Attorney Erica Wikander | Johnsen Wikander, PC

Erica Auster’s Practice Areas

Erica Auster

Location:  Grand Rapids, Michigan
Phone:  616-233-9160
Fax:  616-233-9166
Email:  E-mail Me

About Erica

Erica was born and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 2000. She accepted a position as an Assistant Account Executive with Harris Marketing Group in Ann Arbor, focusing on marketing and public relations for a General Motors’ breast cancer awareness project. In 2001, Erica began law school at Wayne State University in Detroit and received her law degree in 2004. While attending Wayne State, Erica was a member of the Moot Court Team, elected as the Director of Oral Advocacy in 2002. Erica worked at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic from 2001 until 2002, assisting probation and parole violators who had been admitted into drug rehabilitation programs.

Erica was admitted into practice in the Michigan State and Federal Courts in November 2004. She began her legal career as an Associate Attorney with Even & Franks, in Muskegon, practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and real estate transactions. Erica knew her passion was in the area of family law, and she accepted a position with a small Grand Rapids family law firm in June 2005. Although her initial background was outside the family law arena, Erica instantly began to zealously represent her clients in all family law matters.

Erica’s entrepreneurial spirit is a natural characteristic, and she was thrilled to learn that Jennifer Johnsen shared her dream of opening a boutique family law firm. The two opened Johnsen & Wikander in August 2006. Four years later, Erica became a founding member of Velzen, Johnsen & Wikander. Erica was excited to rebuild the original firm of Johnsen Wikander in 2017.

Erica’s goal is to vigorously and compassionately represent her clients and protect their interests and legal rights. She recognizes that each individual has different needs and is committed to providing individual attention and candid legal advice.

In her spare time, Erica enjoys spinning and circuit training, attending Michigan football and basketball games, watching her children play sports (her son is a soccer and baseball player, and her daughter plays lacrosse and volleyball) and keeping up with her black lab puppy, Harley.

 

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan, 2004

Education

  • Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan
    • J.D. – 2004
  • University of Michigan
    • B.A. – 2000
    • Major: Communications

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Michigan State Bar, Member
    • Family Law Section, Member
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, Member
    • Family Law Section, Member
    • ADR Section, Member
  • Women Lawyer’s Association of Michigan, Member
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan, Member
    •  Chair, 2017
    • Vice Chair, 2016
    • Secretary, 2015
  • Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan, Member
    • Vice Chair, 2017
    • Treasurer, 2016
    • Chair of the Public Education Team, 2014 to present
  • Our Home Association, Board Member 2019
  • Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, Board Member 2019
  • United Jewish School, Board Member Through 2017
  • University of Michigan Alumni Association, Grand Rapids Club, Member
  • Lakeside Elementary School PTO, Member
  • Sole Sisters, Woman’s Life #899, Member – An organization of women to assist other women by helping them overcome economic barriers and become empowered through running and physical activity.

Past Employment Positions

  • DAWN (Divorce Attorneys for Women), Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2005 – 2006
  • Even & Franks, Muskegon, Michigan, Associate Attorney, 2004 – 2005
  • Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, Appellate Division, 2002 – 2003
  • William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, Detroit, Michigan, 2001 – 2002