by Michael | July 4, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding! A Powerhouse! Highly Recommended!
I live in Nevada and needed an attorney for my custody trial in Michigan. As I was researching online, I ran across Erika on AVVO, Calling her was the best decision I made. Erika fights for her clients like no other! She will take the time to listen and will keep you on the right track! She is very ...
Posted by Paul | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly competent attorney representation
I was referred to Erika Shadowens from another attorney in the Kalamazoo area. The initial attorney that I hired to handle a difficult child support issue, in my opinion was incompetent and not a good representation of myself in my present situation. After discussions with Erika, I felt totally conf...
Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Thankful
I would highly recommend Erika for legal representation. Her years of experience are proven by professionalism, timeliness, knowledgeable, analytical, client focused, compassionate, honest, organized, respectable and trustworthy. Seeking legal assistance is a scary journey, and at times an uphi...
Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
5 Star Attorney
Erika is an amazing attorney. I can't say enough good things about her professionality, honesty, experience and skill. She explained everything in ways I could always understand. She won our case when we thought it was hopeless.
Erika Salerno Shadowens's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend Erika Salerno. Erika was opposing counsel on many of my cases when she practiced in Wisconsin, both in litigated and collaborative matters. Erika was always prepared, organized and an effective advocate for her clients. She possesses an extremely high level of intellect, creativity and integrity. She is hard-working and tenacious in problem-solving for her clients. I recommend her without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a mediator, I frequently am asked by clients for the names of lawyers to represent them in the process. Erika Salerno is always at the top of the list I recommend. Erika has a strong commitment to the resolution of divorces through mediation and the collaborative law process. She shares my belief in obtaining fair and equitable settlements and avoiding costly and emotionally damaging court fights. She has a thorough knowledge of the law and is a true professional and worthy advocate for her clients. Having her represent a party in my mediations makes my work easier. I highly recommend her services."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have been a MI attorney for 36 years and a MI divorce mediator for 20+ years and have mediated a number of Erika's cases for her. She is prepared, knowledgeable and a skilled attorney in divorce cases. Bruce Uridge P25959"
"I endorse this lawyer. Erika is a true professional. She diligently represents her client's interest and strives to assist them through the difficult process. Erika's dedication and knowledge are qualities that every attorney should strive for."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I had the privilege of getting to know Erika Salerno during the time she practiced law here in Appleton, WI. We had numerous cases in which we represented opposing parties in divorce and family law matters, including both traditional cases as well as many cases utilizing the collaborative family law process. We also served together on two boards of directors, and worked closely in promoting the collaborative process in this area. Erika's ethics and legal and advocacy skills are of the highest caliber. Moreover, she was a well respected leader in our local legal community. Erika played a crucial role in bringing the collaborative process to our area, and in the effort to help local professionals to organize and coordinate their approach to collaborative practice. I have nothing but the highest regard for Erika in all respects, personal and professional. She embodies the highest ideals of the legal profession. I am pleased to endorse her without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is hardworking and dedicated to family law issues."
Family lawyer
Mediation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2014
Women in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly
2013
Vlachos Award, Legal Aid of West Michigan
2012
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Outstanding Service Award, Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin
2006
CV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Drake University Law Review, Drake University Law School
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Divorce and Family Law Trial Attorney and Mediator, Varnum LLP
2011 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Western Michigan University
2006 - 2017
Shareholder, Kreis Enderle
2000 - 2006
Shareholder, Herrling Clark
1997 - 2000
Adjunct Professor, Blackhawk Technical College
1997 - 2000
Associate, Consigny, Andrews, Hemming, & Grant
1996 - 1997
Associate, Voegeli & Ewald
Associations
2016 - Present
Cass County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Berrien County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Michigan Family Law Section CouncilMember
2006 - Present
Kalamazoo County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2000 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinMember
2011 - 2011
Leadership KalamazooMember
2009 - 2011
Bach FestivalBoard Member
2009 - 2011
PEAKS Networking GroupFounding Member
2008 - 2011
Executive Women's Golf AssociationBoard Member
2006 - 2013
Collaborative Practice Institute of MichiganBoard Member
2003 - 2006
Collaborative Family Law Council of WisconsinBoard Member
2000 - 2006
Outagamie County Bar AssociationMember
1998 - 2000
Rock County Bar AssociationMember
1996 - 1998
Green County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Denied.
Education
2013
LL.M - Master of Laws
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
2011
Taxes and Public Education
2010
Mediation and Difficult Discussions
2009
Child Custody and Homeschooling
2008
Collaborative Practice and Mediation
Publications
2013
2012
2011
2010
2007
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Can I move with my 5 year old out of Michigan with no marriage and no custody order?
21 Apr 2021
Can a biological father claim paternity and sign a birth certificate in Michigan if the woman is married to someone else?
23 Mar 2021
I lost my custody when I was not present during a courthearing I was wondering how I can move forward accordingly?
03 Mar 2021
Legal Guides
Divorce Process Options: Beyond Traditional Litigation
18 Jun 2010
Medical Expenses and Child Care in Divorce
16 Jun 2010
Spousal Support in Michigan
16 Jun 2010