team-member

Erica Wikander

Grand Rapids, MI

Licensed for 18 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Estate Planning

Language

English

About

I was born and raised in Bear Lake, Michigan. I received my undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 1999, and received my law degree from Wayne State University in 2003.I began my legal career as a staff attorney with Legal Services of South Central Michigan, focusing my work on representing victims of domestic violence. In 2005, I moved to Grand Rapids and worked for a small divorce firm, representing primarily women. I am a founding member of Velzen, Johnsen & Wikander, a boutique law firm opened in August 2006. I am focused on protecting my client's interests and pursuing a favorable outcome, while also helping them through the emotional aspects of their divorce or other family law dispute. I am honest, compassionate, caring and loyal, traits that are extremley important for a family law practitioner. In my spare time, I enjoy music, traveling up north to visit family and spending time with my husband and children.  

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Family

Language

English

Contact

Velzen Johnsen & Wikander PC29 Pearl St NW Ste 414Grand Rapids, MI, 4950329 Pearl St NW Ste 414Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Michelle
December 2, 2014

My divorce and subsequent custody situation have been very painful and difficult experiences in my life. Even though I had moved to the other side of the state when I separated from my husband, I still chose to file my case in Ottawa County, just so I could have Jennifer Johnsen as my attorney. Over the past almost four years Jenny has been, and continues to be, an invaluable advocate and mentor for me. She takes the time to really understand what it is that I as the client needs, and works to keep the best interest of my daughter as the top priority. Her dedication to me and my daughter makes me feel as though my custody situation is just as important to her, as it is to me. With my daughter having health complications, my custody situation has resulted in needing very frequent communication with Jenny. Jenny and her assistants are very accessible to me, and always respond in a respectful and supportive way. My case has also posed needing to think “outside of the box” on numerous occasions. With each of these situations, I am always well informed by Jenny and feel that I am able to make the best possible decision. Whether it is in or out of the courtroom, Jenny has proven to be highly knowledgeable giving trustworthy legal advice, possesses the highest level of professionalism and has a great attention for detail. Even though going to court is beyond stressful for me, having Jenny sitting next to me in the courtroom always gives me some mental comfort, and the strength to make it through it. I am eternally grateful for all of the work that Jenny has done for me, much of it under difficult circumstances to say the least, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in the midst of a divorce or custody dispute.

Terri
May 9, 2014

Jenny is a very sweet, kind caring, and empathetic person. She was there to get the job done and was conscientious of keeping cost down. She practices with ethical morals in a calm, soft spoken way that is respected by her peers and Judges. She was always available when I needed her and even now with the divorce finalized, I still keep in touch with her. Jenny is sincere and has a heart of gold and she will do everything possible to have things go your way and stand up and fight for what you deserve. I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
October 30, 2012

If looking for a "cheerleader," go to another firm. If looking for a true "counselor's counsel," Jennifer L. Johnsen is your new attorney. Easygoing, yet tough as nails, instructive, knowledgeable, intuitive, direct, & moral as heck are just a few words to describe Mrs. Johnsen. Raised in a family w/ a cadre of legal advisers, Johnsen is unlike any attorney I've ever worked with. Jennifer L. Johnsen, is able to see both the "little bounce" & "big bounce" of any case; so very key. Her understanding of the "working law," frank counsel & ability to view a case from every angle (plus, one) makes her an invaluable asset. Fees / rates are exceptionally fair; easily worth 65% more an hour than bills. Some small firm, "growth" issues to deal with. Staff fickle @ times, yet gets the job done... even if after multiple calls.

Michelle
December 2, 2014

My divorce and subsequent custody situation have been very painful and difficult experiences in my life. Even though I had moved to the other side of the state when I separated from my husband, I still chose to file my case in Ottawa County, just so I could have Jennifer Johnsen as my attorney. Over the past almost four years Jenny has been, and continues to be, an invaluable advocate and mentor for me. She takes the time to really understand what it is that I as the client needs, and works to keep the best interest of my daughter as the top priority. Her dedication to me and my daughter makes me feel as though my custody situation is just as important to her, as it is to me. With my daughter having health complications, my custody situation has resulted in needing very frequent communication with Jenny. Jenny and her assistants are very accessible to me, and always respond in a respectful and supportive way. My case has also posed needing to think “outside of the box” on numerous occasions. With each of these situations, I am always well informed by Jenny and feel that I am able to make the best possible decision. Whether it is in or out of the courtroom, Jenny has proven to be highly knowledgeable giving trustworthy legal advice, possesses the highest level of professionalism and has a great attention for detail. Even though going to court is beyond stressful for me, having Jenny sitting next to me in the courtroom always gives me some mental comfort, and the strength to make it through it. I am eternally grateful for all of the work that Jenny has done for me, much of it under difficult circumstances to say the least, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in the midst of a divorce or custody dispute.

Terri
May 9, 2014

Jenny is a very sweet, kind caring, and empathetic person. She was there to get the job done and was conscientious of keeping cost down. She practices with ethical morals in a calm, soft spoken way that is respected by her peers and Judges. She was always available when I needed her and even now with the divorce finalized, I still keep in touch with her. Jenny is sincere and has a heart of gold and she will do everything possible to have things go your way and stand up and fight for what you deserve. I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
October 30, 2012

If looking for a "cheerleader," go to another firm. If looking for a true "counselor's counsel," Jennifer L. Johnsen is your new attorney. Easygoing, yet tough as nails, instructive, knowledgeable, intuitive, direct, & moral as heck are just a few words to describe Mrs. Johnsen. Raised in a family w/ a cadre of legal advisers, Johnsen is unlike any attorney I've ever worked with. Jennifer L. Johnsen, is able to see both the "little bounce" & "big bounce" of any case; so very key. Her understanding of the "working law," frank counsel & ability to view a case from every angle (plus, one) makes her an invaluable asset. Fees / rates are exceptionally fair; easily worth 65% more an hour than bills. Some small firm, "growth" issues to deal with. Staff fickle @ times, yet gets the job done... even if after multiple calls.

Michelle
December 2, 2014

My divorce and subsequent custody situation have been very painful and difficult experiences in my life. Even though I had moved to the other side of the state when I separated from my husband, I still chose to file my case in Ottawa County, just so I could have Jennifer Johnsen as my attorney. Over the past almost four years Jenny has been, and continues to be, an invaluable advocate and mentor for me. She takes the time to really understand what it is that I as the client needs, and works to keep the best interest of my daughter as the top priority. Her dedication to me and my daughter makes me feel as though my custody situation is just as important to her, as it is to me. With my daughter having health complications, my custody situation has resulted in needing very frequent communication with Jenny. Jenny and her assistants are very accessible to me, and always respond in a respectful and supportive way. My case has also posed needing to think “outside of the box” on numerous occasions. With each of these situations, I am always well informed by Jenny and feel that I am able to make the best possible decision. Whether it is in or out of the courtroom, Jenny has proven to be highly knowledgeable giving trustworthy legal advice, possesses the highest level of professionalism and has a great attention for detail. Even though going to court is beyond stressful for me, having Jenny sitting next to me in the courtroom always gives me some mental comfort, and the strength to make it through it. I am eternally grateful for all of the work that Jenny has done for me, much of it under difficult circumstances to say the least, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in the midst of a divorce or custody dispute.

Terri
May 9, 2014

Jenny is a very sweet, kind caring, and empathetic person. She was there to get the job done and was conscientious of keeping cost down. She practices with ethical morals in a calm, soft spoken way that is respected by her peers and Judges. She was always available when I needed her and even now with the divorce finalized, I still keep in touch with her. Jenny is sincere and has a heart of gold and she will do everything possible to have things go your way and stand up and fight for what you deserve. I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
October 30, 2012

If looking for a "cheerleader," go to another firm. If looking for a true "counselor's counsel," Jennifer L. Johnsen is your new attorney. Easygoing, yet tough as nails, instructive, knowledgeable, intuitive, direct, & moral as heck are just a few words to describe Mrs. Johnsen. Raised in a family w/ a cadre of legal advisers, Johnsen is unlike any attorney I've ever worked with. Jennifer L. Johnsen, is able to see both the "little bounce" & "big bounce" of any case; so very key. Her understanding of the "working law," frank counsel & ability to view a case from every angle (plus, one) makes her an invaluable asset. Fees / rates are exceptionally fair; easily worth 65% more an hour than bills. Some small firm, "growth" issues to deal with. Staff fickle @ times, yet gets the job done... even if after multiple calls.