Erika Salerno Shadowens, ADR Attorney in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Child Custody · 4.2/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
PartneratVarnum LLP
Kalamazoo, MI
Practicing adr in Kalamazoo since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 4.2 ★
- 12 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Erika Salerno Shadowens?
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Quick answer
Erika Salerno Shadowens is a partner based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Child Custody. Erika has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Varnum LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
- Based in
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Child Custody
- Handles ADR, Business, and Child Custody matters from Kalamazoo, MI.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Erika Salerno Shadowens: Erika Salerno Shadowens is a partner based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Child Custody. Erika has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Varnum LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Erika takes on
Erika concentrates on adr, business, child custody, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Erika handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Child Custody
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Divorce
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Family Law
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ADR cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Erika takes adr matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erika agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Erika takes business matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erika agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Erika takes child custody matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erika agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Erika takes divorce matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erika agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Erika takes family law matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erika agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Erika Salerno Shadowens — adr lawyer in Kalamazoo
Erika Salerno Shadowens is a partner based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Child Custody. Erika has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Varnum LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
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.
Working with Erika on a adr matter
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…
Clients Erika works with
Erika reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and child custody matters in Kalamazoo and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Drake University Law School
J.D. · 1996
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1993
Jurisdictions
Erika's state bar admissions
Michigan United Stat
1999 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1996 · ACTIVE
Erika studied at J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Erika completed J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Erika runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Erika has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Erika Salerno Shadowens's office in Kalamazoo
Erika's primary office is at 211 East Water Street, Suite 400, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Erika Salerno Shadowens — 4.2/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Erika. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Kalamazoo.
4.2
12 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Erika Salerno Shadowens claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Erika Salerno Shadowens — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Erika usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Erika charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Erika's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Erika will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Kalamazoo, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Erika
Erika discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Erika confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Erika's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Erika Salerno Shadowens
How much does it cost to hire Erika for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Erika walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Erika offer a free consultation?
Erika charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Erika's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Erika's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Erika gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Erika take my case if I'm outside Kalamazoo?
Erika is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Erika will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Erika?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Erika will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Erika accepting new adr clients right now?
Erika's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Kalamazoo, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Erika handles adr matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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